Marxist analysis on The Atonement by Ian McEwan.

 The novel "Atonement" by Ian McEwan tells the story of Briony Tallis, a young girl from a wealthy family, who falsely accuses her sister's lover, Robbie Turner, of a crime he did not commit. The novel explores themes of class, power, and social inequality, making it ripe for analysis using Marxist literary theory.

Marxist literary theory focuses on the ways in which literature reflects and reinforces the dominant ideology of the ruling class. In "Atonement," this is exemplified through the portrayal of the Tallis family, who are members of the British aristocracy, as well as the working-class characters who are subservient to them. The novel is set in England in the 1930s and 1940s, a time of great social and political upheaval, with the country on the brink of war.

The novel's portrayal of the Tallis family can be seen as a reflection of the capitalist ruling class. They are wealthy landowners who live in a grand mansion, surrounded by servants and workers who are subservient to them. The family's wealth and power are passed down through generations, and their social status is reinforced through their education, connections, and inheritance. They are portrayed as living a life of luxury and privilege, while the working-class characters struggle to make ends meet.

The novel also highlights the ways in which the ruling class maintains its power through the control of information and the manipulation of truth. This is exemplified through Briony's false accusation of Robbie, which is a result of her misinterpretation of events, as well as her desire to assert her power and control over her sister and her lover. Briony's position of privilege, as a member of the ruling class, allows her to make accusations without evidence, and to use her social status to have them believed.

Robbie, on the other hand, is a member of the working class, and is shown to be a victim of the social inequality and injustice of the system. He is falsely accused of a crime, despite being innocent, and is imprisoned as a result. His punishment is disproportionate to his crime, and he is unable to defend himself against the accusations made against him. His lack of power and influence in society means that he is unable to assert his innocence or defend himself against the injustice he faces.

The novel also highlights the ways in which the working class are exploited and oppressed by the ruling class. This is exemplified through the portrayal of the characters who work at the Tallis mansion, including the housekeeper, Emily, and the gardener, Danny Hardman. These characters are shown to be subservient to the Tallis family, and are expected to serve them without question. Their labour is exploited for the benefit of the ruling class, and they are denied access to the same opportunities and privileges as the members of the ruling class.

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he novel is set in the early 20th century, during a time of great social change in Britain. The country was recovering from the devastation of World War I, and the economic and political landscape was shifting. The Marxist theory can be used to understand the role of social class and power in the novel, and how these factors affect the lives of the characters.

The main character of the novel is Briony Tallis, who is the daughter of a wealthy and influential family. Briony is a member of the upper class, and her family's wealth and status give her a sense of entitlement and superiority over others. This is evident in her treatment of the lower-class characters in the novel, such as the housekeeper's son Robbie Turner, who she falsely accuses of a crime he did not commit.

The Marxist theory can be used to analyze the power dynamics at play in the novel, and how they affect the relationships between the characters. For example, Briony's false accusation of Robbie can be seen as a reflection of the unequal distribution of power in society. As a member of the upper class, Briony has the power to accuse and condemn Robbie, who is powerless to defend himself.

Furthermore, the novel portrays the struggle of the lower classes to improve their social and economic status. Robbie Turner, who comes from a working-class background, is a prime example of this struggle. He has managed to secure a place at Cambridge University through his own hard work and talent, but he is constantly reminded of his lower status by the attitudes of the upper-class characters in the novel.

The Marxist theory can also be used to analyse the economic conditions of the characters in the novel. The Tallis family's wealth is a reflection of their position in society, and their economic power gives them influence and control over the lives of others. The novel also portrays the economic struggles of the lower classes, such as the housekeeper's family, who are dependent on the Tallis family for their livelihood.

In addition, the political conditions of the time period are reflected in the novel. The shadow of World War I looms over the characters, and the political tensions of the time are evident in the attitudes of the upper-class characters towards war and nationalism. The Marxist theory can be used to analyze how the political climate of the time affects the lives of the characters in the novel.

Overall, the Marxist theory can be applied to 'Atonement' to analyse the social, economic, and political conditions of the characters in the novel. By understanding these factors, we can gain a deeper insight into the motivations and actions of the characters, and the larger social and historical context in which the story takes place.