Comparison Of Atonement

In the novel Atonement, crafted by Ian McEwan, countless themes arise. The most prevalent themes, however, would be guilt, forgiveness, and atonement. The entire plot of both the novel and film adaptation consists of a woman who devotes her entire life atoning for a crime she committed as a youth. The film adaptation of Atonement did not necessarily modify the themes, it just portrayed them in a different fashion. The film and novel contain countless similarities, however, some discrepancies do arise. The most discernable differences between the novel and film are Robbie’s participation and purpose in the war, Briony’s failure to atone for her acts, and the speed of theme development. Atonement occurs in three separate time periods and settings. …show more content…
The novel’s title, Atonement, describes the overall objective: the storyteller’s lifelong journey to atone and redeem herself for an injustice she committed as a youth. In the novel, the atonement is postponed until it is too late. Briony had failed to amend and reconstruct the lives she had destroyed. In addition to her inability to repair those she hurt, she also neglected to bring justice to those who truly deserved it. Paul Marshall is never punished for his horrid act, and gets away scot-free. The reader is lead to believe that Briony escapes the consequences of her moral failing. The film adaptation truly does the title justice. The atonement succeeds, with flying colors. By her ability as a storyteller, Briony conceives an absolutely beautiful reconciliation. In her novel, the tragic victims are reunited in utter and pure bliss. Although the ending was fictional, it was her responsibility to harmonize the lives of the two in her last creative masterpiece. She gave their love eternity and immortality. In this last act, she truly achieves …show more content…
The ability to construct any type of mood is the cause for most writers to compose a book or novel. More time is required by the reader, but the result is a well-developed and detailed mental illustration. Most films are unable to encapsulate the true theme and mood in a story due to the time restrictions. The film adaptation is absolutely devoid of any character development. For example, Emily Tallis and her elegantly noble views were quite apparent in the novel. The reader gains an understanding as to why the family members make their decisions. This development is not present in the film, leaving nothing but empty conjecture and speculation. The film is only able to demonstrate key points in the plot, which takes away some of the value of the novel. In conclusion, the most discernable differences between the novel and film are Robbie’s participation and purpose in the war, Briony’s failure to atone for her acts, and the speed of theme development. The ending of the novel does not do justice to the title. Ironically, the film does a better job of creating the theme of true atonement and guilt. The stark contrasts between the novel and movie cause the viewer to be left in the dark. Many details are left out in order to meet the time quota, which in turn, causes some character and theme development to be