Aspects of Narrative in "Atonement ".

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Aspects of Narrative

Atonement – Ian McEwan

Atonement is set in Surrey, South East England in the summer of 1935, on the grounds of the Tallis family estate. McEwan has set the opening in the summer, possibly to evoke a sense of calmness and composure amongst the characters.  We find out relatively early on, that the Tallis family have maids to do the cooking and household chores, as well as a young gardener, who works on the grounds, with some other men. McEwan could be allowing the reader to assume that the Tallis family are fairly wealthy, perhaps illustrating a secure and stable family. Although there is an atmosphere of celebration, along with the arrival of Briony’s cousins, McEwan does hint at signs of distraction, highlighting that not all is as it seems. First of all, the family vase that originally belonged to Cecilia’s Uncle, and has been kept safe within the family’s estate for years, is broken. Secondly, the meal that has been prepared is far too hot for a summer’s day, and thirdly, Briony’s cousins are disappointing actors, who are ruining her play. All these subtle hints of distraction emphasise the hidden cracks within the family, which contrasts significantly to the secure and stable family (portrayed by the families wealthiness) in the opening. This also creates a tense atmosphere. The reader is already waiting for something unexpected to happen.

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As soon as nightfall arrives, the tension continues to build and escalate through a series of events. Not only does Briony read the incorrect letter, Cecilia and Robbie are caught in the libary, where Briony misunderstands what is happening, partly due to her youth, but also her vivid imagination. At this point in time McEwan has built the tension to such a level, the reader can’t possibly imagine what more could happen. Here the reader witnesses a change in scenery, as the twins have gone missing, and the family celebration is moved into the outdoors. McEwan emphasises the darkness outside ...

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