View a FREE sample

This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. What kind of writer does Briony become at this point?

2. Where does Lola see Briony, thus realizing that the play is dead?

3. What does Robbie do for the Tallis family?

4. What does Lola not want the answer to #54 to talk about around her brothers?

5. To what age does Robbie's imagination take him as he is thinking about his and Cecilia's future?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Briony relieved when everyone leaves her alone in the nursery?

2. What is Robbie thinking of as he soaks in a bathtub?

3. What does Robbie presume will happen in relation to the funding for his future schooling?

4. Who pronounces the unthinkable word, "divorce?"

5. What has fallen into disrepair, according to the narrative in this section?

6. What is Briony's reaction to her big brother when he approaches her?

7. Describe the state of Cecilia at the beginning of this section.

8. What does Briony realize to be one of the strengths of writing for drama?

9. What is the name of the play Briony has been trying to prepare for a few days?

10. What does Cecilia's father disapprove of which she does in spite of this disapproval?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The idea of atonement is not a surprising theme, given the title of the book.

Part 1: Who is the character that decides he/she needs to atone for his/her sins?

Part 2: Why does this character feel the way he/she does?

Part 3: Do you think this character is genuine in his/her desire to make things right? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

The ending of Atonement is one that can be confusing to the reader, as Briony is the one telling the tale.

Part 1: What are the two endings to the story of Atonement?

Part 2: Which ending seems to be "real" in terms of the storytelling? Which one is more believable?

Part 3: What do you think happens to Cecilia and Robbie at the end of this story?

Essay Topic 3

The library scene between Robbie and Cecilia is one that can shock readers, while also causing them to learn more about these two characters and their feelings for each other.

Part 1: Why do you think this scene was narrated by Robbie instead of Cecilia?

Part 2: How did you feel about Robbie before the scene? After the scene?

Part 3: How does this scene show the true feelings between these two characters?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 609 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample