2.6.1

Chapter 6: Key Events & Themes

Test yourself

Key Event & Themes in Chapter 6: Emily Tallis' Migraine

Emily Tallis, the mother of Briony, Cecilia and Leon, lies in the darkness of her bedroom, anticipating another migraine.

Illustrative background for Emily's reflections on parentingIllustrative background for Emily's reflections on parenting ?? "content

Emily's reflections on parenting

  • Emily reflects on her family and on her role as mother.
  • The reader may gradually begin to suspect that Emily has been a neglectful mother.
Illustrative background for Quotation: Emily's fear Illustrative background for Quotation: Emily's fear  ?? "content

Quotation: Emily's fear

  • “But though she sometimes longed to rise up and intervene, especially if she thought Briony was in need of her, the fear of pain kept her in place” (p66-7).
    • Emily is conscious that her frequent absences mean that she has perhaps failed her children.
    • But tellingly, this is not enough to make her rise. She instead becomes distracted by a list of household chores which need her attention.
Illustrative background for Emily Tallis as focalizerIllustrative background for Emily Tallis as focalizer ?? "content

Emily Tallis as focalizer

  • Emily Tallis is the focalizer in Chapter 6.
  • She is a very self-absorbed character, consumed by her fear of an oncoming migraine which she personifies as “a caged panther”.
  • There is a note of melancholy in Emily’s voice when the narrative mentions how, at 46-years-old, she now “mourned” the passing of a happier time.

Key Event & Themes in Chapter 6: Emily's Misjudgement

We see Emily “retreating” before the threat of a crippling migraine. We also see her retreating from the role of parent. She is distant and remote from her children, disapproving of Leon’s and Cecilia’s choices in life.

Illustrative background for Irony: **"all-knowing"**Illustrative background for Irony: **"all-knowing"** ?? "content

Irony: "all-knowing"

  • Irony is created by the description of her as a wise and “all-knowing” mother-figure: “She lay in the dark and knew everything. The less she was able to do, the more she was aware” (p66).
Illustrative background for Emily's misinterpretation Illustrative background for Emily's misinterpretation  ?? "content

Emily's misinterpretation

  • In reality, Emily disastrously misinterprets what is happening around her.
    • She misreads the “little squeal of laughter abruptly smothered” between Lola and Paul Marshall which leads her to speculate that Marshall “may not be such a bad sort”.
    • The chapter ends with her looking for a pair of dark glasses – metaphorically, Emily wishes to remain in the dark.
Illustrative background for Emily's disapproval of CeciliaIllustrative background for Emily's disapproval of Cecilia ?? "content

Emily's disapproval of Cecilia

  • Emily Tallis disapproves of Cecilia’s studies, thinking that she should be concentrating on “a husband to find and motherhood to confront” (p.65).
  • This reflects Emily’s status as an upper-middle class, middle-aged woman of the time. Cecilia and Briony point to new identities for women in society with both attempting to find self-realisation through education or a career.

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

Go student ad image

Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring

  • Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home

  • Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs

  • 30+ school subjects covered

Book a free trial lesson