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In the British Library, we were able to get a glimpse into the lives of some writers and see what kinds of writing genres are most often considered great or lasting.
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Novels, plays, and poems are often very strong forms of literature that last through the ages. In novels, the author is god, able to create and control the lives of others. Briony, controlling as she was, deeply enjoys this aspect of dictating the lives of others.
At the Imperial War Museum, it became more obvious than ever that war produces deep affects on everyone: soldiers that fight and see death on a daily basis, women left at home to fend for their families and join the workforce, children forced to relocate to foster homes. Robbie Turner holds on for as long as possible on the words of Cecilia: "I'll wait for you. Come back."
At the end of the novel, Briony is unable to change the fate she cast upon Robbie and Cecilia in reality, but she is able to use her imagination to give them the life together they so deserved.
Florence Nightingale and her sister had a relationship very similar to that of Briony and Cecilia. Both were baby sisters of flighty, careless older girls. Both were controlling, curious women.
In Atonement, Briony became a nurse to atone for her sins, in a sense. Florence Nightingale became a nurse for the passion of caring for others. She felt it was her calling; Briony felt it was what she had to do.
I like your comparisons between Florence and Briony. That was one pair that really stuck out in my mind.
ReplyDeleteI also like how you compared Briony and Florence. The reason they went into the nursing profession is so different, yet their personalities and birth order seem so similar. I also really like that you included that quote from the book. A lot of soldiers who went off to war probably had similar experiences and people to hang on to during their most trying times at war.
ReplyDeleteI love two things especially in your week's blog: first, you continually use your sites to reflect on the novel, something that sometimes gets lost in this blogging process. Second, you framed your images in interesting and often usual and dramatic fashion. Really nice!
ReplyDeleteI really like how you related Briony and Cecilia's relationship to Florence and Parthenope's relationship. Its one that is very similar that we may not have noticed immediately but I'm glad you noted it.
ReplyDeleteYour photography is superb.
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