Chapter twenty-four offers the readers quite a conventional fairy-tale ending, providing a rather satisfactory conclusion. It ends on an up-lifting note, with the children symbolising hope in the future for Joe and Clarissa. It flows in a leisurely pace and the tone is upbeat in contrast to the tense darkness of previous chapters. It takes us back to the beginning of the first chapter with a similar picnic taking place, suggesting that the same level of happiness can be achieved.

It would seem strange that such an unconventional novel could have such a perfect ending, especially with the uncertainty of beginnings and endings being a key theme in the novel. It seems that McEwan is aware that this light-hearted ending does not suit this dark, sinister novel, and presents it's readers with a seemingly concluded narrative, allowing them to feel comforted and safe in the knowledge they have...