On Ethical Relationships In Ian McEwan’s Atonement

Atonement (2001) is a representative work of Ian McEwan and an exploration of humanities with deep reflection on ethical relationships. Although the perspective of ethical relationships in Atonement is a field comprising extensive scholarship, there exists no inclusive and systematic study on ethical relations in this book. This thesis centers on the theme of atonement and aims to decode family relations, romantic relationships, and social relationships during wartime, as well as investigates the process of reconciliation and the rebuilding of broken connections on the road towards redemption.This thesis consists of five parts. The Introduction begins with a discussion on McEwan and Atonement, and then summarizes literature review on Atonement both in China and abroad, which has inspired the argument of this thesis. It furthermore presents the structure of the thesis.Chapter One dwells on the relations among family members and displays how they reintegrate after a traumatic experience. The fragmentation of families finds expression in the estrangement of couples, disconnection between parents and children as well as in lack of emotional link among siblings. The reunion reestablishes previously destroyed connections, which highlights the redemptive strength of individuals.Chapter Two elaborates on romantic relationships and focuses on two pairs of lovers exhibiting the interplay between love and morality. Robbie and Cecilia demonstrate a combination of free and equal souls. Marshall is attached to Lola by sexual desire while Lola is seduced by his material wealth. The completely different outcomes of their love lead readers to reflect on the driving forces behind their love and bonds of love, which account for their respective remedial behavior.Chapter Three delves into the complicated social relationships in war and traces the main thread of Robbie’s war experience and Briony’s nursing experience in a field hospital. Ethical relationship evolves and shapes ethical identity, making people retrospect on past deeds and seek to repair broken ties. After Robbie is arrested, the identities of the main characters change drastically and they all embark on a redemption journey to rebuild the long lost connections. Robbie’s struggle between egoism and altruism and Briony’s act of kindness to strangers echo their striving for higher moral integrity and this serves as a microcosm of the individuals’ mental experience in wartime.In view of the analysis above, the thesis comes to the conclusion that fragmented families are reconstructed at last, love survives and a more moral self is cultivated. This is best exemplified by Briony. McEwan’s aspiration for moral atonement of individuals and the whole society emerges as the story progresses. Meta-fictional ending suggests that when relating to moral judgment it is advisable to adopt a holistic view. The complex interactions between family members, lovers and strangers reveal the redemptive potential of characters and impel us to understand Atonement in a broader sense.