"The Stone Angel" is a novel written by Canadian author Margaret Laurence, first published in 1964. Set in the fictional town of Manawaka, Manitoba, the story revolves around the character of Hagar Shipley, an elderly woman reflecting on her life as she nears the end of it. Hagar Shipley is a proud and stubborn woman who resists showing any sign of weakness or vulnerability. The novel is structured as a series of flashbacks as Hagar reminisces about her past, revealing the challenges and disappointments she faced throughout her life. From her difficult relationship with her father and her tumultuous marriage to her eventual estrangement from her children, Hagar's life is marked by defiance and a desire for independence. Central to the novel is the symbolism of the stone angel, a monument erected in memory of Hagar's mother. Throughout the story, the stone angel serves as a metaphor for Hagar herself—rigid, unyielding, and trapped by her own pride. As Hagar confronts her mortality, she begins to reassess her life and the choices she has made. "The Stone Angel" explores themes of family, aging, regret, and the search for identity. It offers a poignant portrayal of a complex and flawed protagonist grappling with the complexities of human existence. Margaret Laurence is celebrated for her vivid portrayal of Canadian life and her exploration of universal themes through the lens of her characters' experiences. "The Stone Angel" remains one of her most acclaimed works and is considered a classic of Canadian literature.
0