Cecelia In John Steinbeck's Atonement '
It is a common phenomenon that the richer refuses his daughter or son to marry with a poor one. The social status is the first obstacle to deal with. In the atonement, Cecelia is always enjoying life rich when she was born, and her father is in prominent position. It was obviously clear that Cecelia live in a dominant upper class and she shares a patronizing and condescending attitude towards Robbie with her families. Robbie is just a son of the housekeeper in the Cecelia’s home. Robbie is from the low class, love Cecelia is asking for the moon. He could not express his love until he is completely independent and enough equal to match Cecelia.
Cecelia and Robbie study the same university, but Cecelia is afraid that people around her laugh her
if they know Robbie and her know each other. They always keep distance from each other, which made uncertain love for themselves. As for Cecelia’s father has subsidized Robbie’s education all his life, he determine to pay back, which is contradiction between them. When Cecelia asks “why do you want to be a doctor”, Robbie breaks off, and seriously answers “Look, I’ve agreed to pay your father back. That’s the arrangement.” (2002:27)
When Robbie is testified as a rapist by Briony, people except his mother and Cecelia have other choice but believe in Briony. Firstly, Briony’s social status put herself in a powerful position than Robbie. Secondly, as a child, there is no reason for her to lie. It is inequitable apparently that the police would investigate if Robbie claimed as upper class that he did not do that. It is an irresponsible testimony under the prejudice and public pressure because of the speaker’s intention and linguistic environment.
Cecelia and Robbie study the same university, but Cecelia is afraid that people around her laugh her
if they know Robbie and her know each other. They always keep distance from each other, which made uncertain love for themselves. As for Cecelia’s father has subsidized Robbie’s education all his life, he determine to pay back, which is contradiction between them. When Cecelia asks “why do you want to be a doctor”, Robbie breaks off, and seriously answers “Look, I’ve agreed to pay your father back. That’s the arrangement.” (2002:27)
When Robbie is testified as a rapist by Briony, people except his mother and Cecelia have other choice but believe in Briony. Firstly, Briony’s social status put herself in a powerful position than Robbie. Secondly, as a child, there is no reason for her to lie. It is inequitable apparently that the police would investigate if Robbie claimed as upper class that he did not do that. It is an irresponsible testimony under the prejudice and public pressure because of the speaker’s intention and linguistic environment.