Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson
             E. M. Forster says that the first thing all novels have in common is that they tell a story. In your experience, what else do novels do? Discuss examples from the novel you have studied.
             In addition to telling a story, novels also communicate a vivid sense of experiences and attitudes to the reader. They do this by allowing the reader an insight into another person's, or group of people's lives. Experiences and attitudes are clearly communicated to the reader through the style that the story is told in, the language used and the ideas that the novel introduces to the reader. This helps the reader to feel a part of the novel as they share experiences with the characters.
             Novels make the reader aware of an idea, which they may not have thought about, prior to reading the novel. An idea in Behind the Scenes at the Museum by Kate Atkinson is how attitudes can affect the way people relate, change and develop. We see the significance of this idea through the differing family relationships shown through Bunty's seemingly uncaring attitude to her children and Patricia's negative disposition towards her family and her life. Bunty revealed her regret of being burdened with a family through her daydreams, thoughts and actions, " 'Get down,' Bunty says grimly. 'Mummy's thinking.' (Although what Mummy's actually doing is wondering what it would be like if her entire family was wiped out and she could start again.)" (Behind the Scenes at the Museum page 14) As a teenager, Patricia shows her aversion to being connected to her family by isolating herself from them and rebelling against society. Although Patricia's facade appears to be one of toughness and self-containment, she, in fact, longs for the love and support that her family does not give her. To substitute for her family's negligence Patricia finds a boyfriend who can make her feel wanted and loved. She confides her feelings about this ...