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Dramatic Irony
Part 1, Chapter 4
Explanation and Analysis—Come Back:
On the surface, Cecilia appears free-spirited, stubborn, and selfish. However, as the novel progresses, the reader comes to see her as the emotional, caretaking core of the Tallis family. This can be traced through the motif of the phrase "come back," a formulation that Cecilia uses in various moments and flashbacks to protect, reassure, and support the people she loves. For Briony, the words represent the coveted yet long-lost comfort of her older sister's care.
McEwan first introduces the "come back" formulation in the fourth chapter. Witnessing Briony's frustration, Cecilia feels the desire to "comfort her sister." This sparks a brief flashback:
When she was small and prone to nightmares—those terrible screams in the night—Cecilia used to go to her room and wake her. Come back, she used to whisper. It’s only a dream. Come back.
Related Themes:
Part 2
Explanation and Analysis—Come Back:
On the surface, Cecilia appears free-spirited, stubborn, and selfish. However, as the novel progresses, the reader comes to see her as the emotional, caretaking core of the Tallis family. This can be traced through the motif of the phrase "come back," a formulation that Cecilia uses in various moments and flashbacks to protect, reassure, and support the people she loves. For Briony, the words represent the coveted yet long-lost comfort of her older sister's care.
McEwan first introduces the "come back" formulation in the fourth chapter. Witnessing Briony's frustration, Cecilia feels the desire to "comfort her sister." This sparks a brief flashback:
Unlock with LitCharts A+When she was small and prone to nightmares—those terrible screams in the night—Cecilia used to go to her room and wake her. Come back, she used to whisper. It’s only a dream. Come back.
Related Themes:
