Exam Revision

Main Characters Who is the protagonist of the novel? Which other characters play a significant part in the novel? Who is the narrator of the novel and how does this influence the readers opinion? Briony is the narrator for much of the novel. Thus readers are given insight into the mind of an overactive, passionate young girl. We see her develop into a mature young woman and experience the inner conflict she endures over the guilt she feels at the death of her sister and Robbie. Briony as the narrator also manipulates reader’s opinion of her. We learn not until the very end of the death of Robbie and Celcilia. This in turn alters our opinion of Briony. It causes readers to reflect on the extent of her guilt.

Setting Where and when are the events of this novel set? How does the setting or context effect the text as a whole? Atonement’ is set during and just before World War Two, its action taking place in 1935 and The main events of the story occur during Part 1 at the Tallis estate in the summer of The estate is situated in the English countryside. English society had a rigid class system and strict social rules – The context of this time period helps readers understand the following: Why Briony desires drama in her life The accusation of Robbie Turner despite his character. Why Paul Marshall was not even considered a suspect.

Important Event What is the most crucial event in ‘Atonement’? Why is this event important? What do you believe is the ‘climax’ point of the novel? Where does this occur and for what effect? Explain the narrative technique which is used. 1. Important Event Briony’s accusation of Robbie for the rape of Lola. 2. Why is this important? This event is the catalyst for all events which follow. It dramatically alters the course of Briony’s life and that of her sister Cecilia and Robbie. Cecilia and Robbie both die while Briony spends her life atoning for her lie. 3. Climax Point The elderly Briony reveals that Robbie and Cecilia actually died. The story of their lives was constructed by Briony to give them what they were prevented from having in life. A happy ending. This is Briony’s ‘atonement’. 4. Where and for what effect? This revelation (twist) occurs at the end of the novel. This is where the information has the most impact as readers are no longer left with the traditional satisfactory ending. It leaves readers questioning Briony’s guilt and demonstrates the destruction which can be caused by an overactive imagination.

Character Change Briony appears at three stages of her life: As a thirteen-year-old girl, a young woman of eighteen an elderly woman of seventy-seven. At each of these points we see a change in Briony’s character BRIONY - 13 YEARS OLD, 1935 She wants to be the centre of attention, and has little concern for the feelings or desires of others. She is on the brink of adolescence and is beginning to shun childish activities. She wants to be viewed as an adult but understands little of the adult world. BRIONY – 18 YEARS OLD, WAR NURSE Five years later (1940) Briony is working as a war nurse. She has matured but is still unsure and immature in many of her actions. WWII has broken out and the horrors of war force her to grow up. She recognises her guilt over Robbie’s fate. BRIONY 77 YEARS OLD, LONDON 1999 Briony is now an elderly woman. Her atonement has been the main focus of her life. She has been diagnosed with vascular dementia, a disease which will cause her to lose speech, language and memory. She feels she has atoned for what she did with the publishing of her book.

Why is this change important? It helps portray the theme of the danger of imagination. Can someone get so caught up in their own fantasies that they lose touch with reality and hurt those around them that they love? The change in Briony’s character not only reflects the above theme it raises questions about guilt and atonement – to what extent can someone ‘atone’ for causing the death of another???

Important Relationship Which relationship in the novel is most important? What THEME or IDEAS are portrayed through this relationship? This relationship helps to highlight a number of issues within the novel. Firstly it raises the question of social status and the difficulties faced by those couples who came from different sections of society. It also emphasises the theme of the power of true love. Their passion and determination to be together shows how true love can triumph over any obstacle. Even though we learn they do not live happily ever after their love is immortalised in Briony’s novel. They are together even in death.

THEME What other themes are present in the novel apart from: Love, atonement and imagination? Love Guilt and Atonement Writing and the Imagination War Truth and Memory