Briony's Childhood Crush on Robbie

Explores Briony's childhood infatuation with Robbie, which contributes to her later jealousy and false accusation.

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The swimming lesson

The Declaration The River When Briony is ten, Robbie takes her to the river for a swimming lesson. She jumps in and pretends to drown, testing whether he will save her. He does, and she declares her love for him. The Rejection Robbie is amused and dismissive. He tells her she is too young to understand love. Briony is hurt but does not show it. She buries her feelings, but they resurface later. The Seed Briony's childhood crush on Robbie is the seed of her later jealousy. When she sees him with Cecilia, she feels betrayed. Her accusation is partly motivated by a desire to punish him for rejecting her.

The fantasy

The Unrequited Love The Secret Briony nurtures her crush in secret. She writes stories about love and romance. She imagines Robbie as a hero. She does not tell anyone about her feelings. The Jealousy When she sees Robbie and Cecilia together, she feels jealous. She has been replaced. Her childhood fantasy is shattered. She cannot accept that Robbie loves her sister, not her. The Revenge Briony's false accusation is a form of revenge. She destroys Robbie because she cannot have him. Her love turns to hate. The childhood crush becomes a destructive force.

June 1932

1932-1935