2.12.2

Chapter 12: Key Themes

Test yourself

Key Themes in Chapter 12:

Chapter 12 gives us an insight into Emily Tallis' character. The theme of childhood runs throughout the chapter.

Illustrative background for Emily's narrative viewpointIllustrative background for Emily's narrative viewpoint ?? "content

Emily's narrative viewpoint

  • Despite the drama happening in the grounds, we stay with Emily Tallis in the “thick walls of silence” of her home.
  • We see her anticipate the telephone call she needs to make to the police constable and how she becomes side-tracked by her irritation with Lola, whose attention-seeking behaviour has reminded Emily of Lola’s mother, Hermione.
Illustrative background for Emily's self interestIllustrative background for Emily's self interest ?? "content

Emily's self interest

  • The reader is left with the impression of Emily being utterly self-absorbed.
  • While we may sympathise with Emily because she's aware that her husband is having an affair, readers may be frustrated by her passivity, seen in her unwillingness to confront her husband, and by her lapses into self-pity.
Illustrative background for Emily's lack of judgementIllustrative background for Emily's lack of judgement ?? "content

Emily's lack of judgement

  • Emily’s lack of judgement will also affect how readers respond to her. We learn that she was impressed with Marshall and even considers him as a potential husband for Cecilia (“Was he suitable?” (p152)).
  • Emily’s poor judgement is again illustrated when her husband does not hesitate in calling the police, unlike her.
Illustrative background for **"Ghost"** of Emily's childhoodIllustrative background for **"Ghost"** of Emily's childhood ?? "content

"Ghost" of Emily's childhood

  • Emily reflects on the “ghost” of her childhood and remembers “her aggrieved, overlooked ten-year-old self” (p151).
  • Typically for Emily, after considering the “approaching end of Briony’s childhood”, she begins to focus on herself and before long, descends into self-pity.
Illustrative background for **“Wronged child, wronged wife”**Illustrative background for **“Wronged child, wronged wife”** ?? "content

“Wronged child, wronged wife”

  • Emily sums up her life in the phrase, “wronged child, wronged wife” (p148).
  • This illustrates a key idea which is explored in the novel – the extent to which one’s childhood shapes one’s later life.
  • Emily, reflecting on the “limited arc of existence” feels that her life’s path was determined in childhood.

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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