6.4.2

Lola Relationship with Marshall

Test yourself

Marshall's Rape of Lola in Atonement

Marshall perhaps senses Lola’s insecurity. He is able to manipulate her easily through the gift of a chocolate bar and with compliments appealing to her desire to appear sophisticated (“You’ve jolly good taste in clothes”).

Illustrative background for Lola's response to RobbieIllustrative background for Lola's response to Robbie ?? "content

Lola's response to Robbie

  • Lola’s childishness is also seen in the excitement she shares with Briony as they read Robbie’s letter.
  • It is she who first uses the term “maniac” to describe Robbie (p119) and it is perhaps significant that this follows Marshall’s possible assault on her earlier which has left her with scratches and bruises, evidence suggesting the use of a restraining force upon her.
Illustrative background for Is Lola protecting Marshall?Illustrative background for Is Lola protecting Marshall? ?? "content

Is Lola protecting Marshall?

  • Lola's motivation for allowing Briony to accuse Robbie of the sexual assault on her may be to protect Marshall from a criminal justice system which would punish him for having sex with a 15-year-old minor.
  • But this is one possible interpretation and we are never entirely clear.

Lola's Marriage to Marshall in Atonement

We can only speculate on the true nature of Lola and Marshall’s marriage.

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Ambiguity over marriage & cermony

  • We have no way of knowing how much love existed between them or whether the marriage was a way of protecting Marshall from accusation.
  • The choice of a private ceremony, away from eyes of the press, suggests that they want as little publicity as possible shone upon their past.
Illustrative background for **"Mausoleum of truth"**Illustrative background for **"Mausoleum of truth"** ?? "content

"Mausoleum of truth"

  • Briony describes their marriage as a “mausoleum of truth” (p325) in which the secrets of the past are bricked up forever.
  • The metaphor suggests that the marriage is a form of living death.
  • That Lola is likely to outlive Briony also contributes to the truth remaining hidden: Lola would be likely to take legal action against her if there were any suggestion of her or Marshall’s guilt.
Illustrative background for Lola & Marshall's charityIllustrative background for Lola & Marshall's charity ?? "content

Lola & Marshall's charity

  • Lola and Marshall’s charitable foundation may be seen as their own form of atonement for the sins of their past.
Illustrative background for **"Cruella de Vil"** comparisonIllustrative background for **"Cruella de Vil"** comparison ?? "content

"Cruella de Vil" comparison

  • In her final description of Lola, Briony likens her to “Cruella de Vil” (p358), a Disney cartoon villain.
  • This may suggests that is aware that she is exaggerating her villainy.
  • It is perhaps another example of the novel inviting us to question the judgements we have made.

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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