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AS and A Level: Ian McEwan

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57 AS and A Level Ian McEwan essays

  • Peer Reviewed essays 5
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  1. Peer reviewed

    Consider the significances of innocence in Part One of Atonement.

    4 star(s)

    This essay engages with the task well. I particularly liked how there was an exploration of what innocence means, and this clearly benefits this candidate as the essay becomes focused…

    • Essay length: 1177 words
    • Submitted: 15/10/2011
    • Reviewed by: (?) groat 21/04/2012
  2. Peer reviewed

    Analysis of the opening chapter of 'Atonement'

    4 star(s)

    This essay responds to the question strongly. I know it may seem colloquial to say that the opening to "the novel is seemingly boring and pointless" but I understand exactly…

    • Essay length: 1267 words
    • Submitted: 12/05/2011
    • Reviewed by: (?) groat 22/04/2012
  3. Peer reviewed

    English Literature - Atonement (Essay 2)

    4 star(s)

    This essay responds strongly to the task. I was particularly impressed with the way the introduction engages with the quote. This question is a perfect example of the necessity to…

    • Essay length: 1798 words
    • Submitted: 04/08/2009
    • Reviewed by: (?) groat 22/04/2012
  4. Peer reviewed

    How does McEwan capture a sense of desperation in Part 2 of 'Atonement'?

    4 star(s)

    This essay responds strongly to the task, looking closely at the techniques which build the reader's perception of desperation. It was great to see a natural discussion of why this…

    • Essay length: 1013 words
    • Submitted: 24/03/2005
    • Reviewed by: (?) groat 21/04/2012
  5. Peer reviewed

    English Literature - Atonement (Essay 1)

    3 star(s)

    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.…

    • Essay length: 1759 words
    • Submitted: 04/08/2009
    • Reviewed by: (?) groat 22/04/2012

  6. Enduring Love by Ian McEwan essay. Compare the narrative of Appendix 1 with Appendix 2.

    • Essay length: 1219 words
    • Submitted: 14/04/2012

  7. Judging Lines Between Reality and Imagination in Atonement by Ian McEwan

    • Essay length: 1546 words
    • Submitted: 05/04/2012

  8. It is ridiculous to argue that McEwan makes Jed Parry anything other than terrifying. What do you think of this view?

    • Essay length: 555 words
    • Submitted: 06/03/2012

  9. Although the Sexual Act May seem Private & Personal, in this novel, McEwan shows it is anything but. Discuss.

    • Essay length: 941 words
    • Submitted: 05/02/2012

  10. Discuss how McEwan uses the setting in part one of "Atonement".

    • Essay length: 2393 words
    • Submitted: 15/01/2012
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Conclusion analysis

Good conclusions usually refer back to the question or title and address it directly - for example by using key words from the title.
How well do you think these conclusions address the title or question? Answering these questions should help you find out.

  1. Do they use key words from the title or question?
  2. Do they answer the question directly?
  3. Can you work out the question or title just by reading the conclusion?

  • Compare two passages of your choice explaining what they reveal of McEwen's reoccurring themes and concerns?

    "In conclusion I would have to say that Ian McEwen does use a lot of the same themes and techniques in his writing and varies the amount he uses them in each story e.g. in the story where he uses a lot of science imagery there is a less religious imagery and also the opposite where there was more religious imagery McEwen added less science. Techniques like using short sentences and lots of punctuation was used to raise tension and anticipation in both extracts as well as in Enduring Love."

  • Discuss how McEwan uses the setting in part one of "Atonement".

    "The setting used in part one was used constructively to build depth into the novel. I find the use of setting makes it very much a more interesting read as I can see more depth into the story every time I read it. There are parts about the set which I didn't realise meant anything until I had re-read and studied the book. McEwan use of the setting makes the significance of the events more meaningful. As all the events that happen are set in a symbolic to that situation and the setting mirrors the meanings of the characters and the events."

  • Enduring Love by Ian McEwan essay. Compare the narrative of Appendix 1 with Appendix 2.

    "Appendix 1 is written in a report form, McEwan has chosen this aspect of narrative to take on a role of a report for a psychiatric journal, in this case Jed Parry. This choice of narrative technique reflects McEwan's character as Joe is a science writer and this report is in a logical format. It explains the science behind Jed's condition creating sympathy for him which the reader had not held when Parry's victim was narrating. The opening line of Appendix 1; 'Reprinted from the British Review of Psychiatry', immediately informs the reader of the form. 'British Review of Psychiatry' indicates to the reader that what they are about to read is a review on a particular subject and sets the reader for clear information on the syndrome. By portraying the key information about Parry's condition in a report format leaves a lasting effect on the audience and bring McEwan's story to life. Appendix 1 is structured as a typical report and is set into five categories; 'Introduction, Case History, Discussion, Conclusion and"

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