8.1.1

Overview of Structure

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Overview of the Structure of Atonement

Atonement is structured in 4 different sections: Parts One, Two and Three and then an epilogue entitled London, 1999.

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Importance of Part One events

  • Each section has a distinct time and geographical setting.
  • The events in Parts Two, Three and the epilogue are heavily influenced by the key events in Part One – the sexual assault on Lola and the arrest of Robbie.
Illustrative background for Roles of settings in *Atonement*Illustrative background for Roles of settings in *Atonement* ?? "content

Roles of settings in Atonement

  • Each setting plays a vital role in the novel:
    • The country house setting of Part One reveals the darkness which lies beneath the façade of upper-middle-class respectability and sophistication;
    • The wartime settings of Parts Two and Three provides us with a graphic illustration of the depths of cruelty and suffering which mankind is capable of.
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Different focalizers in Atonement

  • Parts Two and Three are focalised from the perspective of one particular character:
    • Robbie in Part Two;
    • Briony in Part Three.
  • Part One has various focalizers:
    • Briony in Chapter 1;
    • Cecilia in Chapter 2;
    • Emily in Chapter 6;
    • Robbie in Chapter 8.

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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