Don't be so Quick to Judge... Jacob Lee

Don’t be so Quick to Judge

Jacob Lee

       Briony can be seen as a complete brat of a kid or seen as a humble high class woman who is very talented at writing. The question is what parts of the novel are just a simulation and which parts aren’t, this will help differentiate between her real and made up actions. This paper will assume part one is semi true and was the inspiration for her novel. Part two is also semi true as corporal Nettle and Brinoy have sent letters back and forth to gain information on Robbie during the war. Part three is completely made up and Briony tells that to the reader in part four: “it is only in this last version that my lovers end well, standing side by side on a South London pavement as I walk away” (pg 350). And the reason she made this part up will be explored later to show how she is a very caring woman. Part four, or “London, 1999” is the only part in which it is certain that the truth is being told.

       In part one Briony has merely been one of the contributors to the problem, most see her as the main source of the problem but that just isn't true. The real culprits are the adults around her lying and going along with her story. When you see a child screaming in the supermarket you usually think that it’s the parent’s fault for having their child act in such a way, the same goes for the Tallis family. Briony’s parents go along with her plays and books and encourage her to be fanciful and think around the real and twist it into her own fantasy. Her family should be more realistic and consider all of the possibilities before making such a strong accusation. Paul Marshall and Lola are also to blame. They stood idle while an innocent man was sent to jail. They made have had an ulterior motive for doing what they have done but that doesn't change that what they did was wrong. All in all Briony was innocent; she was encouraged by her parents and set to blame by the reader who might have not seen her as the immature child she actually was.

       In the last two parts Briony is a very caring woman and understands what she did wrong and decides to make a book where the couple “survive to love” (pg 350). Part three was all made up but for good reason. Briony writes this part in to give the reader a warm feeling and to give herself the opportunity to show the reader that she can fantasize and the end result will be a happy ending. Why should Briony be shamed for something she did as a child, especially since she’s trying to write her wrongs.
She should also be admired for her good morals. She refuses to change the names in her book in order to finally come out with the real truth and refuses to do it in order carry out her “atonement”. She also doesn't blame anyone else for her actions and in her old age she takes full responsibility for what shes done.

The only reason someone could despise Briony is because they’re too quick to judge. Take a look into her deeper character and realize how she recognizes what she did wrong and she uses her great talent to redeem herself to leave her family of friends fond memories of her and the tragic couple.

       Comment on Heather’s Blog
I really understood the connection she made between Hamlet and Briony. Her self-demotion to make her look like the bad guy, much like Hamlet did when he pretended to be insane. That leads to another thing to like about her, she never tried to cover up her mistake. She could easily have written herself out of the trouble she was in but didn't using another technique Heather talked about, writing. Heather talks about how she uses her strength in writing to right the wrong and it’s very admirable for her to do this instead of using what she’s good at for the wrong reasons.