Atonement Character Analysis

Flashcards about Briony Tallis' character analysis in Atonement

Who is Briony Tallis?

A thirteen-year-old girl in 1935 England, an aspiring writer, curious, inquisitive, and meticulous.

What does the quote about Briony's tidy room reveal about her personality?

A reflection of her meticulous nature and desire for control, potentially indicating a need to be the center of attention.

How does Briony Tallis change throughout the course of the book?

She matures and gains wisdom, grappling with the consequences of a past act, accepting responsibility but not always receiving forgiveness.

What key event involving Lola changes Briony's life?

Briony mistakenly identifies Robbie Turner as her cousin Lola's attacker, leading to Robbie's imprisonment.

According to Briony, who assaulted Lola?

Robbie.

What other experience contributes to Briony's personal transformation?

Her experiences as a nurse in World War II-era London.

What insight did the war bring to Briony?

The age of clear answers was over. So was the age of characters and plots. Despite her journal sketches, she no longer believed in characters.

How does Briony change by the end of the story?

Remorseful, she seeks atonement for the pain she caused Robbie and Cecelia, ultimately finding a measure of peace through writing, even without their forgiveness.

How did Briony feel when condemning Robbie as the rapist?

Her certainty fueled her actions.

How did Briony feel later in life regarding the condemnation?

She is plagued by her guilt.

What is the author trying to teach the reader through Briony's actions and transformation?

Actions can have irreparable damage to someone's life and McEwan is also showing his readers that not all of this damage is reparable, or even forgivable.