Atonement Essay

Through changing the form and genre of a text, the meaning can also be altered and interpreted differently. Film adaptations can often intentionally or unintentionally alter the authors intended meaning. In the library scene, in the novel ‘Atonement’ by Ian McEwan and the film of the same name, directed by Joe Wright, the changes that take place; that of adapting the narrative, characterisation and filming techniques, though quite subtle changes they have an immense impact on the way that the events are interpreted and perceived by the viewer and the meanings that are communicated to the audience.
The library scene marks of the beginning of Cecelia and Robbie’s relationship as lovers, they engage in an act of love in the corner of the library, this is seen by 13 year old Briony, who immediately assumes her sister is being attacked. The scene although it is quite a true representation in the sense of dialogue, setting and key moments the film adaptation which attempts to recreate the scene looses key elements in the process of adaption.
One of the more subtle changes that takes place in this scene is the characterisation of Briony. In the novel McEwan presents Briony as a strong willed, highly imaginative and brave child. This is achieved through the imagery and ability of the reader to grasp an entire understanding of her inner thoughts and motivations, though detailed descriptions. Upon entering the library, Briony is not expecting anything out of the ordinary, however with the conclusions she had drawn, from her prior knowledge of the letter and what she had witnessed at the fountain, her understanding of events causes her to assume the worst of the situation, ‘...she had no particular expectations as she placed her hand on the brass handle and turned it. But she had seen Robbie’s letter, she had cast herself as her sister’s protector, and she had been instructed by her cousin; what she knew must have been shaped in part by what she already knew, or believed