Atonement Study Guide

Atonement Summary

"Atonement" is a book written in three major parts, with a final denouement from the author.

Part One tells the story of one day/night in 1935 at the Tallis family estate north of London, England. It focuses on Briony Tallis, the thirteen-year-old youngest daughter of three, who aspires to be a writer. She has written a play to be performed at dinner for the homecoming of her brother, Leon, and put on by herself and her three cousins who are staying with the Tallises for the summer because of a divorce between their parents. Before the play can be properly rehearsed, Briony witnesses a scene between her older sister Cecilia and the son of the family charwoman Robbie Turner. What is an innocent act is greatly misunderstood by the young…

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Recent Questions for Atonement

Posted By kyle b #252129 at May 21, 2012 5:43 PM

describe the changes to the tallis household. how is it different both in structure and style the last timewe saw it

short answer

Atonement | Answers: 2

Posted By lakyn p #238497 at Mar 21, 2012 9:54 PM

How does Briony being pulled between being innocent and entering the adult world illuminate the meaning of Atonement as a whole?

My original prompt is: Choose a character whose mind is pulled in conflicting directions by two compelling desires, obligations, or influences. explain how this conflict within the character illuminates the meaning of the work as a whole.

Atonement | Answers: 2

Posted By debi s #235553 at Mar 08, 2012 9:00 AM

Why does McEwan decide not to have Mr. Tallis make an appearance in the story?

Atonement | Answers: 1