How Does Mcewan's Use Of Setting In Atonement

Analyse how Ian McEwan’s use of setting reinforces the central ideas of Atonement

Ian McEwan spends a great deal of time in Atonement describing the setting his characters inhabit. The descriptions are so in depth and thoughtful that the houses and buildings almost become characters in their own rights. McEwan’s use of setting reinforces and comments on the central themes of Atonement, such as pretence, order and chaos, and love. McEwan’s use of setting reinforces the central ideas of the novel far better than the way in which descriptive language and intertextuality could on their own.

The theme of pretence was brought out in Part 1 through the Tallis’ house. The appearance of the house is explored in great detail at the beginning of the book

The room is decorated with vertical stripes and irregular lino giving the ‘impression... of a simple and lonely life’ which contrasts with the grand setting of Part 1. However, as Briony looks at more of the room, it is revealed that there is ‘a pile of books... Gray’s Anatomy and a collected Shakespeare’ and a jar of flowers on the table, suggesting the vase Robbie and Cecilia fought over when they first discovered feelings for each other. McEwan reinforces a theme of love through the intertwinement of physicality in their relationship and literary love, previously referenced throughout their romance through letters and sympathising with Shakespearean characters. The apartment is a reflection of the beginning of Cecilia and Robbie’s story together. They have now attempted to create a private space together, just like in the library, and made loving attempts to make the seemingly lonely apartment a home. As she did previously, Briony intrudes into this space. The couple’s apartment is a reflection of their love, giving the audience further insight into their relationship and bringing the novel to a rounded end, despite the final reveal that it was a constructed