4.1.2

Pages 269-277: Key Themes

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Key Theme in Pages 269-277: London, 1940

We are introduced to a different narrative voice. Events are now focalized through a more mature Briony. While she is still only 18-years-old, her voice is not as over-dramatic as it was at times during Part One.

Illustrative background for Briony's perspective on workIllustrative background for Briony's perspective on work ?? "content

Briony's perspective on work

  • There are hints throughout this section that the routines involved in Briony's training, while demanding, are a welcome escape from feelings of guilt or doubt.
  • Briony seems to be relieved that the intensity of her work “delivered [her] from introspection” (p276).
Illustrative background for Characterisation of Sister DrummondIllustrative background for Characterisation of Sister Drummond ?? "content

Characterisation of Sister Drummond

  • The trainees “all lived in fear” of Sister Drummond.
  • Briony’s narrative gives us a detailed description of her appearance including her “menacing” smile.
  • Sister Drummond oversees a very strict regime based on regulations, routine and obedience which is described as “military” on p276, inviting comparison with the experiences of prison and war described in Part two.
Illustrative background for **"Motherly"** aspects of DrummondIllustrative background for **"Motherly"** aspects of Drummond ?? "content

"Motherly" aspects of Drummond

  • Despite her fearsome reputation, there are hints of “motherly” aspects to Sister Drummond’s personality, and we, through Briony, will come to understand her more fully as Part Three develops.
Illustrative background for Hospital settingIllustrative background for Hospital setting ?? "content

Hospital setting

  • The narrative is almost entirely set in the hospital where everyone is bracing themselves for what is to come.
  • There is “disquiet” and “dread” among the student nurses and the unusual simile on p270 (“Empty beds spread across the ward… like deaths in the night”) seems to foreshadow events in the near future.

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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