Ian McEwan wrote the powerful book Atonement with a few over-arching styles in mind. He eloquently put together this masterpiece by utilizing a small number of key illuminating incidents to expose his big concepts. McEwan used these episodes to provide insight into the characters and their minds. The letter scene is an example of one of these illuminating incidents. In this scene, Robbie writes both an apology letter and a sexual note to Cecilia. He accidentally places the sexual message inside an envelope and sends out Briony to provide it to Cecilia.
Both Briony and Cecilia checked out Robbie’s letter. Robbie’s huge error creates a situation that can be dissected to discover more about Briony, Robbie, Cecilia, and likewise the inner significance of McEwan’s work as a whole.
The letter scene allows readers to discover more about each character. Robbie’s internal monologue is present in this scene. He writes, “Cecilia, I do not believe I can blame the heat” (80 ). These words show Robbie’s real love for Cecilia.
They are private ideas that had actually not been previously exposed. Quickly, Cecilia and Briony will both understand these thoughts too. When Cecilia checks out the letter, she becomes excited and her internal monologue is also exposed. The words, “obviously, of course … whatever is discussed” (105 ), echo around in Cecilia’s mind. Robbie and Cecilia’s love appears to transcend social class. Their sensations discover a way to exceed the restrictions of societal rank. Though, Briony’s skewed view of the letter changes everything.
Briony’s misperception of the situation eventually leads to the downfall of Robbie and Cecilia’s love.
This is the vista on infinity that McEwan decides to reveal. He wants readers to know the dangers of adolescents’ young imaginative minds (especially Briony’s). Briony had just failed in her attempt to create a play for the homecoming of her brother. She is fed up with life as a youth, and wants to expand her writing prowess into a more adult style. Briony’s imagination gets the best of her after reading Robbie’s letter.
She, “did not doubt that her sister was in some way threatened and would need her help” (107). This false idea led Briony to charge Robbie with rape, which in turn ruined his life and killed him. McEwan uses the letter scene to reveal Briony’s twisted imagination. He guides readers to come to the conclusion that children’s imaginations sometimes have far-reaching and unintended effects. In this case, Robbie and Cecilia’s rare rule-bending love was not able to flourish.
Remember! This is just a sample.
You can get a custom paper by one of our expert writers.
Get your custom essay
Helping students since 2015
Essay Writing Service Features
Our Experience
No matter how complex your assignment is, we can find the right professional for your specific task. Contact Essay is an essay writing company that hires only the smartest minds to help you with your projects. Our expertise allows us to provide students with high-quality academic writing, editing & proofreading services.Free Features
Free revision policy
$10Free bibliography & reference
$8Free title page
$8Free formatting
$8How Our Essay Writing Service Works
First, you will need to complete an order form. It's not difficult but, in case there is anything you find not to be clear, you may always call us so that we can guide you through it. On the order form, you will need to include some basic information concerning your order: subject, topic, number of pages, etc. We also encourage our clients to upload any relevant information or sources that will help.
Complete the order formOnce we have all the information and instructions that we need, we select the most suitable writer for your assignment. While everything seems to be clear, the writer, who has complete knowledge of the subject, may need clarification from you. It is at that point that you would receive a call or email from us.
Writer’s assignmentAs soon as the writer has finished, it will be delivered both to the website and to your email address so that you will not miss it. If your deadline is close at hand, we will place a call to you to make sure that you receive the paper on time.
Completing the order and download