--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: How can a novelist achieve atonement…" description: "\"How can a novelist achieve atonement when, with her absolute power of deciding outcomes, she is also God? There is no one, no entity or higher form tha..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/194/ian-mcewan-494_absolute-power_how-can-a-novelist-achieve-atonement-whe_2592854.png" --- # How can a novelist achieve atonement when, with her… ![“How can a novelist achieve atonement when, with her absolute power of deciding outcomes, she is also God? There is no one, no entity or higher form that she can appeal to, or be reconciled with, or that can forgive her. There is nothing outside her. In her imagination she has set the limits and…” quote by Ian Mcewan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/194/ian-mcewan-494_absolute-power_how-can-a-novelist-achieve-atonement-whe_2592854.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/194/ian-mcewan-494_absolute-power_how-can-a-novelist-achieve-atonement-whe_2592854.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/194/ian-mcewan-494_absolute-power_how-can-a-novelist-achieve-atonement-whe_2592854.png) > “How can a novelist achieve atonement when, with her absolute power of deciding outcomes, she is also God? There is no one, no entity or higher form that she can appeal to, or be reconciled with, or that can forgive her. There is nothing outside her. In her imagination she has set the limits and the terms. No atonement for God, or novelists, even if they are atheists. It was always an impossible task, and that was precisely the point. The attempt was all.” [Ian Mcewan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-mcewan/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The novelist, as creator, cannot seek forgiveness from a higher power because she holds absolute authority over her story; the struggle itself is the purpose. **In simple terms:** A writer cannot ask for forgiveness from a higher power because she create is purpose..The purpose is the struggle itself. Key Takeaway Recognize that the act of writing is its own resolution. Themes creativity authority existentialism Mood thoughtful introspective Type philosophical literary When to use this quote - writing a novel - self‑reflection - ethical storytelling Key Concepts metafiction authorial responsibility theology Questions to Reflect On - Can a creator find peace without external absolution? - What does responsibility mean when you control all outcomes? A Different Perspective The notion of atonement may be irrelevant when the writer is the ultimate authority. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Absolute power](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/absolute-power/) [Atheist](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/atheist/) [Atonement](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/atonement/) [Forgiving](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/forgiving/) [Imagination](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/imagination/) [Limits](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/limits/) [Novelists](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/novelists/) ## Related quotes > [How can a novelist achieve atonement when with her absolute power of deciding outcomes, she is also god?](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/ian-mcewan/how-can-a-novelist-achieve-atonement-when-with-her-absolute-power-of/) [Ian Mcewan](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/ian-mcewan/) > [It is by virtue of the atonement that God can maintain His justice and yet demonstrate His mercy...](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/r-c-sproul/it-is-by-virtue-of-the-atonement-that-god-can-maintain-his-justice/) [R. 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