1.) Cecilia holds the secret that she loves Robbie. It's not a secret in the private no-one knows sense, but it the beginnings of their romance are a secret to them. For example there scene in the library, Briony thought Cecilia was being attacked, but the truth and the secret between Cecilia and Robbie is that it was true love "She meant the library, of course. It was theirs. No one could take it away. "It's our secret." she called out, in front of them all, just before the slam of the door." (250)
2.) This secret could be compared to the secret that Lola keeps from everyone in that it was not Robbie who raped her but Paul. Lola's secret only benefits her and harms everyone else. Robbie's and Cecilia's secret does not harm anyone and helps them foster a relationship. Both secrets change the course of lives, Lola goes on to marry Paul because she is not forced to disclose their objectionable affair "Given all that had happened, and all its terrible consequences it was frivolous, she knew, but Briony took calm pleasure in delivering her clinching news "(327). Robbie and Cecilia are allowed to build off of the foundation they built in the library.
3.) Understanding the secret is absolutely necessary. The reader learns to hate Lola and sympathize with Cecilia because of this secret. Lola goes along with a lie even though it sends an innocent man to jail. Cecilia clings to a memory to hold on to Robbie through years of being apart. This secret holds the entire novel together and shows character traits and flaws.
No comments:
Post a Comment