Context

Question 1

The Second World War

Answer 1

• The Second World War lasted from September 1939 to September 1945, and claimed the lives of well over 50 million people.
• The war had a profound effect on society: arguably weakening the class system, traditional views of women and Britain’s international influence.
• Britain sent the British Expeditionary Force to France in 1939 to try and counter the invasion of the country by the better equipped German army.
• The evacuation of Dunkirk took place early in 1940, and was widely considered a disaster for Britain – though it was portrayed as a great success.

Question 2

The class system

Answer 2

• From medieval times through to the end of the twentieth century, society in Britain was dominated by ideas of a person’s rank or ‘class’.
• By definition, the class system severely limits social mobility – it is the opposite of the American Dream, which holds that anyone can better their position in society.
• It requires people to fit into clearly defined social categories. Those who do not – such as Robbie Turner – are not easily accommodated in such a system.
• The class system can still be felt in our society, but was greatly weakened by the events and social developments of the last century.

Question 3

Modernism (in fiction)

Answer 3

• Literary Modernism emerged at the turn of the twentieth century, and defined itself in opposition to the conventions, style and morality of the Victorian era.
• The Modern novel reacted against linear plot, favouring narrative dislocation, and emphasised experimentation in form, style and language.
• A common feature of Modernism is the ‘stream of consciousness’, which describes a narrative told primarily through the thoughts of one or more characters.
• The Modern novel is strongly associated with the Bloomsbury Group, which included authors Virginia Woolf and E. M. Forster, and the critic Cyril Connolly.

Question 4

When was atonement written?

Answer 4

2001

Question 5

Role of women

Answer 5

• Before the twentieth century, the role of women in society was generally confined to the domestic sphere, and was usually subject to male authority.
• During the 20th century, there was increased discussion of women’s capabilities and rights, most obviously demonstrated in the suffrage movement (Votes for Women).
• Despite significant opposition, women achieved increased legal rights, access to education, and in 1928 were granted the right to vote on the same terms as men.
• The First World War began a change in attitudes towards women’s roles and capabilities as women filled traditionally male roles; the Second World War reinforced and extended this reassessment.
• Girton College in 1935 was one of 2 colleges to accept girls, link to womens roles, cecelia doesnt appreciate the academic opportunity she has

Question 6

Development of psychology

Answer 6

• Twentieth-century psychology was dominated by the figure of Sigmund Freud, the Austrian ‘Father of Psychoanalysis’, the forerunner of modern psychology.
• Psychoanalytical theory was not limited only to medicine, but was applied to all areas of human society, including art and literature.
• Psychoanalysis focused on the unconscious or subconscious, and how they were affected by childhood development, sexual drive and natural impulse.
• Psychoanalysis was strongly influenced by Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution, and Freud’s fame and social significance was comparable to that which Darwin achieved in the previous century.

Question 7

Deaths in WW2

Answer 7

over 53 million people died

Question 8

when was atonement set?

Answer 8

“Atonement” is set across three distinct time periods:summer 1935 in England, during the Second World War in England and France (1939-1945), and in 1999, England

Question 9

London in 1940

Answer 9

• During 1940 Britons lived in fear of a German invasion
• The Luftwaffe (German Air Force) began its bombing raids in July, 1940.
• The Battle of Britain would last until the end of October, with London enduring 57 consecutive nights of bombing during the Blitz.
• On 14 October, 1940, at least 64 people were killed when Balham tube station, which was being used as an air-raid shelter, was bombed. McEwan uses this incident as the cause of Cecilia’s death in the novel.