Storytelling

The novel Atonement by Ian McEwan explores the theme of storytelling and writing, mainly through the character of Briony. The novel is structured around the act of writing and the power of narrative to shape reality.

One of the key elements of the novel is the idea that Briony is a storyteller, and that her desire to tell stories has a significant impact on the lives of the people around her. Her storytelling takes on several different forms throughout the novel, from her initial attempts at writing plays and stories as a child, to her later efforts to set the record straight about what happened between Robbie and Cecilia. In fact, the novel begins with Briony attempting to stage the play she had written for the arrival of her brother Leon. 

The theme of story...