Just saw Atonement and while beautifully shot and well acted I can't let go of one plot element

[Mike Daniels]

and it's the element that's sets the last half of the movie in motion.

Given that the younger sister obviously misread two interactions between Robbie and her sister why does it appear that no-one (outside of the sister)questions her identification of Robbie as the assailant.

One would think that Cecelia would have given the true account of the water fountain and library incidents and the note while definitely crude would seem to not be as damning when placed alongside Cecelia's account or even the letter that Robbie really meant to send.

Does the book go into more detail to explain how Briony's word is accepted over Cecilia's or is it just one of those things you're supposed to gloss over in light of the greater tragedy of the characters.

[soleft]

1. I thought perhaps the victim went along with the story as well

[Mike Daniels]

2. The victim allows herself to be talked into fingering Robbie

The victim initially tells Briony that she didn't know who her attacker was and Briony persuades her that it was Robbie. Again, based strictly on Briony's misperception of what she's seen/read.

Perhaps one has to take into account the standards of the time that would have led one to unquestionably believe children of privilege over the account of a "peasant".

[soleft]

3. it's interesting that

in the fantasy reconcilliation, Cecelia assumes that the real assailant was another worker from the estate, and is shocked to learn it was actually the candy factory owner.

[NashVegas]

6. Well, Robbie Wasn't a Peasant, Exactly

But it's likely that he wasn't expected to marry into the family. Jail would have been an easy way to get rid of him in that circumstance.

Still ... the fact that Robbie was writing pornographic letters to an *adult* woman, and that the letter made it very clear that he was excited by the thought of her arousal, you'd think that would go in his favor, wouldn't you?

[applegrove]

4. I never read the book but the mother seemed disengaged and not

on top of things.

[gristd2]

5. agreed

this movie was beautiful! I questioned the validity given to Britony's word as well, but figured Cecilia's account would be considered bias to everyone else

did you hear about the movie "Bonneville" as well? It's supposed to have just as wonderfully tragic characters, but be significantly more upbeat.

[cemaphonic]

7. A couple things: (from the book - haven't seen the movie yet)

1) Briony is an *eyewitness* to the attack itself. A deluded one to be sure, but she is totally firm on her identification. The police actually don't entirely seem to believe her account at first, and are continually questioning her, and giving her opportunities to change her story. But the grilling actually seems to reinforce the assailant's identity in her mind, and eventually the police conclude that she is telling the truth. Cecilia doesn't have an alternate account or an alibi to offer.

2) The British class thing. Robbie is not only the son of "hired help," but is also one that has benefited from the patronage of the father. Not only are the police and family more willing to believe that he is more capable of rape than the upper class, but the act itself is elevated to a sort of betrayal of the family.

3) The mother dislikes him, and the father was not there that night.