English Literature - Atonement (Essay 1)

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1,486 words, candidate number 5635

By analysing two passages from Atonement, consider ways in which McEwan presents the transition between the child and adult world

The prime method by which McEwan presents the transition between the child and adult world in Atonement is through specific focus on the behaviour and motivations of one character, Briony Tallis. Taking a psychological and personal approach, McEwan addresses the complexities of adolescence, “the ill-defined transitional space between the nursery and adult worlds”, and the various archetypal effects, usually of a sexual nature, that affect a child with little or no experience of adult life. Briony, it would seem, is a character trapped in a bubble, who requires the intervention of internal and external forces in order to break into the world of adulthood. The two passages selected specifically show the distinction – or, indeed, lack of – between child and adult Briony, her coming to being and her realisation of the ‘crime’ “for which she will spend the rest of her life trying to atone”.

Part One mainly concerns McEwan developing a prevailing aura of obscurity and anticipation, with young Briony having intercepted a vulgar letter that she believes confirms Robbie Turner as a ‘maniac’. The Part focuses on two differing viewpoints; those of Briony and the rest of the world; dropping her in solitude. The paradox is that while Briony is attempting to pursue adulthood and convince herself of her maturity – “the day had proved to her that she was not a child” – she “had to prove herself worthy of it”, accordingly reverting to a juvenile mindset. This absurd attitude is put into practice during her encounter with Lola Quincey (pages 118-19). The passage exposes the “controlling demon” that governs Briony’s behaviour; the transition between the child and adult world being presented by McEwan as one of malevolence and possibly even antagonistic drive. It also depicts a transition from trust in words to that of action – this also portraying conflicting attributes of children and adults; maybe even regression.

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A prominent motif throughout Atonement is the ‘power’ of language, and how something as modest and seemingly insignificant as a word can alter a whole course of events. McEwan’s focus on this theme possibly arose from the effects of his own childhood; his mother’s “particular, timorous relationship with language reciprocally influencing his own views purveyed through Atonement.  Indeed, one might say that Briony’s confidence in the power of language is intrinsically a juvenile concept – e.g. the value of learning to read at an early age – and the fact that this belief is still present in the final part ...

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This essay seems to reference every time they have quoted the book in a footnote. This is highly unnecessary at A-Level. Quotes which are from other critics or articles, such as Brian Finney, should be in footnotes. On this note, the inclusion of such critical interpretations is excellent here. Examiners will be looking at how you evaluate the reception of texts, looking at arguments which are weaker and those which are stronger. This essay does this well, and is a great example of not overloading on critics which are irrelevant. This essay has a strong introduction, but as mentioned above I feel the other paragraphs aren't focused enough on the question. Spelling, punctuation and grammar are fine.

The analysis here is good. I would've liked to have seen more paragraphs like the one regarding the 'power' of language. This paragraph makes some perceptive comments about McEwan's technique, and I would note that mentioning metafiction would make this point more sophisticated. I like this paragraph as it focuses explicitly on a specific technique, whereas the other paragraphs don't have this sharp focus. Comments such as "Briony, in relative terms, does not have ‘worldly experiences’" are fine, but I feel as if the point ends there. If I were writing this essay, I would be discussing what effect this has upon the reader's perception of Briony's character, and why her narrative position affects this disposition. Examiners want to see why techniques are used, rather than simply stating they are there. There is a wide knowledge of the text shown here, but I feel as if this essay simply retells the plot sometimes. It is key at A-Level that you are explicit with how McEwan is shaping the story through his narrative, as you will not be credited for narrating the plot.

This essay responds well to the question. The extracts chosen are great examples, as they offer plenty of techniques which can be analysed to build a strong and convincing argument. I would've liked to have seen some engagement with what the child and adult world consist of. An exploration of whether these worlds are bound by age, experience, or otherwise would be relevant here. Innocence and experience are phrases which are often used when discussing Atonement, and I feel this could've been used well in the argument. There is some discussion of why McEwan has presented this transition, but I feel this essay could've gone further to explore the effect this presentation has.