Setting

Time period

The novel Atonement by Ian McEwan covers a large period of time and features multiple time jumps between its main sections. The first part of the novel focuses on a summer in 1935 at the Tallis household. This first part only spans a few days, from when the Quinceys arrive and the household prepares for Leon’s arrival to the days after Robbie is arrested when Briony gives her testimonies to the police. 

The second and third parts of the novel take place in 1940 during the Second World War. These sections span multiple months, as they show Robbie’s time in the war and Briony’s time working as a nurse in London. Serval historical events such as the start of the war or the evacuation of Dunkirk play important parts in the narrative and help to make the time setting authentic and impactful. In particular, the effects of the war on people’s lives are especially highlighted. 

Lastly, the novel’s postscript takes place in 1999, as shown by its title “London, 1999”. This is a couple of years before Atonement was published and thus aims to show the present-day perspective and supports the idea that Briony is the novel’s author. 

Physical setting

The Tallis estate

The Tallis estate in the English countryside is one of the most important locations in the novel, and it is the setting for the entire first part as well as for part of the postscript. The house is described as a grand, sprawling estate with large...