Atonement: Context

Ian McEwan: McEwan is the author of ‘Atonement’, who uses his literature to explore morality from different perspectives.
England in 1935: This sets the pre-war stage of ‘Atonement’, which is an era of social upheavals and cultural transitions.
World War II: The destructive event which has a significant role in the actions and trauma of the characters within ‘Atonement’.
Dunkirk: The evacuation of Dunkirk is a crucial event in the novel, presenting war’s confusion and chaos.
England in 1999: The final part of ‘Atonement’ is set in this year, showcasing the long-term consequences of earlier events and decisions.
The Role of Women: ‘Atonement’ explores gender roles and expectations, especially female repression within a patriarchal society.
Metafiction: ‘Atonement’ uses metafiction techniques, revealing the novel itself as Briony’s creation, thereby questioning the nature of storytelling and truth.
Literary Allusions and References: The novel is imbued with literary references and allusions to prominent texts of the time, enriching the narrative and presentation of characters.