Skip to main content

Is the theme of frailty in Atonement by Ian McEwan a major one?

Human frailty is definitely a major theme in Atonement. One could say it is the most important theme, because ultimately it was Briony's frailty and weakness of character that creates the overarching structure of the novel's story. Briony becomes a writer so that she may recreate reality, and give a more fair and happy ending to the romance of her sister Cecilia and Robbie. But she admits that the happy version of their story...

Human frailty is definitely a major theme in Atonement. One could say it is the most important theme, because ultimately it was Briony's frailty and weakness of character that creates the overarching structure of the novel's story. Briony becomes a writer so that she may recreate reality, and give a more fair and happy ending to the romance of her sister Cecilia and Robbie. But she admits that the happy version of their story was one she made up, and she feels deep regret and sadness for her impact on their lives.


Briony's actions kept Robbie and Cecilia apart, because he went to prison after she implicated him in Lola's rape. To get out of prison, he offered to be drafted into the army, and he died on the battlefield. Her sister was killed working in London as a volunteer for the war effort, presumably in support of Robbie. The fates of her sister and her sister's lover might have been completely different if Briony's actions had been different, and her personal weaknesses (her selfishness, her dishonesty, her jealousy, and her emotional decision to take revenge on Robbie for rebuffing her childlike feelings for him) were responsible for these actions. The resulting guilt is Briony's lifelong motivation to atone for her actions.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

What is the meaning of "juggling fiends" in Macbeth?

Macbeth is beginning to realize that the three witches have been deceiving him since he first encountered them. Like jugglers, they have kept changing their forecasts in order create confusion. This is particularly apparent when the Second Apparition they raise in Act IV,   Scene 1 tells him that no man of woman born can overcome him in hand-to-hand battle--and then Macbeth finds himself confronted by the one man he has been avoiding out of a... Macbeth is beginning to realize that the three witches have been deceiving him since he first encountered them. Like jugglers, they have kept changing their forecasts in order create confusion. This is particularly apparent when the Second Apparition they raise in Act IV,   Scene 1 tells him that no man of woman born can overcome him in hand-to-hand battle--and then Macbeth finds himself confronted by the one man he has been avoiding out of a sense of guilt, and that man tells him: Despair thy charm. And let the angel whom thou still hast serve...
Post a Comment
Read more

In Martel's Life of Pi, how does writing a diary help Pi Patel build on his leadership skills?

At the end of chapter 73, Pi first divulges the fact that he had started a diary after about a week alone at sea. Pi claims that he wrote about "practical stuff" (208) such as what he caught for food, foreseeable problems and solutions, Richard Parker, and reflections about specific events that occurred. In a sense, Pi is the captain of his ship; therefore, he must take responsibility for himself and his crew. He can... At the end of chapter 73, Pi first divulges the fact that he had started a diary after about a week alone at sea. Pi claims that he wrote about "practical stuff" (208) such as what he caught for food, foreseeable problems and solutions, Richard Parker, and reflections about specific events that occurred. In a sense, Pi is the captain of his ship; therefore, he must take responsibility for himself and his crew. He can do this by writing down events, problems and solutions, and reflections to look back on when confronted with repeated problems. It can ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Why did Tybalt attack and kill Mercutio instead of Romeo, who he had originally been targeting?

Though Tybalt's quarrel is with Romeo, he begins the momentous duel in Act 3 by fighting with and killing Mercutio instead. Tybalt ultimately attacks Mercutio because the garrulous and hot-headed character insults Tybalt and goads him into a duel to protect Romeo's honor. From the beginning of the encounter in Act 3, Scene 1, it's clear that Mercutio is itching for a fight. For instance, when Tybalt signals that he wants to talk to Mercutio... Though Tybalt's quarrel is with Romeo, he begins the momentous duel in Act 3 by fighting with and killing Mercutio instead. Tybalt ultimately attacks Mercutio because the garrulous and hot-headed character insults Tybalt and goads him into a duel to protect Romeo's honor. From the beginning of the encounter in Act 3, Scene 1, it's clear that Mercutio is itching for a fight. For instance, when Tybalt signals that he wants to talk to Mercutio and Benvolio, Mercutio responds "And but one word with one of us?/ Couple it w...
Post a Comment
Read more