7.1.1

Common Themes in Crime Texts

Test yourself

Common Features of Crime Novels

For the AQA A-level B examination, you must study Atonement as a crime text alongside two other crime texts.

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Narratives in crime texts

  • In each of the crime texts on this specification, the narrative is driven by a significant crime being committed and the texts explore transgressions against societal, religious or moral laws.
  • The next slides show key elements you need to explore in each of your crime texts.
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Form, structure & settings

  • The form of the text, whether it is a postmodern novel such as Atonement or a revenge tragedy such as Hamlet etc.
  • The structure of the text as it moves towards a restoration of order.
  • The settings used.
Illustrative background for Crimes, criminals & victimsIllustrative background for Crimes, criminals & victims ?? "content

Crimes, criminals & victims

  • The nature of the crimes in each text.
  • The depiction of the criminals and their motives and actions.
  • The victims of crime and their suffering.
  • The detection of the criminal.
Illustrative background for Moral issues Illustrative background for Moral issues  ?? "content

Moral issues

  • The moral issues raised in the text such as guilt, remorse, punishment and forgiveness.

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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