Similarities Regarding “The Stone Angel” and “On Golden Pond”
...and previous conversations. An example of physical inability is shown when Hagar falls because her body is not as strong as it used to be and Norman is no longer able to do back flips off the cottage diving board. Both Hagar and Norman often feel frustrated because of the new restrictions being put on their lives. And these limits are part of the reason for the bitterness and short temperament of the two characters. Although Norman and Hagar’s comments tend to be very insulting and unforgiving the context of the novel and movie give the audience a sympathetic feeling towards the two. Therefore giving younger viewers a higher understanding of what senior citizens must endure. The two stories are also similar as both Norman and Hagar have children who resent them for the way they were treated during their childhood. Norman’s daughter Chelsea always wanted her father to simply be her friend. Unfortunately Chelsea feels that she was never good enough for her father, and even something as harmless as a card game would turn into a competitive battle. In “The Stone Angel” Hagar’s son Marvin always came second to John, Hagar’s second son. This was because Marvin reminded Hager of her husband Bram, who was the kind of person Hagar considered to be inferior to her. This was very unfair of Hagar and she knew that but even after Marvin completed school, got married, had children and created a respectable lifestyle for his family she refused to praise him for any of his accomplishments. By not letting themselves appreciate their children, Hagar and Norman restricted themselves from realizing what they truly wanted out of life. These actions towards their children proved Hagar and Norman’s inability to get to know themselves, let alone any other characters in their lives. However, there are two exceptions to this observation: Ethel and Bram. Ethel is the one person in Norman’s life who he openly adores and respects. As Norman’s wife, Ethel sticks by Norman no matter what the situation. Hagar’s adoration of Bram is extremely different in comparison to Norman and Ethel, however, it is obvious to the audience that Bram is an extremely important component to Hagar’s life, whether she lets herself accept it or not. One of the most significant similarities between “The Stone Angel” and “On Golden Pond” is the symbolism of water in each story. Not only are both Hager and Norman both given redemption through water, they are both led to this redemption by two very significant and influential characters. Hagar meets a man named Murray Lees who discusses the death of his own son and gives Hagar some wine, which is considered a liquid, or water and Hagar is given a new outloo...