Over the summer I read a very interesting novel concerning the life of the Tallis family through the eyes of many members, but especially through the eyes of Briony Tallis. I chose this novel because of, interestingly, the title. Something about the word, atonement, caught my attention and made me want to know more about what it meant, according to the characters in the novel. Here is a specific example of how the author uses description to create the story and the technique of storytelling:
"But hidden drawers, lockable diaries, and cryptographic systems could not conceal from Briony the simple truth: She had no secrets. Her wish for a harmonious, organized world denied her the reckless possibilities of wrongdoing. Mayhem and destruction were too chaotic for her tastes, and she did not have it in her to be cruel. ... Nothing in her life was sufficiently interesting or shameful to merit hiding; no one knew about the squirrel's skull beneath her bed, but no one wanted to know."
This quote demonstrates the detailed descriptions about every single character that the author utilizes to further appeal to the reader and the different perspectives of the characters in Atonement. One of the greatest strengths in the novel is the fact that every single moment, event, character, etc. is absolutely and thoroughly depicted in a clear fashion that I can so visualize the situations that Briony, Emily, and their guests encounter throughout the days in the Tallis home. Even the instance where Briony is sitting in the nursery after her fantasies of preparing a play for the return of Leon, and she realizes that she no longer wants to write plays for the entirety of her life through the action of observing her hand and arm as she attempts to tell her brain to move her arm. It is just a simple action, but it reveals the inner thoughts of Briony, and the decision that she makes to continue her life on a different path:
"She raised one hand and flexed its fingers and wondered, as she had sometimes before, how this thing, this machine for gripping, this fleshy spider on the end of her arm, came to be hers, entirely at her command. Or did it have some little life of its own? She bent her finger and straightened it. The mystery was in the instant before it moved, the dividing moment between not moving and moving, when her intention took effect. It was like a wave breaking. If she could only find herself at the crest, she thought, she might find the secret of herself, that part of her that was really in charge."
The former passage is a more than perfect example of how the human mind works and makes decisions considering all points of view, and how humans interact with their given environment to further themselves to yield the greatest outcome in one’s life. This just so happens to not be the case with only Briony Tallis, but also Robbie Turner. In his case, Robbie has always been the Tallis home “gardener” if you will, and in exchange has been given the opportunity to get an education on behalf of the Tallis family. In many moments throughout the novel, the reader takes a dive into the mind of Robbie Turner to see his views on what his place is in the Tallis family and why he has yet to explore the depths of the educational world. Also, Robbie seems to have an obsession with Cecilia, one of the Tallis daughters. With this, we see the thoughts of why Robbie seems to have this obsession with Cecilia and later on in the novel, the hidden love that Cecilia and Robbie have for each other, which is quite interesting in of itself. For these few but meaty points, is why I chose to read Atonement by Ian McEwan. The sheer reality of the book is basically practical, but the way in which it is described makes it seem somewhat whimsical in the sense that life goes by so fast that humans do not know what to do with it or what to make of it. It is an unfathomable question that most would agree to be at least one reason to read novels, let alone reading Atonement by Ian McEwan.
Hi Justin!!
ReplyDeleteOk, so I really like the passages you chose to quote. Coupled with your reasons for liking the book, I'm really compelled to pick it up and read it. I think your discussion about the vivid and in-depth descriptions is a good one, and you could easily write a compelling essay about the relevance of that depth. Also the importance of this idea of multiple perspectives and their ability to shape a story that you talk about a bit with the Robbie stuff could be explored a bit deeper and could be really super duper uber cool. You and Norma have convinced me to read this book, thanks :)
Hey Justin,
ReplyDeleteSo I too, obviously, read this book. I really liked the fact that used those examples, because those were examples that I would've used too. I think that your comments on the whole relationships between every character and stuff is very important because it's a main point that has to be talked about while talking about this book. I feel that what you wrote about each quote, was not only well said, but also very well thought out. To me, your entry was really good, and much like Frea if you write more about Robbie Turner and that whole deal you'll be golden! I really want to hear more about your thoughts on the novel, because your thoughts about the novel would give you more edge as writer which is also super cool. Your grammar and structure, as far as I'm concerned were great! :]
-Norma
What's up Justin? I liked the passage and the strong rhetoric you used. It really makes me want to read the story. I would suggest providing a little background information of the book and the author so the reader can get a basic understanding of the novel before you dive into it. Otherwise I think it was solid. Good work
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