Sin and Redemption in Ian McEwan’s Atonement from the Perspective of Trauma Theory

Abstract

Ian McEwan (1948— ) is a famous English writer in the twentieth century. His works were affected by feminism movement and the peace movement. Atonement is one of his most significant novels. In this novel, he quoted a piece from Northanger Abbey written by Jane Austen, which embodies the idea of feminism. Besides, it also contains a variety of themes, such as redemption and war, which is deserved to analyze deeply. Thus, based on the novel, this thesis analyzes sin and redemption in Atonement from the perspective of trauma theory. 

In order to achieve the purposes, this thesis is divided into four chapters. The first chapter discusses Atonement under the perspective of trauma theory to introduce the development of trauma and the construction of trauma in this novel. The second chapter analyzes the plots of this novel to investigate the sin as the origin of trauma. This part consists of the causes and consequences of sin in this novel. The third chapter interprets the unique method by which is writing to save her. In terms of the traumatic experience of Briony, the last one explores the development of Briony. By analyzing the growth experience of protagonist, the finding of this thesis is that McEwan displayed three kinds of integrated and various trauma for readers when he was writing, which generates a strong literary effect, which reminds readers of the same feelings. In addition, the readers get the indirect experience through reading and realize that the effects of trauma on personal development.

Key words: Ian McEwan; Atonement; trauma; sin; redemption