2.13.1

Chapter 13: Key Events

Test yourself

Key Events in Chapter 13: Briony Discovers the Assault

Briony searches the area by the island temple and, in the darkness, comes across Lola on the ground with a male figure who leaves as soon as they are discovered.

Illustrative background for Briony's discovery & accusationIllustrative background for Briony's discovery & accusation ?? "content

Briony's discovery & accusation

  • McEwan steadily builds tension until the climactic moment of Briony’s discovery by the island temple.
  • Briony determines the figure who has sexually assaulted Lola is Robbie.
  • On the arrival of Leon and Cecilia, they accompany Lola back to the house.
Illustrative background for Quotation: Briony's sensesIllustrative background for Quotation: Briony's senses ?? "content

Quotation: Briony's senses

  • “The building’s indistinct pallor shimmered in the dark… it dissolved completely… It was changing its shape in a complicated way… she was witnessing some trick of darkness and perspective…” (p164).
Illustrative background for Briony's senses in the darkIllustrative background for Briony's senses in the dark ?? "content

Briony's senses in the dark

  • The narrative (which we must remember has been written by Briony years later) emphasises how Briony can barely trust her senses in the darkness, with shapes dissolving and transforming themselves.
  • These details help to magnify Briony’s “crime” as it seems impossible that she would be able to make out the figure of Robbie in such conditions.

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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