4.1.2
Pages 269-277: Key Themes
Key Theme in Pages 269-277: London, 1940
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.
Briony's perspective on work
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).
Characterisation of Sister Drummond
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.
"Motherly" aspects of Drummond
"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.
Hospital setting
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.
1Introduction to Atonement
1.1Introduction & Background to Atonement
1.2Focus of Your Exam: Crime Texts
2Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part One
2.6Chapter 6
2.10Chapter 10
2.11Chapter 11
2.12Chapter 12
2.13Chapter 13
2.14Chapter 14
3Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part Two
3.1Pages 191-201: To the Farmhouse
3.2Pages 202-213: The Night in the Barn
3.3Pages 214-226: The Attack
3.4Pages 226-234: Robbie's Reflections
3.5Pages 234-246: To the Bridge over the Canal
3.6Pages 246-254: Arrival at Dunkirk
3.7Pages 254-265: To the Cellar
4Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part Three
4.1Pages 269-277: London, 1940
4.2Pages 277-286: Briony as Writer
4.3Pages 287-315: Victims of War
4.4Pages 315-327: Lola & Paul Marshall’s Wedding
4.5Pages 328-349: The Visit
5Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part Four
5.1Epilogue: London, 1999 - Pages 353-371
6Key Character Profiles
6.1Briony Tallis
6.2Robbie Turner
6.3Cecilia Tallis
6.5Paul Marshall
6.6Emily Tallis
7Key Themes
7.1Introduction to Crime Texts
7.2Crimes in Atonement
7.3Criminals in Atonement
7.4Victims in Atonement
7.5Detection in Atonement
7.6Settings in Atonement
7.7Guilt & Punishment in Atonement
8Writing Techniques
9Context
9.1Historical Context
9.2Social Context
9.3Literary Context
10Critical Debates
10.1Marxist Literary Criticism
Jump to other topics
1Introduction to Atonement
1.1Introduction & Background to Atonement
1.2Focus of Your Exam: Crime Texts
2Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part One
2.6Chapter 6
2.10Chapter 10
2.11Chapter 11
2.12Chapter 12
2.13Chapter 13
2.14Chapter 14
3Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part Two
3.1Pages 191-201: To the Farmhouse
3.2Pages 202-213: The Night in the Barn
3.3Pages 214-226: The Attack
3.4Pages 226-234: Robbie's Reflections
3.5Pages 234-246: To the Bridge over the Canal
3.6Pages 246-254: Arrival at Dunkirk
3.7Pages 254-265: To the Cellar
4Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part Three
4.1Pages 269-277: London, 1940
4.2Pages 277-286: Briony as Writer
4.3Pages 287-315: Victims of War
4.4Pages 315-327: Lola & Paul Marshall’s Wedding
4.5Pages 328-349: The Visit
5Chapter Summaries & Analysis: Part Four
5.1Epilogue: London, 1999 - Pages 353-371
6Key Character Profiles
6.1Briony Tallis
6.2Robbie Turner
6.3Cecilia Tallis
6.5Paul Marshall
6.6Emily Tallis
7Key Themes
7.1Introduction to Crime Texts
7.2Crimes in Atonement
7.3Criminals in Atonement
7.4Victims in Atonement
7.5Detection in Atonement
7.6Settings in Atonement
7.7Guilt & Punishment in Atonement
8Writing Techniques
9Context
9.1Historical Context
9.2Social Context
9.3Literary Context
10Critical Debates
10.1Marxist Literary Criticism
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