There is much emphasis on being independent and doing things for yourself in society that people are turning cold and are merely looking out for themselves. It is getting to the point that a husband or wife can not really be relied on because almost half of all marriages end in divorce. Maybe looking out for one's self is the logical response, since that is the only person one can rely on. What is it that makes a person independent? Does being independent mean being alone, being domineering towards others, being excessively proud, or being egotistical? Can someone be married and friendly to others and still be truly independent?

Margaret Laurence's novel The Stone Angel shows that true independence need neither begin at a young age nor end at a certain point. This is clearly portrayed by the main character Hagar Shipley, who at the age of ninety...