Character comparison!

From further reading of ‘The Kite Runner’ by Khaled Hosseini i can see many comparison points between Amir (the novels protagonist) and Briony- the central character in ‘Atonement’. 

Both characters make life altering mistakes as children that follow them into adulthood. These crimes have devostating consequences on their family; In both novels we see the characters maturing in their quest for redemption. In ‘The Kite Runner’ this is done through a first person narrative by Amir, however in ‘Atonement’ there is multiple different narratives.

After finishing the first section of ‘The Kite Runner’ I can see some differences in the errors both protagonists made. The two characters had different reasons for framing Robbie and Hassan for crimes they did not commit. Amir in ‘The Kite Runner’ was fully aware of Hassan’s rape and his guilt led him to betray his friend. Whereas Briony’s crime could be down to her misinterpreting situations due to her childhood innocence. Another difference is how the two children deal with their guilt. Amir’s character spent years doing nothing to make amends, whereas Briony’s character became a nurse in the war. I think this is significant as she aims to save lives to make up for the ones she has ruined. 

Atonement’s narrative ends with Briony’s perspective. After finding out about Robbie and Cecila’s death the reader can infer that she wrote the apartment scene to give  them a happy ending. This was her attempt atone her sins! Similarly to ‘Atonement’, Amir also aims to make amends after he is told “There is a way to be good again”. This is the section I am up to at the moment, but from reading the novel previously I know that… After not being able to have a family of his own, which could be seen as punishment, Amir was able to adopt Hassan’s child. This achieved redemption and let his character be at peace with himself; just like Briony is at the end of ‘Atonement’.

These are a few comparison points I have come up with after starting to reread ‘The Kite Runner’. I am excited to finish the book while I am on holiday as I am enjoying the second read even more than the first! I am also hoping that this will be my second coursework book!

My first coursework book!

After 2 weeks away in Wales and Yorkshire (picture above) I have had time to finish reading ‘Atonement’! I have decided that this is going to be the first of my two coursework books. Alongside this I have also been looking at the study guide and making some notes about parts of the novel I could write about. 

While I was away I also got the chance to start rereading ‘The Kite Runner’. I have started to draw parallels between the novels and their characters and I am hoping this will be my second coursework book. Some of the similarities/ differences I have thought of so far  include: the settings of war, the mistakes that the protagonist makes as a child and the themes of redemption and guilt. 

Overall I really enjoyed the reading of Atonemnet and especially finding out about Briony in part 3. I am also hoping to finish reading ‘The Kite Runner’ soon (which I have loved rereading so far). 

‘Atonement’- Part 2

In the past few days I have finished part two of Atonement! I found the descriptions of interesting and I think Ian McEwan conveyed the horrors and emotions of war well. I read part of a critical analysis alongside my reading of part two; one idea that I liked from this was that the chaos in war reflects the chaos caused by Briony’s ‘crime’ and the suffering that Robbie has faced.

Overall I did still prefer part one however I am looking forward to the ending of the novel. I am particularly looking forward to reading about Briony to see her transition from childhood to adulthood. Watch this space for my final views on the book.

Initial views on ‘Atonement’

I started reading ‘Atonement’ by Ian McEwan a while ago but picked it up again on my recent holiday and restarted it. I was hoping to finish the novel on holiday but I ran out of time due to revising and relaxing! 

I have really enjoyed reading the novel and I am currently half way through part two. On my first reading of the opening chapters I was confused by the story line. However on my second reading it became clearer and I was gripped by the mystery of the twin’s disappearance and the plot twist about Robbie. I was instantly drawn to the child narration of Briony Tallis and her characters naive perception of the ‘crime’ committed. I also liked the character of Cecilia who I feel many people my age could relate to. From what I have read so far I think the time jump in part two lacks the suspense and mystery of part one; but I still find it an interesting story line and am intrigued about how the novel will end.

I chose to read this book as the theme of childhood is what I am looking to write about in my course work. I am enjoying the novel so far and am looking forward to finding out the fate of Briony, Robbie and Cecilia. I will write an update soon on my opinions of part three and the book as a whole as I am planning to finish it over the next few days.

(This was meant to be published on 05/07/16 however it deleted an I had to retype it)