In Margaret Laurence’s novel “The Stone Angel,” the titular stone angel statue serves several symbolic and thematic functions throughout the narrative:

Symbol of Hagar’s Stubbornness and Pride: The stone angel represents Hagar Shipley’s stubbornness and pride, mirroring her own unyielding and unyielding nature. Like the statue, Hagar is rigid and resistant to change, clinging fiercely to her independence and refusing to show vulnerability or weakness.
Reminder of Mortality: The stone angel serves as a constant reminder of mortality and the passage of time. Situated in the cemetery, it stands as a silent witness to the inevitability of death and the impermanence of human existence. Hagar’s interactions with the statue prompt her to confront her own mortality and reflect on the legacy she will leave behind.
Reflection of Hagar’s Relationship with her Father: The stone angel was erected in memory of Hagar’s father, Jason Currie, and represents her complicated relationship with him. Just as the statue is cold and unyielding, so too was Hagar’s father, who was emotionally distant and demanding. The presence of the statue serves as a constant reminder of Hagar’s unresolved feelings towards her father and her desire for his approval.
Symbol of Female Strength and Resilience: Despite its appearance of fragility, the stone angel symbolizes female strength and resilience. Like the statue, Hagar endures the hardships and challenges life throws at her, standing firm in the face of adversity and refusing to be broken by the circumstances of her life.
Foreshadowing of Hagar’s Fate: The stone angel foreshadows Hagar’s eventual fate and serves as a metaphor for her own entrapment and confinement. As the novel progresses, Hagar becomes increasingly isolated and trapped by her own stubbornness and pride, much like the statue that stands immovable in the cemetery.

Overall, the stone angel in Margaret Laurence’s novel serves as a powerful symbol that encapsulates the themes of mortality, resilience, and the complexities of human relationships. Its presence throughout the narrative reinforces the novel’s exploration of identity, family, and the search for meaning in life.