Introduction
Margaret Laurence’s novel The Stone Angel (1964) is a profound exploration of human struggle, loss, and unyielding pride, encapsulating the essence of tragedy. This essay aims to demonstrate that the novel is inherently tragic through an analysis of five pivotal examples from the narrative. Centred on Hagar Shipley, an aging protagonist reflecting on her life, the story reveals a series of personal failures, emotional isolation, and inevitable decline. By examining Hagar’s relationship with her father, her marriage to Bram, the loss of her son John, her alienation from Marvin, and her final moments of physical and emotional entrapment, this essay will illustrate how Laurence crafts a narrative of unrelenting sorrow and missed redemption. These elements collectively position The Stone Angel as a tragic story, reflective of the human condition’s deeper struggles.
Hagar’s Strained Relationship with Her Father
One of the earliest indicators of tragedy in The Stone Angel is Hagar’s relationship with her father, Jason Currie. His strict, authoritarian nature stifles Hagar’s individuality, setting a tone of repression that haunts her life. When Hagar defies his wishes by marrying Bram Shipley, her father disowns her, severing familial ties with a cold finality (Laurence, 1964). This rejection marks the beginning of Hagar’s isolation, a recurring theme in her tragic arc. Her inability to reconcile with her father, even in memory, underscores a profound loss of connection, reflecting the tragic inevitability of familial discord.
Marriage to Bram: A Union of Disappointment
Hagar’s marriage to Bram Shipley further cements the novel’s tragic undertones. Driven by rebellion rather than love, her choice leads to a life of hardship and emotional neglect. Bram’s crude manners and financial instability starkly contrast with Hagar’s ingrained pride, creating a rift that deepens over time (Laurence, 1964). Their mutual inability to communicate or compromise results in a loveless partnership, highlighting the tragic consequences of impulsive decisions. Indeed, Hagar’s reflections on this marriage reveal a persistent regret that shapes her bitter outlook.
The Loss of John: A Mother’s Deepest Grief
Perhaps the most poignant example of tragedy is the death of Hagar’s beloved son, John. His loss to a reckless accident devastates Hagar, amplifying her sense of failure as a mother. She recalls cradling his body, overwhelmed by guilt for not protecting him, a memory that torments her into old age (Laurence, 1964). This event crystallises the theme of irrecoverable loss, central to tragic narratives, as Hagar is left with only pain where love once resided. Her grief, unrelieved by time, epitomises personal tragedy.
Alienation from Marvin: Missed Reconciliation
Hagar’s relationship with her surviving son, Marvin, further illustrates the tragic isolation that defines her life. Her harsh demeanour and refusal to acknowledge Marvin’s efforts create an unbridgeable emotional gap. Even as Marvin cares for her in old age, Hagar remains critical, unable to express gratitude or affection (Laurence, 1964). This failure to connect with her only remaining family member underscores a tragic inability to heal past wounds, perpetuating her solitude.
Final Entrapment: Physical and Emotional Decline
Finally, Hagar’s last days in a hospital bed encapsulate the novel’s tragic essence. Physically confined and mentally burdened by memories, she grapples with her loss of autonomy, likening herself to the stone angel—a symbol of unyielding, cold permanence (Laurence, 1964). Her small acts of defiance, such as drinking water independently, are futile against her inevitable decline. This ending, devoid of redemption, mirrors classical tragedy, where the protagonist’s flaws lead inexorably to downfall.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Stone Angel emerges as a deeply tragic narrative through Laurence’s portrayal of Hagar Shipley’s life, marked by familial disconnection, regrettable choices, profound loss, emotional isolation, and final decline. The five examples—Hagar’s rift with her father, her loveless marriage, John’s death, alienation from Marvin, and her ultimate entrapment—collectively paint a picture of unrelenting sorrow and missed opportunities for redemption. This analysis not only affirms the novel’s tragic nature but also invites reflection on the broader implications of pride and isolation in human relationships. Laurence’s work, therefore, stands as a poignant reminder of the personal tragedies that shape individual lives, resonating with universal themes of loss and regret.
References
- Laurence, M. (1964) The Stone Angel. Toronto: McClelland and Stewart.
