Identifying and analysing Ian McEwan's use of a plot twist in 'Atonement' | English

Starter quiz

'A radical change in the direction or expected outcome of the plot in a work of fiction' is the definition of a ______.

'plot twist' ✓
'To criticise or undermine the usual way of doing something or common values' is the definition of which word beginning with 's'?

'subvert' ✓
'The fact of two things being seen or placed close together with contrasting effect' is the definition of which word beginning with 'j'?

'juxtaposition' ✓
The words 'bleak', 'despair' and 'oblivion' all create a sense of ...

pessimism. ✓

optimism.

hope.

intensity.
'Sounds articulated with an abrupt release of air like "p", "b" or "t"' is the definition of which type of sound?

euphonic

fricative

plosive ✓
What might the effect of using plosive sounds repeatedly be?

a soothing sensation

a harsh feeling ✓

a sinister feeling

'The action of making amends for a wrong or injury' is the definition of which word beginning with 'a'?

'atonement' ✓
In McEwan's 'Atonement', before the plot twist, we're led to believe which of the following?

that Robbie and Cecilia lived happily ever after ✓

that Robbie and Cecilia tried but couldn't overcome their past

that Briony managed to right the wrong she committed against Robbie
In Ian McEwan's 'Atonement', what is the plot twist in the epilogue?

Briony and Robbie actually end up together

Cecilia's family never believed Robbie was guilty

Robbie and Cecilia died during the war ✓
In McEwan's 'Atonement', what does McEwan juxtapose in order to emphasise the emotional plot twist?

images of night and day

words with happy/unhappy connotations ✓

images of spring and winter
'Not hopeful or encouraging' is the definition of which word beginning with 'b'?

'bleak' ✓
'A phrase or expression that usually presents a figurative, non-literal meaning' is the definition of which word beginning with 'i'?

'idiom' ✓

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Writers may choose to use a plot twist to subvert the readers’ expectations around life and people’s behaviour.
In ‘Atonement’, McEwan’s use of a plot twist may subvert our expectations of love and forgiveness.
To create an emotional plot twist, McEwan arguably uses idioms, juxtaposition, and plosive sounds.

Plot twists typically reveal something hidden about a character.

While plot twists may reveal something hidden about a character, plot twists can be used to subvert our expectations of life and resolution.

Atonement - the action of making amends for a wrong or injury
Plot twist - a radical change in the direction or expected outcome of the plot in a work of fiction
Subvert - to criticise or undermine the usual way of doing something or common values
Bleak - not hopeful or encouraging
Idiom - a phrase or expression that usually presents a figurative, non-literal meaning