Pages 253- 297
I think it is kind of ironic that Briony has decided to be a war nurse. Aren't nurses suppose to heal and help mend broken objects and emotions? Briony damaged her family and now she is trying to help others through the guilt she feels from her past. She realizes after having to treat wounds and scars that she can not undo the damage that happened. And that scars will always be left and are very hard to remove or can't be removed at all. This is a metaphor of not just the "scars" she left on Robbie and Cecilia, but the "scars" she left on her relationship with her family. I believe this is the reason for the title "atonement". She is trying to forgive and make amends to all of the destruction she has brought for the ones she loves. The question is, will they forgive her or not?
Hm further questions might be, is there really anything she can do to earn forgiveness? Why this road rather than saying, "I lied?" Another question might be has Briony suffered? Can there be redemption without suffering?
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