The Stone Angel Hagars objective moment - Essay Example

The Stone Angle, Hagar’s objective moment The Stone Angle was first published in 1964 and was written by a Canadian Margaret Laurence. It isdeclared to be the best novel from Canada till date. Hagar Shipley is the main character. The story unfolds in the form of a narrative. Hagar Shipley was a very proud woman. Her life takes her from a childhood in prairies to her marriage and raising her two sons, from a life of wealth to being poor and unimportant. Despite all mishaps, Hagar Shipley remains a fighter.

In the book where she is narrating the story as a 90 years old who is to be taken to a nursing home, and who wants to get a grip of life once again to avoid going to the nursing home Hagar Shipley is not willing to give up. On the one hand, her fighting spirit is a great attribute in her life, and on the other hand, her pride in her early years has been a problem for her while managing the changes that take place in course of a life time. Looking at the life of Hagar Shipley in this book, the most objective moment in her life was the one when a stubborn and proud Hagar is broken at the hands of poverty.

The moment where she realizes that she is no more the all important wealthy person but just another woman who does not have any money, is the most objective moment. In this moment, Hagar who has been stubborn all her life and whose heart has been full of pride, has gone back to the “Curries” General store. This was the store once opened by her father and thus she was confident she can get a credit from this store. However, by the time she meets the manager, instead of requesting a credit, she just begs for a loaf, to feed her kids and herself.

She was dressed poorly as she could not afford anything fancier. The proud stubborn Hagar Shipley realizes her life has changed; she’s not the same fancy wealthy person she once was with her family. She finally sees herself for the lower class old lady she has become. References: Laurence, Margaret. The Stone Angel. Manitoba, Canada: McClelland and Stewart. 1964. Book.