“The Stone Angel” is a novel written by Canadian author Margaret Laurence.

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The stone angel in the novel is a prominent symbol that serves various functions, representing different aspects of the protagonist’s life and the broader themes of the narrative. Here are some functions of the stone angel in the novel:

Symbol of Hagar’s Stubbornness and Pride:

The stone angel represents Hagar Shipley’s stubborn and prideful nature. Its placement in the cemetery, where Hagar’s body will eventually rest, signifies her determination to assert her independence and resist being controlled by others, even in death.

Reflection of Hagar’s Stoicism and Defiance:

The stone angel embodies Hagar’s stoicism and defiance in the face of adversity. It stands as a testament to her unwillingness to yield to the challenges and hardships she encounters throughout her life.

Connection to Hagar’s Family Legacy:

The stone angel is also a connection to Hagar’s family legacy. It marks the gravesite of Hagar’s mother and father and symbolizes the Shipley family’s history. The angel’s presence in the cemetery links Hagar to her roots and the generations that came before her.

Representation of Hagar’s Spiritual Struggle:

The stone angel serves as a representation of Hagar’s spiritual struggle. Throughout the novel, Hagar grapples with questions of faith and her own mortality. The stone angel becomes a focal point for these existential reflections, symbolizing her quest for meaning and connection with the divine.

Foreshadowing of Hagar’s Fate:

The stone angel foreshadows Hagar’s fate and death. As she narrates her life story, it becomes evident that the stone angel is not just a marker in the cemetery but a symbolic representation of Hagar’s own stony and unyielding nature. The novel unfolds as a reflection on her life and the choices that lead her to the point of her own mortality.

Emblem of Time’s Passage:

The stone angel also becomes an emblem of time’s passage. As Hagar reflects on her past and contemplates her present, the weathered and eroded condition of the stone angel reflects the inevitable effects of time on both individuals and the broader context of history.

Symbol of Redemption and Release:

Toward the end of the novel, there is a transformative moment involving the stone angel. Hagar’s acceptance of her own vulnerabilities and the emotional release she experiences near the statue symbolize a form of redemption and reconciliation with her past.

In conclusion, the stone angel in Margaret Laurence’s novel serves as a multifaceted symbol, embodying Hagar Shipley’s character traits, family legacy, spiritual journey, and the inexorable passage of time. Its presence and significance evolve throughout the narrative, contributing to the novel’s exploration of identity, mortality, and the complex interplay between the individual and their personal history.