Through a critical reading of an excerpt from Ian McEwan's novel Atonement, it is possible to identify many formal and stylized characteristics that contribute to the success with which the novel conveys its themes to the audience readers. Some of the techniques used in this specific excerpt include intertextuality, literal allusions, and foreshadowing. Through the analysis of these techniques the importance of critical analysis for a writer will be made clear. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay McEwan uses intertextuality in this chapter to enhance Robbie's worldview and make clear to readers how Robbie processes his changing feelings for Cecilia. McEwan references several literary texts that define the way Robbie thinks about society, love, and politics. By listing the types of books scattered throughout Robbie's sparse home, McEwan manages to paint a picture of Robbie's upbringing, interests and opinions. The reference to the Gray's Anatomy book and the description of the anatomical drawing of Robbie's hand shows his deep interest in medicine when McEwan says: "he had set himself the task of drawing and memorizing the bones of the hand". "The cast of Twelfth Night on the college lawn, himself as Malvolio, with garters crossed" is a literary allusion to Shakespeare's play Twelfth Night and exemplifies the way Robbie views love, particularly through his portrayal of Malvolio who, like Robbie, had prioritized his honorable and humble upbringing and avoided worldly things until he fell in love. Likewise, Robbie writes a vivid and unusual letter to Cecilia because of the inexplicable love he feels for her, which paves the way for his downfall. McEwan is able to allow readers to gain insight into the way Robbie has experienced life thus far and, therefore, allows them to make sense of the unusual letter he writes to Cecilia. McEwan uses this chapter to allow his readers a deeper insight into Robbie as a person thus garnering their sympathy for him for the following trials and tribulations to come. McEwan describes Robbie's upbringing as modest and honest, along with that of Cecilia and Briony, who grew up in wealth and comfort. Robbie has accepted his place in society and is almost indignant in making it clear that this doesn't bother him in the slightest. “He liked people to know he didn't care – here's my mother's employer's daughter,” reveals how Robbie hasn't let his past get in his way. McEwan demonstrates Robbie's free mind and strong will as he says: "He had his politics to protect him, his scientifically based theories of class and his rather forced self-assurance." Through this description of Robbie, McEwan demonstrates Robbie's independence and relentlessness in hopes of making the most of the opportunities he has been given, thus allowing readers to support him and empathize with him for the rest of the novel. McEwan uses foreshadowing in this chapter to create symmetry in his novel and further solidify the novel's themes in the minds of his readers. As Robbie contemplates the reasons behind Cecilia's actions, McEwan introduces the novel's recurring theme of humiliation. “The idea was to humiliate him. There it is, the undeniable fact. Humiliation. She wanted it from him. She wasn't just sweetness, and he couldn't afford to be condescending to her, because she was a force, she could take him out of his depths and push him under", which foreshadows the way Robbie's future will be.