I CHAPTER

The first chapter has got an introductory function: it presents the protagonists and some topics and issues that contribute to the central themes of the novel. The initial embarrassment and misrepresentation of certain ‚signals‚ between the newlyweds. As Florence encounters a conflict between being repulsed by the idea of sex and afraid of being unable to satisfy Edward's sexual needs, their relationship is secretly strained over the unknown conflict.

The narrator is a first person- omniscient narrator. He narrates Edward's and Florence's lives and behaviours in the evening.

The description and interior monologues are more frequent and invite readers to acquire a reflective attitude.

Setting

At first the scenery represents their moods: an indefinite vegetation.

The mist dissolving is a metaphor for a moment when the couple is getting to the bed, that is to the discovery of the truth.

II CHAPTER

The first "flashback" takes the reader to the childhoods of both Edward and Florence and, perhaps more importantly, the social setting, especially about sex and the discussion of sex in the 1950's. During this time period conversations about sex are almost unheard of. McEwan deals with both lovers' families and childhoods. Edward was born near Oxford in a low class family, with a brain damaged mother; he attended London University, studying history. After last exams, one day he met Florence in Oxford.

Florence, born in Oxford in a wealthy family, studied in Royal College of music and formed a string quartet, hoping in a future performance on a famous stage.

 From this point, the reader should begin to understand that On Chesil Beach is more than a book about an awkward sexual experience.

The narrator is, alternatively, a third-person omniscient narrator and a voice who enters and reveals the protagonists' point of view.

Setting

There is the contraposition of 2 worlds: one hand the poverty of family of Edward on the other the wealthy family of Florence. It represents two styles of life and cultural background.

III CHAPTER

This section returns to the current situation in the honeymoon suite. After some surprising progress towards a normal sexual excursion, the situation seems to have improved and Florence's fears are beginning to disappear. McEwan effectively describes the thoughts and concerns of both characters by shifting the point of view in this section. After a fury of chaotic and frightening series of events, Florence runs out of the suite and onto Chesil Beach, Edward is left standing in the honeymoon suite, and the story shifts back in time.

Setting

The description of bedroom, it is functional to refer to the married couple: the bedcover, not used yet, reminds of their virginity.

IV CHAPTER

Part four is largely about the relationship between Edward and Florence and each involved with each others' families. On the topic of Edward and Florence's sexual relationship, McEwan illustrates that Florence is very timid and conservative in her approach. It is also important to consider the goals and dreams of the two lovers and see the complexity of each others thoughts, especially sexually. It is then discovered that these recollections of the past are being made by Edward as he is trying to remember the good times with Florence to suppress his rising anger at the current situation, for Edward is preparing to go and meet with Florence on the beach.

V CHAPTER

The 5th chapter provides the conclusion of the two protagonists' situation, in particular of the effects provoked by their inability to communicate. Moreover it gives readers information about Florence's and Edward's future lives.

The first part carries out their characterization through the dialogue, their words, emotions, argumentations.

Florence is frightened by facing a dialogue, in which she has to recognize her fault, her guilt and their failed marriage on the contrary Edward has the courage to face such a dialogue

At the end of the dialogue the reader gets the impression that Edward has reached a higher level of maturity, demonstrated by his realism, logic, sense of duty; on the contrary Florence, even if also she is now more realistic and a little more honest, escapes from her difficulty, because she doesn't try to solve it either with Edward or with other men.

As for their future lives, Edward initially feels a victim, but then tries to build a new life, without success: his awareness of having lost a great possibility of living his true love obsesses him and makes him feel guilty, inadequate, lonely.

Florence becomes a great musician, always keeping her fear, without making new experience

Setting

darkness is useful to make the situation tragic. It doesn't let them to see each other expressions: it follows that they more easily hurt one another, without feeling sorry at his/her sad or angry face