Exam Revision

Main Characters Who is the protagonist of the film? Which other characters play a significant part in the film? How is the story told?

The narrative structure depends on recognising that all stories – whether films, novels or plays (like the young Briony’s The Trials of Arabella with which the film opens) are subjective and reflect individuals’ perceptions. The narrative of Atonement is constructed so that it is clear that there are different, conflicting versions of reality. This means the audience does not completely suspend its disbelief but is encouraged to question the reality of the story. This is done by undermining the audience’s trust in the narrator, Briony. Atonement’s narrative follows Briony throughout her life towards her attempt at a final atonement for the lives she destroyed with her ‘stories’ and her biggest lie (‘I saw him’), which deprived her sister and her friend of a ‘happy ever after’ ending to their life story. The narrative effectively juxtaposes several points of view – including significant strands focused on the young Briony, Robbie, the adult Briony and the dying older Briony. Although the film doesn’t draw attention to it, the narrative unfolds in three main sections representing each of those points of view with a final short section reflecting the dying Briony’s point of view, one which questions all that has preceded it.

Setting Where and when are the events of this novel set? How does the setting or context effect the text as a whole? Atonement’ is set during and just before World War Two, its action taking place in 1935 and The main events of the story occur during Part 1 at the Tallis estate in the summer of The estate is situated in the English countryside. English society had a rigid class system and strict social rules – The context of this time period helps readers understand the following: Why Briony desires drama in her life The accusation of Robbie Turner despite his character. Why Paul Marshall was not even considered a suspect.

Important Event What is the most crucial event in ‘Atonement’? Why is this event important? What do you believe is the ‘climax’ point of the film? Where does this occur and for what effect? Explain the narrative technique which is used. 1. Important Event Briony’s accusation of Robbie for the rape of Lola. 2. Why is this important? This event is the catalyst for all events which follow. It dramatically alters the course of Briony’s life and that of her sister Cecilia and Robbie. Cecilia and Robbie both die while Briony spends her life atoning for her lie. 3. Climax Point The elderly Briony reveals that Robbie and Cecilia actually died. The story of their lives was constructed by Briony to give them what they were prevented from having in life. A happy ending. This is Briony’s ‘atonement’. 4. Where and for what effect? This revelation (twist) occurs at the end of the film. This is where the information has the most impact as readers are no longer left with the traditional satisfactory ending. It leaves viewers questioning Briony’s guilt and demonstrates the destruction which can be caused by an overactive imagination.

Character Change Briony appears at three stages of her life: As a thirteen-year-old girl, a young woman of eighteen an elderly woman of seventy-six. At each of these points we see a change in Briony’s character BRIONY - 13 YEARS OLD, 1935 She wants to be the centre of attention, and has little concern for the feelings or desires of others. She is on the brink of adolescence and is beginning to shun childish activities. She wants to be viewed as an adult but understands little of the adult world. BRIONY – 18 YEARS OLD, WAR NURSE Five years later (1940) Briony is working as a war nurse. She has matured but is still unsure and immature in many of her actions. WWII has broken out and the horrors of war force her to grow up. She recognises her guilt over Robbie’s fate. BRIONY 76 YEARS OLD, LONDON 1999 Briony is now an elderly woman. Her atonement has been the main focus of her life. She has been diagnosed with vascular dementia, a disease which will cause her to lose speech, language and memory. She feels she has atoned for what she did with the publishing of her book.

Why is this change important? It helps portray the theme of the danger of imagination. Can someone get so caught up in their own fantasies that they lose touch with reality and hurt those around them that they love? The change in Briony’s character not only reflects the above theme it raises questions about guilt and atonement – to what extent can someone ‘atone’ for causing the death of another???

Important Relationship Which relationship in the novel is most important? What THEME or IDEAS are portrayed through this relationship? This relationship helps to highlight a number of issues within the novel. Firstly it raises the question of social status and the difficulties faced by those couples who came from different sections of society. It also emphasises the theme of the power of true love. Their passion and determination to be together shows how true love can triumph over any obstacle. Even though we learn they do not live happily ever after their love is immortalised in Briony’s novel. They are together even in death.

THEME What other themes are present in the film apart from: Love, atonement and imagination? The power of storytelling and the imagination Love Guilt and Atonement War Truth and Memory