Briony lives along with her mother and sister in their family's country side estate. The movie begins by allowing the viewer to see the Tallis' mansion up close as well as their luscious grounds and beautiful landscaping. The Tallis' estate shows wealth and power to the members who live within. Robbie Turner, Cecilia's lover - leads a different life style than the Tallis' family. He lives in a small house down the road with his mother. There is a major class difference between the Tallis' and Turner's - this is shown throughout Atonement by the setting and landscape. Robbie lives in a small home while Cecilia lives in a large estate, because of this significant class difference Robbie is misunderstood by the Tallis family and is not considered as good enough for their daughter, Cecilia. When Robbie accidentally sends Cecilia the letter which contains the "c-word", the Tallis family is led to believe that this was in no way any sort of mistake because of where he lives, and his level of social class. The setting and landscape in Atonement further the theme of misunderstanding and misperception. The Tallis family views Robbie Turner as less of a person and socially unfit because of the location in which he lives and the family he comes from.
