Real or Simulations of Real: An Explorative study on Ian McEwan’s Atonement.

Abstract

A culture of hyper reality has become a defining feature of the postmodern era. One’s perceptions on reality is being controlled by media manipulation. Postmodern generation rather prefer simulations of the real than the real. Even the distinction of both constantly gets merged. It is the French philosopher Jean Baudrillard who called this postmodern condition hyperreality. This postmodern trend can be vividly witnessed in the literature of the era as they are reflections of the society in which they took their form. Ian McEwan’s works, especially the most critically acclaimed work Atonement, is a perfect example of the play of the real and simulations of the real. The novel presents the obsessions with imagination for gratification in life. This paper is a study on the contemporary fascination with fantastic rather than real as a way to escape the harsh state of affairs that the very reality can bring in.