Margaret Laurence portrayed various types of relationships in society through her book, "The Stone Angel."
Laurence explores the interconnectedness of characters to illustrate the various levels of relationships in our society. Of particular interest to me as a reader was the complex and unsettling bond between Hagar and Lottie. Initially, Hagar has numerous reasons for rejecting Lottie, which she reflects upon as she recounts her past experiences. Nevertheless, their relationship becomes increasingly intricate and unmanageable, ultimately leading both Hagar and Lottie down a path they cannot resist. "We never referred to Lottie as 'No-Name,' though; only the boys did."
According to Hagar, during their childhood, they laughed at Lottie, recognizing that they were being cruel, but still feeling a strange thrill. Lottie was an odd person with a unique energy that made b
...oth boys and girls uncomfortable. Despite being branded as "No-Name," Lottie remained serene and formed her own world on her terms, ignoring the criticisms of others.
According to page 22, Lottie Dreiser was excluded from their parties until she became prettier and developed a chest. Although Dan snuck her in, their father was angry. Hagar remembered how Lottie blossomed into a recognized beauty who even won over those who used to torture her. However, Hagar resented her not because of her childhood sufferings but because she became an icon in their community, and Hagar could not accept that. Hagar was obsessed with every aspect of Lottie's development, from her skin to her hair and complexion. As a result, Hagar's cruelty towards Lottie began to emerge like a ticking time bomb.
"The Simmons’ plot is nearby," I said, "and I know for a fact that Lottie visits Telford’
mother’s grave here every Sunday to place flowers. Do you really think I want her prying and gossiping about us?" Hagar's resentment festered far more than one might imagine. As Hagar aged, she became increasingly fixated on Lottie's appearance and wealth, closely monitoring her every move in order to orchestrate a scheme that would unsettle Lottie and put her on edge.
As time went by, Hagar began to inadvertently express her fear of Lottie. She became increasingly anxious, ready, and attentive to every possible outcome when they cross paths. Her greatest fear was that Lottie would outdo her. Hagar struggled to come to terms with the fact that Lottie enjoys a lifestyle with much more gratitude than her own.
Despite Arlene's beauty and intelligence, Hagar did not approve of her son John's desire to marry Lottie's daughter. Hagar's negative perception of Lottie as a low-class individual that she used to make fun of with her best friend Charlotte contributed to her disapproval. With John's refusal to adhere to his mother's wish, Hagar became even more anxious around Lottie and Arlene. Her resentful nature caused her to hold onto past experiences and prevented her from learning how to love those around her.
Accepting Lottie’s life was difficult for Hagar, as she saw it as a reflection of her own struggles with poverty. Hagar believed that Lottie had ruined not only her own life, but also that of her son. Hagar’s embarrassment at her own actions was heightened by her desire to keep Lottie out of her family life. She felt the need to control her son’s life more than ever before and was willing to push beyond her own
limits to do so. Lottie had become Hagar’s mortal enemy, a presence that haunted her thoughts and soul even when she wasn't physically present.
Despite facing her illness and imminent death, Hagar remained unable to resolve her main issue – her inability to let go of her bitterness towards Lottie. She never communicated her true thoughts and perspectives to Lottie, and ultimately chose to forget her memories connected to Lottie as the only way to escape her shadow and life. Therefore, even at the end of the novel, Hagar continued to grapple with her unresolved conflict against Lottie.
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