To his surprise, she is not angry at him. The film ends with Cecilia and Robbie happily reunited nearby the sea house they planned to visit once Robbie came back from the army. She … Atonement does not feel, at first, like a book by McEwan. She played her with ambiguous undertones, which only goes to show the great actress that she already was back then. During the Battle of France, Robbie and a couple of other fellow soldiers end up separating from their unit. That’s why she thought the young man forced Cecilia to undress, only to later “assault her” before dinner. When Is Violence Justified? This is of course, Briony’s childish interpretation about what happened at the lake. Did she do it out of spite or naivety? After watching a newsreel, Briony finds out that Lola is marrying Paul, who’s now the owner of a rations supply factory. The young man agreed to join the army and fight in the Battle of France (World War II) in exchange for his release. As an apology, Robbie writes a note to Cecilia and asks Briony to deliver it to her sister. For instance, the final interview. Meanwhile, the couple learns that Paul was the man behind Lola’s assault. It never happened, because Briony never gathered enough courage to reach out to her older sister. What Briony didn’t know was: unlike creepy Paul, Robbie only had eyes for Cecilia, a grown woman. Previous Next . However, the little girl didn’t know that she was lying at the time. The man was napping when the news broke. In real life, Robbie died of septicaemia while awaiting for the evacuation in Dunkirk and Cecilia died a couple of months later during the bombing of Balham tube station. That alone already makes her a very unreliable narrator, because she tends to have a skewed perception of reality. So far, most of us have been assuming that Lola was a victim of sexual assault. For me the whole point of the book is the brilliant, and ambiguous, ending. However, Cecilia decides to ignore his advice and strips off her clothes to get inside the fountain and retrieve the missing pieces of the vase. Set in three time periods, 1935 England, Second World War England and France, and present-day England, it covers an upper-class girl's half-innocent mistake that ruins lives, her adulthood in the shadow of that mistake, … The Lobster (2015) Ending Explained: Did He Leave Her? Although, it might sound harsh, her older sister had a point: you can’t destroy people’s lives, write a couple of apology letters and expect everything to resume to normal. Now that the little girl no longer has a crush on Robbie, he’s just a man and nothing more. A man went to jail for a crime he did not commit and her sister was never able to be together with the man she loved. You married men know that dreaded day as well as I do. By the way, the ending was bittersweet and daunting. Here’s a personal theory: the two did it, consensually. I think not. However, that’s not what upsets her the most. Atonement could have easily become a 3 hour piece. Robbie died on the Bray Dunes on June 1, 1940 of infection, and Cecilia died a few months later in a bombing during the German airstrikes on London. However, Briony reminds them that Lola won’t be able to testify against her husband. in older writings, called forensic theory) is a theory of the atonement within Christian theology, which argues that Christ, by his own sacrificial choice, was punished (penalized) in the place of sinners (substitution), thus satisfying the demands of justice so God can justly forgive sin. She feels entitled to people’s appraisal and love. Now, Lola might not be a victim of sexual assault, but Paul is still a creep. Let’s start with Briony. Or a very naive girl who didn’t know better? Atonement for Tabernacle and Furniture. During the ceremony, Briony has a flashback: Paul was the man on top of Lola. Briony, now 77, narrates in the first person. The acting in Atonement was simply impeccable and engaging. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Probably not. When Robbie realized the blunder, it was too late, the letter was already in Briony’s hands. The story is set in three different time periods: 1935 (England), World War II and present-day England. • Briony Tallis – The younger sister of Leon and Cecilia Tallis, Briony is an aspiring writer. However, Briony catches them in the act and thinks that Robbie was forcing himself on Cecilia. The communication between Robbie and C run very deep in the book and it is, imo, not portrayed in the movie. Some of the broken pieces went into the fountain, while others remained on the floor. First, she kept asking Briony whether she saw the man or not. Before the lake incident, Briony really liked Robbie and she wouldn’t think anything bad about him. The film ends with Robbie and Cecilia reunited which is a sweet sight, but it’s also incredibly heartbreaking because we already know that’s not how their story ended. Even when she saw Paul assaulting Lola, her mind still insisted that it was Robbie, that’s how much Briony hated the young man. Part One tells the story of one day/night in 1935 at the Tallis family estate north of London, England. By the way, C. S. Lewis’ book The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a splendid articulation of the classical doctrine of atonement. And, in the second place—it's just kind of phenomenally tear-jerking. Even though, the ending is about Cecilia and Robbie, Briony still manages to make it about herself by saying that she gave them their happiness back. Atonement also highlights the irreversibility of certain decisions. They are already dead. In hindsight, the creep was already trying to get his hands on Lola long before dinner. Saoirse Ronan was great as Briony Tallis. However, what does she know? First, she decides not to pursue an higher education, instead, she becomes a nurse as a way to repent for her “sin”. Now, let’s head to the second most intriguing question: why did Lola lie? Although, Robbie is ill due to an infected open wound, he still manages to arrive at the beaches of Dunkirk. Penal substitution (sometimes, esp. Briony also points out that she did not allow her lovers to forgive her. Atonement stars Keira Knightley as Cecilia Tallis and James McAvoy as Robbie Turner. She explains how it is her last book because she is dying and she wanted to be completely honest about all the events of the situation. This reconciliation is possible through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, as expressed in Romans 3:25, Romans 5:11, and Romans 5:19. I rented the movie last summer from Netflix and as soon as the movie ended, I stared at the blank... Read More Marquie She and her older sister Cecilia come from a wealthy family. In order to make peace with her past, Briony decides to attend the wedding. This means that everything is from her point of view. However, Briony does have a very strong sense of entitlement and morality. Before her cousin was able to tell her who did it, Briony already assumed it was Robbie. Throughout the film, it’s clear that Briony tries to make amends with the past. She just thought Robbie was being mean to her because he didn’t like her. On the surface, Briony really seems to be sorry for what she did. However, is that enough? Old Briony is just a more sophisticated liar. So what’s the point of the entire story? But, did she though? Over the years, I have sought ways to explain the necessity of both the Fall and the Atonement to my students. Having said that, Briony hasn’t really changed at all. Robbie tries to apologize to Cecilia for the vulgar words used in the letter. We only assumed that it was rape, because Briony told us so. Sadly, that’s not how Briony read the situation. A major theme that I think the author was trying to get across is the gravity and significance of our actions. The point is apparently that the surface of the skin can demonstrate a deeper sickness underneath as can the surface of a house; both need to be … Why didn’t she question? However, Lola wasn’t asking Briony whether she saw the perpetrator or not. The opening is almost perversely ungripping. Atonement I usually make a point of not seeing a movie before I get a chance to read the book, but the opposite is true for my experience with McEwan's Atonement. Shortly after, the Tallis family receives a visitor: Paul Marshall, a friend of Briony’s older brother. Cecilia and Robbie see Briony off, and Briony understands that after she finishes the tasks she agreed to, she must begin an in-depth process of “atonement.” The book’s epilogue reveals that this atonement process was to write the preceding novel itself. It’s safe to say that Briony has a bias towards Robbie, she already deems him as evil, no matter what. Maybe. Setting What's Up With the Epigraph? Lola’s reaction after the incident is a little suspicious to say the least. One day, Briony sights her sister and Robbie together. For example, did her sister really matter to herself, … After the scolding, Robbie just turned into this “evil man” who rejected and humiliated her. During their brief interaction, the young man inadvertently breaks the vase that Cecilia was carrying. By the way, Paul and Lola might have been fooling around for a while. What if it was consensual sex? The Tallis are organizing a big dinner for family members and friends. Well, in the first place, it ties up the themes neatly—Briony atones for making up a bitter story about Robbie by making up a sweet story about Robbie. That said, is it fair for Briony to never get a pardon from Robbie or Cecilia? Beware of spoilers. Atonement by Meat offerings. It all goes back to Briony making everything about herself. James Mcvoy gave a really strong performance as the housekeeper’s son Robbie Turner. Atonement, Ian McEwan Atonement is a 2001 British metafiction novel written by Ian McEwan concerning the understanding of and responding to the need for personal atonement. The two real victims in Atonement were definitely: Robbie and Cecilia. (Have I just explained in a dozen words why it will be nominated for Best Picture? Briony is part narrator, part character and we see her transformation from child to woman as the novel progresses. The Book of Mormon teaches in plain and unmistakable terms about the truth of all of those. Therefore, when she told that awful lie and later realized that it was a mistake, that started to weigh heavily on her conscience. Robbie and Cecilia died before they had the chance to see each other again. Ian Bedloe and Briony Tallis can teach readers a lot about atonement, although it is truly specific to every one person and every sin. It focuses on Briony Tallis, the thirteen-year-old youngest daughter of three, who aspires to be a writer. Christus Victor. During her final speech, Briony was trying to convince the audience that she gave Cecilia and Robbie back their happiness. The cousin makes fun of Robbie and calls him a “sex maniac”. SPOILER WARNING: Book Vs. Film is a column comparing books to the film adaptations they spawn, often discussing them on a plot-point-by-plot-point basis. So why have the tricky ending? Atonement is about regret and how a simple lie can change one’s fate. To her surprise, Briony finds Robbie in Cecilia’s apartment. "How could that constitute an ending?" The end of Atonement, then, repudiates itself, or tries to: It tells you that it's not the end that should have been. Ironic isn’t it? By entering your email address you agree to receive emails from Shmoop and verify that you are over the age of 13. Now, if Robbie Turner was the son of someone wealthy, would they still be able to pull that off? Briony also points out that she did not allow her lovers to forgive her. Well, Briony did gave up something that she really wanted, but let’s not forget that her awful lie wrecked two people’s lives. Why the bittersweet confusion? Atonement is a 2001 British family saga novel written by Ian McEwan concerning the understanding and responding to the need for personal atonement. The story is set in three different time periods: 1935 (England), World War II and... Atonement (2007) – Ending Explained. Why make us happy and then sad? “Receiving the atonement is our actual reconciliation to God in justification, grounded upon Christ's satisfaction,” according to Matthew Henry’s Comm… During an interview, she explains her latest novel named “Atonement”. Robbie and Cecilia died before they had the chance to see each other again… The concluding chapter of the novel brings John the Savage into direct physical conflict with the brave new world he has decided to leave. Someone just robbed them of having a future together. It is the last thing Briony shares with us before going to sleep and the whole book wraps. However, the main difference was each novels ending, with Saint Maybe providing a more closed, enjoyable ending and Atonement giving readers the true story of a tragedy. A distinguished University Professor wrote a book entitled, The Human Life of Jesus, in which he flatly denies what the Bible teaches about the Atonement. Atonement. Having said that, can someone with that profile truly grasp the meaning of atonement? Atonement (2001; film 2007) traces over six decades the consequences of a lie told in the 1930s.… novel Novel , an invented prose narrative of considerable length and a certain complexity that deals imaginatively with human experience, usually through a connected sequence of events involving a group of persons in a specific setting. On the other hand, though, we do still see that last image through Briony mentioning it. Simply put, the word atonement means reconciliation. "Atonement" is a book written in three major parts, with a final denouement from the author. Although, Briony was still a child, she was old enough to know better. What If Christian Grey Wasn’t Rich And Handsome? Once again, Briony apologizes to both for the terrible mistake she made years ago. The contrast between the two narratives (fiction and reality) is the element that makes Atonement such an unforgettable film. Atonement (2007) – Plot Summary. It’s clear that Briony is aware that what she did was wrong. The entire passage significantly echoes the preceding passage in which a human being undergoes the same investigations and purifications for infectious skin diseases, and it anticipates the important regulations of Leviticus 16 concerning the Day of Atonement, the most important sacrifice of all, when sacrifice is made for the cleansing of the sins of all the people. We get the conclusion she withheld from her novel anyway. You see, Briony used to have a crush on the young man, but ever since, that lake incident she stopped having feelings for him. Meanwhile, Lola’s twin brothers go missing and the entire family joins efforts to find them. © 2021 Shmoop University Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal. Unable to hold her curiosity, Briony decides to open the letter and read it, before delivering it to her sister. As Briony explains her reasons to write to book, she also reveals that her encounter with Cecilia was completely fictional. All of the great Doctrines of the Bible have been challenged by the enemies of Historic Christianity. Specifically, the last paragraphs are where Briony tells us (indirectly, but pretty clearly) that in the novel we've just finished reading, some of the plot isn't "really" what happened. In Christianity, atonement refers to the needed reconciliation between sinful mankind and the holy God. That skewed logic together with Lola’s malicious words about Robbie was the lethal combination that led Briony to lie that night. The way how Briony justifies herself only further proves how she still tricks her mind into believing that she’s in the right. The twins didn’t do it. No man shouldn’t be looking at an underage girl like that. For instance, why did Briony lie? So, in order to divert attention, Paul and Lola needed a scapegoat: Robbie. She is also, though, thinking of another draft, in which we end with "Robbie and Cecilia, still alive, still in love, sitting side by side in the library, smiling at The Trials of Arabella. Let’s assume for a moment, that Paul raped Lola. But it's also an announcement that she's going to put down her pen. Miranda Priestly – Character Analysis: Boss Or Villain? The ending is pretty clear but, there are still some questions that need an answer. Atonement by Money. Classically, the Christus Victor theory of Atonement is widely considered to be the … This theory might explain why Lola decided to marry her “rapist”. The younger Tallis sister decided not to go the University of Cambridge. Robbie gave the first draft to the little girl, a note expressing his most lustful thoughts for Cecilia. This sad ending seems, to Briony, to be a disservice. The Day of Atonement was a yearly feast instituted by God to completely cover (pay the penalty) for all the sins of the people of Israel. While Cecilia calms Robbie down, she tells Briony to correct her testimony in order to clear Robbie’s name. Briony really thought she was telling the truth and that her contempt for Robbie had a reason to be. When Briony wrote her final book, she gave a happy ending to Cecilia and Robbie’s story. Needless to say, the little girl was a bit butt-hurt by Robbie’s harsh words. Atonement : Although it did not turn out to be a happy ending in real life Briony in her book gives them a happy ending. Penal substitutionary atonement is a theory which attempts to explain the meaning and purpose of Christ’s death, how Jesus’ death saves and what it means for the world. By Ian McEwan. I have always loved to see the spring come each year, with all that it brings, with one notable exception—spring cleaning. And what happens in a novel about writing when the writer stops writing? We never read that draft though. The main character Briony Tallis is played by three different actresses (from young to old): Saoirse Ronan, Romola Garai and Vanessa Redgrave. In that one sentence at least, Cecilia and Robbie are alive and in love until the very end. On the surface, one could say that Briony was naive and her cousin Lola influenced her to believe that Robbie was indeed a sex maniac. Sleep reminds us of dreams, which is fitting since Briony has essentially dreamt up the whole novel. When Briony witnessed a man on top of Lola, she immediately assumed that it was rape. After Robbie’s conviction, Cecilia made it very clear that she was never going to forgive Briony for what she did. Needless to say, the music was sublime and really elevated Atonement to another level. Nonetheless, Briony agrees to do her part and leaves Cecilia’s house. Atonement is a film about complex emotions. At this point, her “truths” hold very little value. Nada. When the Temple in Jerusalem was destroyed in 70 AD, the Jewish people could no longer present the required sacrifices on the Day of Atonement, so it came to be observed as a day of repentance, self-denial, charitable works, prayer, and fasting. After this shocking realization, Briony rushes to Cecilia’s place to personally apologize for what she did. It suggests death too, though, which is coming for Briony shortly. Atonement (2007) Ending Explained: Why Did Briony Lie? Atonement is about the consequences that came from a little girl’s accusation. Overall, Atonement is a beautiful film. She wants to throw out half of the treasures you have gathered over the year. You see, Briony only wants Cecilia to forgive her because she wants to lessen her guilty. That’s very evident during their first interaction. Let’s not forget that Briony was the one who caused havoc in their lives with her reckless lie. But what’s the point? Remember, it’s 1935 and sex before marriage is a big no-no in that era. And a very good one, imo. To explain: After the confrontation in Cecilia's apartment Robbie and Cecilia walk Briony to the Underground station for her ride back to the hospital. She has written a play to be performed at dinner for the homecoming of her brother, Leon, and put on by herself and … The last line of the novel is "But now I must sleep." If Paul really did it, would he be that calm? She might be a weird combination of both, that’s why it’s hard to tell whether Briony is truly sorry for what she did. "Was everyone else really as alive as she was? First things first, Atonement has a very unreliable narrator: Briony. In addition, Robbie and Cecilia never had the chance to see each other ever again. The foolish attempt to seek Robbie’s attention led the young man to angrily scold Briony. Allow me to explain by utilizing a section from my forthcoming book The Atonement: A Biblical, Theological, and Historical Study of the Cross of Christ (April 2019). For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Atonement Analysis. Worse yet, she wants you to help her move things around, and around, and around. Despite of her young age, she should have questioned whether the real Robbie Turner would ever commit such heinous acts. There was something off about her reaction.
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