No Good To Say Sorry

"No good to say you're sorry when the damage is done," says Jason Currie to his six year old daughter, Hagar, as he is about to strike her palms with a ruler.
This was a lesson that resonated with the protagonist of The Stone Angel throughout her entire life.  She, herself became way too proud to ever apologize to anyone out loud, though her inner monologue allows the reader a glimpse into Hagar's secret regret and awareness of her errors.  The word "damage" in Jason's line is also critical in understanding Hagar's development from a daughter to a wife, and a mother to a grandmother.  Had too much damage been done in her early years for her to be capable of forming and maintaining successful relationships with anyone? It is arguable, that her most open and honest conversations happen with those strangers she meets in her last weeks of life.

"Mother and Child" 1904 by G. Melchers

Consider Hagar's immediate and extended family that struggle to get along with each other and comment on why you think the Curries and Shipleys fought so many battles amongst themselves.  Is Hagar a product of her environment? A victim? Or was her tragic flaw the root of her troubles? Is she a modern tragic hero with wasted potential? Provide specific details from the text and beyond to demonstrate your understanding and generate conversation. 

(Make one substantial comment on this post, and at least two short responses to your classmates' comments. See rubric for specific requirements.)