3.

In some works of literature, childhood and adolescence are portrayed as times graced by
innocence and a sense of wonder; in other works, they are depicted as times of tribulation,
confusion, or terror. In Ian McEwans novel Atonement, the author carefully includes both ends
of this spectrum. Write a well-organized essay that explains how McEwans representations of
childhood and adolescence shape the larger meaning of the work as a whole (authors Theme
Statement).

Outline:
1. Intro
a. Both ends of the spectrum are not a realistic view of life
b. Many authors try to glorify the humanity or the evil of human nature
and our society by just focusing on one end of this spectrum
c. Ian McEwan offers a realistic view of human nature and society that it
is both filled with wonder and innocence, but also with terror and
confusion in order to further the realistic essence of his novel.
2. Robbie and Cecilias young love
a. Their love and sexual exploration is one of wonder and joy and
curiosity
b. Yet their differing social standing highlights the issues of human
society regarding judgment
c. AND even though they are in love, McEwan highlights lifes
unpredictability when Robbie gets arrested for a crime he never
commits
3. Brionys witnessing of Lolas rape
a. Is just a kid, yet sees Lola get sexually assaulted
b. This traumatic event also explains our human nature avoid the
unknown
i. In the past humans have always used supernatural beings (such
as gods and mythical creatures) to give an explanation to the
unexplainable
ii. Even though Briony cannot see the attacker of Lola, she
convinces herself it was Robbie in order to make herself feel like
she is handling the situation.
4. The ending of the book
a. The book ends by telling us (from Brionys first person perspective,
who is now a famous writer who wrote all about her life) that Robbie
and Cecilia were never actually reunited after the war, and what we
believed before about there being a happy ending to the book is just a
lie.
i. The ending truly epitomizes childhood and the loss innocence
ii. Things like Santa Claus are told to children to falsely give them a
sense of wonder and add excitement by taking away from reality

1. Atonement calls out this human trend for sugar coating

things by sugar coating the ending for the reader, then
tearing all of that away (similar to a child being told Santa
does not exist)
2. We try to add an aspect of wonder to books, movies, and
ideas by making them too good to be true, but in the end,
it just adds more pain to the people who must realize that
these forms of expression cannot come true
5. CONCLUSION