A Psychological Analysis of Ian McEwan's Atonement

As a comprehensive outlook on human mentality Russell’s philosophy of happiness can be generally applied to analyses of a person’s psychological state. It is true of Briony the heroine of Ian McEWan’s Atonement. Consumed by detrimental sentiments Briony is overweighed with the burden of atonement for life despite all her longings for serene happiness. This book expands on the destitution of happiness in Briony’s family work and life. It also dwells on the fabrication of happiness in terms of Briony’s obsession with self-perfection social recognition and controlling power. It dilates on the tantalization of happiness from aspects of the plague of ignorance envy and the sense of inferiority. And it elaborates on the extinction of happiness issued from the incessant torment of guilty conscience and further approaches the possibility of achieving innermost salvation plus spiritual happiness via resignation. Through probing into the process of Briony’s futile conquest of happiness this book attempts to afford a new dimension to the interpretation of the profundity of human psychology and human nature veiled in Atonement.