Through a critical reading of an extract from the novel Atonement by Ian McEwan, many formal and stylized features can be identified that contribute to the success with which the novel presents its themes to the public. readers. Some of the techniques used in this specific excerpt include intertextuality, literal allusions, and foreshadowing. Through the analysis of these techniques, the importance of critical analysis for a writer will be highlighted. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay McEwan uses intertextuality in this chapter to enhance Robbie's worldview and show readers how Robbie deals with his changing feelings for Cecilia. McEwan references several literary texts that define Robbie's way of thinking about society, love, and politics. By listing the types of books scattered throughout Robbie's inadequate home, McEwan manages to paint a picture of Robbie's upbringing, interests, and opinions. The reference to Gray's Anatomy and Robbie's description of the anatomical drawing of the hand show his deep interest in medicine when McEwan says, "he set himself the task of drawing and memorizing the bones of the hand." "The cast of Twelfth Night on the college lawn, himself as Malvolio, with garters" is a literary allusion to the Shakespearean play Twelfth Night and illustrates Robbie's view of love, in particularly through its portrayal of Malvolio who, like Robbie, had prioritized his honorable and humble upbringing and avoided worldly materials until he fell in love. Likewise, Robbie writes a graphic and unusual letter to Cecilia due to the inexplicable love he has for her, which sets the stage for his downfall. McEwan is able to give readers insight into how Robbie has experienced life up to this point and therefore allows them to make sense of the unusual letter he writes to Cecilia. McEwan uses this chapter to give his readers a better understanding of Robbie. a person thereby garnering their sympathy for him for the subsequent trials and tribulations to come. McEwan describes Robbie's upbringing, modest and honest, alongside that of Cecilia and Briony, who grew up in wealth and comfort. Robbie has accepted his place in society and is almost indignant, pointing out that it doesn't phase him at all. “He liked people to know that he didn't care – here's my mother's employer's daughter,” reveals how Robbie didn't let his past bother him. McEwan demonstrates Robbie's free spirit and strong will when he says, "He had his politics to protect him, his scientifically based class theories, and his own rather forced self-certainty." Through this description of Robbie, McEwan demonstrates Robbie's independence and relentlessness in hoping to make the most of the opportunities he has been given, thus allowing readers to support and empathize with him him throughout the novel. McEwan uses foreshadowing in this chapter. to create symmetry in his novel and further solidify the themes of the novel in the minds of his readers. As Robbie ponders the reasons behind Cecilia's actions, McEwan introduces the recurring theme of humiliation into the novel. “The idea was to humiliate him. There it was, the undeniable fact. Humiliation. She wanted it from him. She was no mere softness, and he could not afford to condescend to her, for she was a force, she could pull him out of his depths and push him down.".