Atonement Chapter 7&8 Flashcards
What does Briony use to slash at the nettles?
A branch. She pretends the nettles are Lola, the twins, and the act of playwriting itself.
What does Briony decide to destroy after the nettles?
Her childhood
She feels she has no longer any use for it.
How many nettles does Briony swipe at?
Thirteen. Each nettle represents a year of her life.
What does Briony imagine while swiping at the nettles?
Competing in the Olympics at the sport of slashing nettles.
What does Briony refuse to do when she hears the carriage approaching?
Turn toward Leon.
What feeling does Briony experience after being broken out of her daydream?
Frustration.
What does Robbie remember while taking a bath?
Cecilia stripping to her underwear and climbing into the fountain.
What realization does Robbie come to about Cecilia?
He has never truly appreciated her beauty before.
What does Robbie wonder about Cecilia’s performance at the fountain?
Whether she is truly angry with him or trying to make him see her beauty.
What does Robbie do while grappling with his thoughts about dinner at the Tallis house?
He drafts a letter to Cecilia.
What picture does Robbie regard at his desk?
A picture of his parents, Grace and Ernest, on their honeymoon.
What happened to Robbie’s father, Ernest?
He left when Robbie was six years old, never to be heard from again.
What book does Robbie see on his desk?
A book he borrowed from the Tallises’ library.
What significant event happened the day Robbie took off his socks and shoes?
It was the first time he noticed how awkward he felt around Cecilia.
What does Robbie find about his attraction to Cecilia?
It has crept up quite suddenly.
