Margaret Laurence's 'The Stone Angel' is a profound exploration of Hagar Shipley's life, from her defiant youth in the 19th century to her reflective old age. The novel delves into themes of family dynamics, gender roles, personal identity, and the quest for independence, set against the backdrop of historical events like the Great Depression. Symbolism and the confrontation with mortality are central to this narrative.
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A summary of the novel's plot and setting
1929 Stock Market Crash
The historical event that serves as a backdrop for the novel
Great Depression
The economic crisis that affects the characters in the novel
The setting of the novel and its significance to the story
The protagonist of the novel, a fiercely independent and stubborn woman
Marvin Shipley
Hagar's son who cares for her despite their strained relationship
Doris Shipley
Marvin's wife who struggles with Hagar's difficult personality
Jason Currie
Hagar's father, whose parenting style greatly impacts her
Bram Shipley
Hagar's husband who she rebels against
Lottie Dreiser
Hagar's childhood friend who plays a significant role in her life
The exploration of the resilience and fragility of familial ties
The societal expectations and constraints placed on women during the time period
The central theme of the novel, as seen through Hagar's relentless pursuit of self-sufficiency
A recurring and symbolic motif in the novel, representing Hagar's own progression through life
The physical transformation of the stone angel symbolically reflects Hagar's own aging and mortality
The final chapters of the novel explore Hagar's journey towards acceptance and closure in the face of her impending death
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'The ______ Angel' is a key novel by the renowned Canadian writer ______ ______, released in ______.
Stone
Margaret
Laurence
1964
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Hagar's personality traits
Fiercely independent, stubborn; traits lead to family conflict, alienation.
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Hagar's pursuit of autonomy
Relentless autonomy pursuit causes strain in family, especially with Marvin and Doris.
