Cecilia Tallis is one of the protagonist characters in the novel Atonement. Ian McEwan purposely devises his characters names to reflect their overall personalities as well as their role throughout the novel. Cecilia’s name derived from the Latin origin “a way for the blind.” She embraces this role as “a way for the blind” as she becomes a nurse during World War One. Most war soldiers came back from the front with injures beyond one’s expectations. Amongst them were men who had lost an eye, or a limb; they had lost their soul and even their minds. As a nurse, she finds “a way for the blind” soldiers to recuperate and recover from their battle wounds.
Furthermore her name stems from a Roman family name and literally means to be “blind.” The definition of "blind to" means unwilling or unable to appreciate or notice something apparent to others. Cecilia Tallis has a “blind” spot when it comes to her “unclosed books, unfolded clothes, unmade bed, unemptied ashtrays…” However her mind is preoccupied with thoughts of Robbie Turner, her childhood friend, fellow Cambridge student and potential love interest. She feels “uncomfortable and hot” when she thinks about him. She believes “she hates his inadequacy” but that is merely clouded judgment. As the two characters have grown up together side by side, they adopt new feelings for each other, as they grow older. However they are “blind” about these emotions. Perhaps they are just “blinded” by the idea of love as it is still a foreign concept for them both.
Moreover in Atonement, Cecilia’s character turns her back on her family when they accuse Robbie of rape. She turns a “blind” eye towards her family, especially Briony as she is behind Robbie’s accusation. Briony is the cause of Cecilia’s future unhappiness.
7 comments:
i like how the two meanings of blind are explored fully
Maybe she is also 'blind'. since she fails to notice that Briony has been deeply shocked by Robbie's actions.
If Cecilia would have seen this, then maybe Briony could have been taken care of and she wouldn't have to accuse Robbie.
Perhaps it could make reference to how men go blind for her beauty, as she seems to be someone men admire a lot.
The dual meanings of the name are explored really well, and good examples used too.
some interesting points. I liked the way you explained your points.
Maybe you could add what Charlotte and Christiana have said...
I like how you explored how Cecilia literally does lead the blind, and how she could be turning a blind eye to her family's situations, as well as her feelings towards Robbie. Perhaps Briony could also be one of the 'blind' people she attempts to lead, since she practically takes on the mother role?
I like the how you have explained the connection between Cecilia's character and the the word 'blind', especially how she is 'blinded' to the idea of love.
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