Coming of Age as a Writer

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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. 

Coming of Age as a Believer and a Skeptic

 Religion is full of big ideas, thoughts, and theories that can be hard to grasp. It can take anyone from being a skeptic to a believer - or the other way around. In the novel, Sebastian didn't quite know what he believed in, just that it pleased his family. 

In some cases, finding out what you believe in requires throwing your soul through every open door; it's sometimes necessary to see what's out there - but it's hard. 

 Baptismal fonts are symbolic of renewal, rejuvenation, and replenishing. In Brideshead Revisited, the fountain is used to exemplify all of these things. 

 The fountain in the novel is from Italy, the home of Roman Catholicism - the religion Charles eventually turns to. His time as a soldier brings to light many things for him.

 There are many things one can choose to believe: religion, nation, power, wealth, prestige. What's important is that something in your life shines bright and gives you direction. 

 Walking through mazes or darkened archways can be intimidating - much like trying to grapple with new ideas about religion. The first few steps are often the hardest.

Your path is your own. Oftentimes, you just have to set out and go, with as few reservations as possible, to see where you end up. It was important for both Charles and Sebastian to realize this.