Chapter 12: Key Events
English Lit: AQA A Level Atonement - Specification B, topic 2.12.1
Key Events in Chapter 12: Emily Tallis Reflects on Family
Emily Tallis remains at home. She hesitates in calling the police and instead reflects on her unsatisfactory relationships with her sister and husband and on her unhappy childhood.
Emily's disapproval of Robbie
- When Emily is reflecting on her family, we learn that she disapproves of her husband’s mentoring of Robbie.
- Emily Tallis' husband calls but their conversation is interrupted by the return of Leon, Cecilia, Briony and Lola in a state of distress.
Quotation: Emily's view of Robbie
- ”She liked him well enough, and was pleased for Grace Turner that he had turned out to be bright. But really, he was a hobby of Jack’s, living proof of some levelling principle he had pursued through the years. When he spoke about Robbie, which wasn’t often, it was with a touch of self-righteous vindication” (p151).
Emily's tone: "hobby"
- Emily’s thoughts expose how superficial Emily and her husband are. There is a condescending tone in Emily’s dismissal of Robbie as a “hobby” which foreshadows how Robbie will soon be abandoned by them.
- Emily’s lack of insight into Robbie’s and Cecilia’s relationship is also notable. This again highlights how distant she is from her children.
Test yourself on Chapter 12: Key Events
Which of these are true of Emily Tallis in Chapter 12?
What does Emily reflect on in Chapter 12?
What does Emily dismiss Robbie as?