What happened between Robbie and Cecilia at the fountain?

What happened between Robbie and Cecilia at the fountain?

The more obvious explanation—that they are both desperately flirting—doesn’t occur to her. Cecilia dips the vase in the fountain to get water, and Robbie tries to help her. She refuses, he insists, and they manage between them to break the lip. Two pieces snap from the vase and fall into the fountain.

Why does Briony accuse Robbie?

Briony was thirteen years old when she accused Robbie of raping her cousin Lola. At the time, Briony had so much contempt for Robbie that she let her own personal emotions blur the reality. Despite of her young age, she should have questioned whether the real Robbie Turner would ever commit such heinous acts.

What is the relationship between Robbie and Cecilia like?

Robbie’s family, including Robbie himself, works for Cecilia’s wealthy family. He is a young working-class man, while Cecilia is a privileged daughter of an upper-class family.

Why did Cecilia stop talking to Robbie?

By the time Second World War has started, Robbie has spent several years in prison. He is released on the condition he enlists in the army. Cecilia has trained and become a nurse. She has cut off all contact with her family because of the part they played in sending Robbie to jail.

What does the vase symbolize in Atonement?

Throughout Ian McEwan’s Atonement, the Meissen vase symbolizes the destruction of several seemingly breakable relationships. He was a war hero for risking his life for others and receives the vase as a sign a gratitude.

What kind of a person is Emily Tallis?

She is a relatively hands-free parent, in part because she suffers from debilitating migraines. She is something of a snob, and less enthusiastic than her husband about the Tallis family’s efforts to fund Robbie’s education.

How does Robbie feel about Cecilia in atonement?

He feels Cecilia is restless in that environment and is out to humiliate him. Robbie concludes that Cecilia was also a bit sadistic in her anger, knowing perfectly well what she was up to when she got nearly naked in front of him.

Why did Briony write a letter to Robbie?

As part to get her mind off her parents and brothers and as part for the need to tell someone, Briony shares the contents of the letter with Lola. Lola identifies Robbie as a “maniac” and suggests they go directly to the police.

How is Robbie’s apology in atonement foreshadowed?

Notice how Robbie has difficulty writing his “apology” letter to Cecilia, going through “many drafts” before he is able to come on one he feels is right. This foreshadows Briony’s search for atonement with her “apology” novel and the 64 years and numerous drafts it takes her to complete.

What does Lola say to Robbie in atonement?

Lola identifies Robbie as a “maniac” and suggests they go directly to the police. Lola heads down to dine after being summoned by Emily, Briony stays to fix her hair and face.