2.12.1

Chapter 12: Key Events

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Key Events in Chapter 12: Emily Tallis Reflects on Family

Emily Tallis remains at home. She hesitates in calling the police and instead reflects on her unsatisfactory relationships with her sister and husband and on her unhappy childhood.

Illustrative background for Emily's disapproval of RobbieIllustrative background for Emily's disapproval of Robbie ?? "content

Emily's disapproval of Robbie

  • When Emily is reflecting on her family, we learn that she disapproves of her husband’s mentoring of Robbie.
  • Emily Tallis' husband calls but their conversation is interrupted by the return of Leon, Cecilia, Briony and Lola in a state of distress.
Illustrative background for Quotation: Emily's view of RobbieIllustrative background for Quotation: Emily's view of Robbie ?? "content

Quotation: Emily's view of Robbie

  • ”She liked him well enough, and was pleased for Grace Turner that he had turned out to be bright. But really, he was a hobby of Jack’s, living proof of some levelling principle he had pursued through the years. When he spoke about Robbie, which wasn’t often, it was with a touch of self-righteous vindication” (p151).
Illustrative background for Emily's tone: **"hobby"**Illustrative background for Emily's tone: **"hobby"** ?? "content

Emily's tone: "hobby"

  • Emily’s thoughts expose how superficial Emily and her husband are. There is a condescending tone in Emily’s dismissal of Robbie as a “hobby” which foreshadows how Robbie will soon be abandoned by them.
  • Emily’s lack of insight into Robbie’s and Cecilia’s relationship is also notable. This again highlights how distant she is from her children.

Jump to other topics

1Introduction to Atonement

2Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part One

3Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part Two

4Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part Three

5Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part Four

5.1Epilogue: London, 1999 - Pages 353-371

6Key Character Profiles

7Key Themes

8Writing Techniques

9Context

10Critical Debates

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