Fleur-Rose McQuillan considers the art of suffering in Ian McEwan’s 2001 novel Atonement
What is the art of suffering?
The art of suffering is one that resonates across literature, often acting as a powerful lens through which authors are able to explore the human condition and examine ethical dilemmas. Within literature, suffering isn’t just a mere plot device but rather a subject that enables readers to confront their own emotional challenges. On a deeper level, suffering compels us to seek meaning, driving us to seek our purpose and potential within our existence. A piece of literature which has become the emblem of this idea is McEwan’s Atonement.
What is Atonement about?
Atonement, published in 2001, is a novel written by British author Ian McEwan. It unfolds over six decades beginning in 1930s England, then moving to England and France caught up in the Second World War, ending in Post-War England, and finally, the present day.
The book questions what it truly means to atone after 13-year-old Briony Tallis witnesses a romantic encounter between her sister Cecilia Tallis and Robbie Turner, the housekeeper’s son. Briony misinterprets their encounter, and, consequently, accuses Robbie of sexual assault. This small yet devastating accusation changes the trajectory of the character’s lives indefinitely. As the novel progresses the characters are coerced into the sufferings of the adult world as they grow gradually less innocent.
Suffering in the novel
Suffering is explored within the novel through the character of Briony herself who, burdened by her false testimony, spends a lifetime haunted by her guilt. She attempts to seek forgiveness and make amends through her writing, reflecting her inner turmoil, but she is forever marked as a result of this small yet significant accusation.
McEwan presents suffering as a central theme intricately woven into the lives of the characters, whether that is through the psychological suffering of Briony burdened by her false testimony, the emotional suffering of Cecilia and Robbie at the hands of this accusation, or the physical suffering with the war. The suffering portrayed throughout the novel enables the reader to consider the ethical and moral dilemmas surrounding Briony.
Emotional Suffering and Physical Suffering
Both Cecilia and Robbie face a great ordeal at the hands of Briony’s accusation. After being accused, Robbie is imprisoned and later released to enlist as a soldier during World War 2 and fight at Dunkirk, which becomes his final resting place. Cecilia, on the other hand, suffers from the loss of Robbie and is estranged from her family adding to her emotional anguish. The unnecessary suffering of Cecilia and Robbie raises an ethical dilemma. Arguably, their suffering is an injustice as Briony’s allegations are prompted by her flawed judgement. In part, this is due to Robbie’s social background as a working-class man. He is regarded as more likely to be a ‘maniac’; it raises questions about attitudes towards social classes at the time.
The idea of suffering is explored physically with the vivid descriptions of war at Dunkirk. Through Robbie’s journey to Dunkirk, we see the heartbreaking depictions of the injury, death and chaos the soldiers undergo, emphasising the universal physical suffering of war. This painful depiction of war evokes pity from the audience which is further enhanced through the suffering of Robbie at Dunkirk caused by the injuries he sustains. His separation from Cecilia and his eventual death at Dunkirk highlight the physical and mental toll on individuals in a war and adds pathos to the terrible injustice of Briony’s fateful judgement.
In the end…
McEwan’s Atonement is a powerful representation of the profound impact of a small action on the lives of others. The idea of suffering is presented as inescapable and crucial to the human condition; it is the pursuit of atonement that can offer a path to redemption despite the challenges faced. McEwan presents a diverse range of suffering compelling us to search for meaning. Briony’s demand for atonement is what drives the narrative, and her challenging route to redemption is what makes the novel so captivating and intriguing
