Paper
A symbol is a literary device used by the author to portray an idea to the reader. In Margaret Laurence’s, The Stone Angel, the stone angel is a symbol used to heighten the reader’s understanding of the characteristics of Hagar Shipley. First, the stone angel is used to show Hagar’s pride in the Currie family name. She prizes the stone angel because it is expensive and imported from Italy to honour a mother Hagar never knew. Similarly, the stone angel is symbolic of Hagar’s inability to show emotions; like the angel, Hagar is hard and cold. Lastly, the angel is symbolic of Hagar’s blindness, just as the angel; Hagar is doubly blind. The symbolism of the stone angel is first apparent in Hagar’s pride in the Currie family name.
The stone angel is symbolic of Hagar’s vanity in her surname. Hagar values the angel because it is an emblem of the Currie family. The angel was purchased by Hagar’s father to honour her mother, but it appears more to honour their name than anything else. Hagar says, “…in memory of her who relinquished her feeble ghost as I gained my stubborn one, my mother’s angel that my father bought to make her bones and proclaim his dynasty, as he fancied, forever and a day…She was not the only angel in the Manawaka cemetery, but she was the first, the largest, and certainly the costliest.” (1-2). Hagar takes great pride in her family from this angel. It is a marker of her family’s name that will be kept throughout the ages. When the angel has been vandalized, Hagar has John help her push it back into place and clean it off. Hagar, through marrying Bram Shipley has disgraced the Currie name. The angel being vandalized slso fails to honour the family. Both seem to have lost face. The symbol of the stone angel is further used to reflect Hagar’s inability to show emotions.
Hagar is unable to show how she feels, or relate to other people. Just like the angel Hagar has become hard and unyielding. The stone angel is made of hard, cold marble, making it strong and stiff. Like the angel, Hagar Shipley is cool and impermeable towards the world. She never reveals her true feelings to the people she knows because she sees this as a risk of being thought of as ‘soft’. This aspect of Hagar’s personality is best shown when her son John dies. Hagar says, “The night my son died I was transformed to stone and never wept at all. When the ministering women handed me the cup of hot coffee, they murmured how well I was taking it, and I could only look at them dry-eyed from a great distance and not say a single word.”(264) Hagar is so unable to show her emotions that even when her son dies she dare not cry. Like the stone angel she is unmoved. She fears that if she turns to the women around her for help she will be seen as some delicate, helpless creature. Hagar’s coolness and hardness like that of the marble angel, is further shown when Bram’s favourite horse dies; Hagar is upset for him, knowing how much the horse means to Bram. Yet, Hagar refuses to comfort him. Finally, the stone angel is symbolic of Hagar’s blindness.
The stone angel of the Currie family is doubly blind; this is because the artist neglected to add eyeballs to its chiseled face. This is symbolic of Hagar because she is blind to those around her. It is this blindness that causes Hagar to fail to recognize the fact that Marvin is the son that she seeks. From the birth of John, Hagar has always prized him as the son who will go on to make something of himself, who will do something with his life. In the end, however, John becomes more like Bram, as Marvin gains himself a job and position in life. Hagar’s blindness keeps her from realizing this until one day she has a fight with John, and he says, “You always bet on the wrong horse…Marv was your boy, but you never saw that, did you?” (258) Hagar is never able to see Marvin as the successful son, even after John’s death. Hagar’s blindness is further apparent by the fact that she never gains a friendship with Lottie. It is not until it is too late that Hagar realizes that she has much in common with Lottie. Like the stone angel, Hagar stares blankly into the faces of those around her and never has an idea of what is truly going on.
A symbol is a concrete object used to heighten a reader’s understanding of a character. In Margaret Laurence’s, The Stone Angel, the symbol of Hagar’s mother’s grave marker, a stone angel, is used to illustrate aspects of Hagar’s personality. The stone angel is symbolic of Hagar’s pride in the Currie name, her inability to show emotions, and her blindness to those around her. Through the use of the stone angel Laurence portrays in Hagar a realistic and interchangeable character.
Bibliography
Laurence, Margaret. The Stone Angel. Canada: McClelland & Stewart Inc., 1964.
Другие работы по теме:
Harry Potter And Sorcerer Stone By Rollings
Essay, Research Paper In the book, Harry Potter and The Sorcerer`s Stone, Written by J.K. Rollings, I believe that courage is the most outstanding theme. J.K. Rollings does a
SAINT PETER CLAVER Essay Research Paper Angel
SAINT PETER CLAVER Essay, Research Paper Angel Mendoza Saint Peter Claver St. Peter Claver was born at Verdu, Catalonia, Spain, in 1580. He descended from a very distinguished family . When
The Day The Devil Struck Heaven Essay
, Research Paper The Day The Devil Struck HeavenIt was a spooky night. The shutters slammed, the Lightning cracked, everything was terrible. Satin had risen from the dead for the final show down to try to break the pearly gates of heaven that stop him from resurrecting every angel. Satin and his crew of Devil’s began their fly through the sky towards heaven to invade heaven.
Poem Angel Essay Research Paper Once upon
Poem: Angel Essay, Research Paper Once upon a time, there was a child ready to be born. So one day he asked God, “They tell me you’re sending me to earth tomorrow but how am I going to live there being so small and helpless?”
Symbolism The Chrysanthemums Essay Research Paper Symbolism
Symbolism- The Chrysanthemums Essay, Research Paper Symbolism- “The Chrysanthemums John Steinbecks’ “The Chrysanthemums” is a story that utilizes symbolism on many levels. Most of all, I believe in the character of Elisa Adams. Elisa and her garden seem to be considered one. Because of all of her hard labor and love the Chrysanthemums flourish.
Glass Menagerie 2
Glass Menagerie – Symbolism Of The Unicorn Essay, Research Paper The symbolism of the unicorn has two very different meanings. One of the symbols is happiness and love. The other one symbols sadness and hatred. You first come into contact with the unicorn when Jim sees it. This is where the first symbolism comes into place.
Angels Essay Research Paper There are many
Angels Essay, Research Paper There are many good interesting things about angels. Many people in the world believe in angels , others do not. Whether you believe in them ornot , they are
Stone Angels Essay Research Paper In The
Stone Angels Essay, Research Paper In The Stone Angel, Margaret Lawrence portrays a woman attempting to understanding herself and her life. Hagar is the narrator of the book.
St Patrick
’s Cross Essay, Research Paper History and Symbolism of the Celtic Cross There are many variations of the legends about the Celtic Cross. In modern times the ringed cross is sometimes a symbol of faith or to show ones Irish, Scottish or Welsh identity. An Irish Catholic priest might tell you that the circle on a Celtic Cross is a symbol of eternity that represents the unending love that God showed through Jesus’ crucifixion.
St Elizabeth Essay Research Paper I chose
St. Elizabeth Essay, Research Paper I chose the name Elizabeth for my confirmation name after Saint Elizabeth. I feel that she is a very important part in history.
Look Homeward Angel Essay Research Paper Erin
Look Homeward Angel Essay, Research Paper Erin O’Hara Kate Myers English 101 11/25/00 Look Homeward, Angel Review (Final draft, 5th essay) A culturally enriching experience is an experience that is related to the arts and an intellectual activity, which makes you become a better person or makes you feel you have become a better person.
The Stone Angel Essay Research Paper THE
The Stone Angel Essay, Research Paper THE STONE ANGEL Anger and disappointment can be a source of many things. Hagar’s anger and disappointment can be seen from her guilt and her criminal ways. Through Hagar’s guilt she feels anger for what she did and disappointment for what could have been.
Stone Angel Essay Research Paper Laurence
Stone Angel Essay, Research Paper Laurence’s use of Lilacs to foreshadow Bad Events in The Stone Angel They often say if you want to gain something you need to lose something in return. Hagar Shipley did this by purchasing a dress that she liked if she knew that she would have to sacrifice her independence that purchase would have never happened.
The Stone Angel
– Symbolism Essay, Research Paper Margaret Laurence?s novel, The Stone Angel is a compelling journey of flashbacks seen through the eyes of Hagar Shipley, a 90 year old woman nearing the end of her life. In the novel, Margaret Laurence, uses the stone angel to effectively symbolize fictional characters.
The Stone Age Tool Essay Research Paper
The Stone Age Tool The Neanderthals lived form 70,000 to 40,000 B.C. By that time man knew how to make tools, not just find and object and use it, but craft it with their own hands.
All About Style Essay Research Paper Regina
All About Style Essay, Research Paper Regina Kerbs October 20, 1999 M/W 8:30 – 9:50 All About Style Every writer illustrates a certain style in his/her work. Kate Chopin uses the same style in her short stories “The Story of an Hour” and “Ripe Figs.” This style includes her use of diction, imagery, and symbolism.
Symbolism In Hamlet Essay Research Paper Symbolism
Symbolism In Hamlet Essay, Research Paper Symbolism in Hamlet Though not much has been written on symbolism in Shakespeare?s Hamlet, there is some there. The first symbol is found in the very first scene of the play. The changing of the guards can be a symbol of the new King in Denmark. Just as the guards are changing, so is the royal throne.
Unfeasible Love Hagar Shipleys Struggle With Love
Essay, Research Paper In The Stone Angel, Hagar Shipley, age ninety, tells the story of her life, and in doing so tries to come to terms with how her personal attributes deprived her of joy throughout her life. Raised with the stern virtues of her pioneer ancestors, bestowed upon her through her father, Hagar becomes a tragic hero through a life of uncompromising pride — a pride which sustained her during a stormy marriage and which overpowered her ability to admit that she has made mistakes and ultimately contributing to her overall stubbornness and inability to acheive a warm, satisfying relationship with anyone in her life.
The Stone Angel 2
The Stone Angel – Character Analysis Of Hagar Essay, Research Paper CHARACTER ANALYSIS OF HAGAR SHIPLEY In Margaret Laurence s novel, The Stone Angel, Hagar Shipley is the main character. Born the daughter of Jason Currie, she is one who possesses incredible depth in character. Mingling past and present, we observe the very qualities, which sustained her and deprived her of joy such as her lack of emotional expression.
Hagar Essay Research Paper the stone angelWhy
Hagar Essay, Research Paper the stone angel Why did Hagar become such a bitter old lady? In the novel, The Stone Angel, by Margaret Laurence, the main character, Hagar, becomes a very bitter person due to the circumstances that she encounters. In the following paragraphs it will be proven that Hagar the hag became such a bitter old lady because of her family, the death that plagued her life and her economic stature.
Symbolism Joy Luck Essay Research Paper Symbolism
Symbolism Joy Luck Essay, Research Paper Symbolism of The Joy Luck Club and The Zoo Story There are numerous conditions in human life that mold people into who they presently are. A person’s identity and way of thinking are influenced greatly due to their surroundings, and relationships they are involved in.
Hawthorne And Symbolism Essay Research Paper Hawthorne
Hawthorne And Symbolism Essay, Research Paper Hawthorne and Symbolism Symbolism is a key in all or most writings. Symbolism is what the reader needs in order to use his imagination. In “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne, through different symbolism, Hawthorne writes about a man who in his coming of age.
Symbolism Essay Research Paper I have
Symbolism Essay, Research Paper : I have never understood the purpose of digging about for symbolism in and author’s work, and comparing the symbolism in 2
Much Symbolism Essay Research Paper Nature
Much Symbolism Essay, Research Paper Nature’s Symbolism Much symbolism is used in William Golding’s Lord of the Flies. The nature on the island is used as the primary source of symbolism. There are three main uses of nature’s symbolism: a pink conch shell, a pig’s head, and fire. Nature is a symbol that parallels to the real world.
Symbollism In The Scarlett Letter Essay Research
Paper British Literature Matt Gordon 9-22-96 Symbolism In The Scarlet Letter Symbolism in literature is the deepness and hidden meaning in a piece of work. It is often used to represent a moral or religious belief or value. Without symbolism literature is just a bunch of meaningless words on paper. The most symbolic piece of work in American Literature is Nathaniel Hawthorne?s The Scarlet Letter.
Symbolism Essay Research Paper In the novel
Symbolism Essay, Research Paper In the novel To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, symbolism is the key literary device. Symbolism is when one thing stands for another. It is a sin to kill a mockingbird. This is because mockingbirds do not harm anything, they just sing to you. The mockingbird symbolized both Tom Robinson and Boo Radley.
Good Angel Vs Bad Angel Essay Research
Paper Iris vs. Memo, the everlasting battle of Good and Evil, Good Angel vs. Bad Angel. In The Natural the Angels take the form of women that interact with Roy. Iris the “Good Angel” has nothing but a positive influence on Roy and cares about him deeply. The exact opposite of Iris is the “Bad Angel” Memo who cares just about what she can get her hands on except poverty.
A Dream Of An Angel Essay Research
Paper Heaven’s light shines in the sky Crystal tears fall from my eyes. An illusion of an angel is infront of me His angelic features in my memory. Skin so soft I would love to touch
Angel City Essay Research Paper Angel
Angel City Essay, Research Paper ? Angel City? The most unique, magnificent, and extraordinary city that I would love to visit is the ?City of Angles?. Tucked away in the midst of our atmosphere, lies the beauty of having everlasting life, and dreams that come true. Baby- blue skies, and cotton candy clouds fills this entire city.
The Chimney Sweeper Essay Research Paper The
The Chimney Sweeper Essay, Research Paper ?The Chimney Sweeper? From Songs of Innocence William Blake?s Songs of Innocence comprises ?songs of happy cheer? about field and flower, hill and stream, and the innocence of child and lamb, as seen through the eyes of a child (World Book vol.2 pg 314). In one excerpt, ?The Chimney Sweeper,? Blake, through religious symbolism, gives the image of an innocence child living a life of hardship and grief that gains comfort from the knowledge that God will deliver him to a better life in heaven.
Scarletletter Symbolism Essay Research Paper The Scarlet
Scarletletter Symbolism Essay, Research Paper The Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne uses many things for symbolism and in my opinion the most symbolic were the scaffold scenes. There are a total of three scaffold scenes and each has its own purpose and meaning. Without the scaffold scenes this book would basically leave you clueless to what was really going on because the scaffold scenes really tell you what is going on and why.
A Farewell To Arms Essay Research Paper 2
A Farewell To Arms- Essay, Research Paper A Farewell to Arms- The book A Farewell to Arms, written by Ernest Hemingway, is a classic about the love story of a nurse and a war ridden soldier. The story
Saint Raphael The Archangel Essay Research Paper
Saint Raphael the Archangel The saint I?ve chosen for my confirmation is Saint Raphael the Archangel. Saint Raphael is also known as the Angel of Love and the Angel of Joy. A few things he is a patron of are the blind, love, lovers, travelers, young people, and guardian angels. His name means ? God has healed?, or ? Healer of God?.