Date of Award
2013
Degree Name
English
College
College of Liberal Arts
Type of Degree
M.A.
Document Type
Thesis
First Advisor
John K. Young
Second Advisor
Jill Treftz
Third Advisor
Walter Squire
Abstract
Mainly focusing on postmodern literary theory, I will analyze Ian McEwan’s Atonement and suggest how it becomes a simulacrum due to the protagonist, Briony Tallis taking control of authorship from McEwan and expressing how she is the author of the text. Because Briony negates an important aspect of the novel, hyperreality occurs. This thesis will look at the role McEwan plays as author of Atonement, how main characters Robbie and Cecelia take part within this fictional world and how they become aware of an authorial presence within their lives, how Briony takes ultimate control of the pen and appoints herself into the authorial role, and finally how her text is a simulacrum due to her acts as author.
Subject(s)
McEwan, Ian. Atonement - Criticism and interpretation.
Recommended Citation
Nelson, Marissa Danaé, "The Interplay of Authorial Control and Readerly Judgments in Ian McEwan's Atonement" (2013). Theses, Dissertations and Capstones. 541.
https://mds.marshall.edu/etd/541
