Atonement notes

‘In crime writing some of the innocent always suffer.’ Explore the significance of the innocent in two crime texts you have studied. Incorporating the AQA Crime Poetry Anthology and Atonement.

To what extent is justice served in the crime narratives you have read? Incorporating the AQA Crime Poetry Anthology and Atonement.

To what extent do you agree with the view that Briony deserves her punishment for the crime she commits?

'Briony's privileged life worsens her crime.' To what extent do you agree with this view?

'Atonement offers us no heroes and no villains - only victims' To what extent do you agree with this view?

'Paul Marshall is the real criminal of Atonement.' To what extent do you agree with this view?

‘No character in this novel is completely innocent.’ To what extent do you agree with this view?

'Robbie Turner is a victim of circumstance.' To what extent do you agree with this view?

‘McEwan suggests that Briony’s crime can easily be forgiven because she is just a child.’ To what extent do you agree with this view?

These notes cover the main contextual points which are important when looking at McEwan's Atonement, both historical, literary and McEwan's own personal influences.