Comparing The Novel Atonement By Ian Mcewan And The Play...

Many writers aim to identify the similar and contrasting features of their characters in order to addresses varying issues within the texts. These issues within the text In the novel Atonement by Ian McEwan and the play Hamlet by William Shakespeare, the writers’ use of juxtaposition is used to accomplish a more profound understanding of the internal relationships of the characters and external relationships with the other characters in the texts. Essentially, through the use of juxtaposition, both writers are able to enhance the message of the theme and exemplify character development. In the novel Atonement, McEwan juxtaposes the unique but conflicting ways that his characters perceive and understand their world. McEwan intentionally†¦show more content†¦McEwan effectively shows that â€Å"She would.simply wait on the bridge,calm and obstinate, until events, real events, not her own fantasies, rose to her challenge, and dispelled her insignificance.† (77) Though it is not possible to see the world in a subjective way through Briony’s contemplation, Briony as an author is confused between what is true and what is not.Through the juxtaposition of Briony’s false perceptions, McEwan is able to showcase the importance that perception has on the understanding of the truth. Ian McEwan also uses juxtaposition to address Briony’s character development by showcasing the true qualities of her character under tough circumstances. McEwan uses war as a way of understanding how it affects the psychological as well as physiological pressur es of Briony. It is seen that as a result of Briony’s actions, Robbie is drafted to war. McEwan communicates the life of war by describing certain emotional sights like â€Å" It was a perfect leg, pale, smooth, small enough to be a child’s† (192). Robbie’s need to throw up after seeing such a sight juxtaposes the conversation between two corporals describing all of the gore that they have seen. Robbie’s experience in war makes him waiver feelings of guilt due to the dehumanizing intensity of survival. However, McEwan shifts the guilt towards Briony as she is trying to atone for her mistake. She becomes a nurse despite her