Coming of Age as a Writer During War

The Magna Carta influenced the writing of many other documents, including the Declaration of Independence, revealing how writers, such as Briony, have an ability to influence the thinking of others.

During the war many children were evacuated and took to writing to keep in touch with their families, much like Cecilia and Robbie did.

Growing up in a time of war, people were told to "carry on as normal."

Florence Nightingale wrote poetry in her journal, revealing her highly structured and organized nature, similar to Briony's personality.

Nightingale considered her role a calling from God while Briony compared herself to God as a writer.

Coming of Age as a Traveler

John Soane opened up his home to his students so they could understand the significance of the Grand Tour through Greek, Roman, and Egyptian influences.

John Soane Museum

http://www.soane.org/whats-on/evening-opening/sensational-lates-scent

This scene depicts the local beauty of Venice that a traveler (rather than a tourist) would hope to see.

National Gallery

A Regatta on the Grand Canal, Canaletto (about 1740)

A wise traveler, like this man, travels to expand their worldview.

National Gallery

An Old Man holding a Pilgrim-Bottle, unknown artist (1650s)

Turner's painting clearly illustrates a tourist's expectations of the ideal view of Italy.

Tate Britain

The Dogano, San Giorgio, Citella, from the Steps of the Europa, JMW Turner (1842)

This painting creates an imaginary scene that combines past and present views to convey the significance of history and beauty to travelers.

Tate Britain

Rome from the Vatican. Raffaelle, Accompanied by La Fornarina, Preparing his Pictures for the Decoration of the Loggia, JMW Turner (1820)

Coming of Age as a Skeptic and Believer

To believers, holy water provides a spiritual cleansing.

Growing up as a skeptic in a religious family, such as Sebastian, people come across some daunting religious symbols and sayings that further conflict them.

This reminds me of when Sebastian dips his fingers in the holy water of the chapel, makes the sign of the cross, and genuflects with Charles copying him to be polite. This process is very symbolic to believers, but can be just a formality to skeptics (such as Sebastian and Charles).

The crowns reveal the religious power of monarchs as Head of Church.

This painting reveals Henry VIII's departure from Catholicism due to his disagreement with the Pope (as a Catholic skeptic he founded the Church of England to which he became a believer).

A Protestant Allegory by Girolamo da Treviso

Coming of Age as a Worker

Foundlings lived in strict conditions to prepare them for their futures as domestic workers (females) or soldiers (males).

Growing up in a class-based society, foundlings were often exposed to verbal abuse, much like Jane Eyre.

During the Victorian era, women grew up with their society repeatedly drilling into them the idea that their survival was dependent on men and if they gave in to their sexual desires, they were destined for a life on the streets (Past and Present No. 3, Augustus Leopold Egg).

Domestic workers, such as governesses, lived poor, confined lives in which they followed their master's orders.

Throughout the restricted Victorian era, many workers (including Jane Eyre) longed for their freedom.