On Golden Pond Analysis

Summary of “On Golden Pond” Aging was a prominent topic in the film “On Golden Pond”. The film begins with an older couple, Ethelle and Norman. Ethelle is content with aging and has found purpose in her family. On the other hand, Norman has taken aging extremely hard and struggles to find anything to live for, as he had always been driven by his career when he was younger. Throughout the film, the viewer sees how their perspectives on aging differ and how it affects their behaviors and actions. For example, Ethelle is generally much more positive and filled with life compared to Norman, who is obsessed with death. Aging is also expressed through the seasons in the film “On Golden Pond”. The story begins in the spring, representative of new

Since he could no longer complete what he had seen as his life’s purpose, his career, he became stagnant which can be seen through his snarky attitude, obsession with death, and overall anger at the world. He also has an old point of reference, noticeable when Norman discusses cars that were no longer relevant, which contributes to how he seems to be stuck in the past. When Billy Jr. stays with Norman and Ethelle over the summer, it forces Norman to make a few changes. Billy Jr. is decades younger than Norman and by making the adjustment of talking to a young boy with his life ahead of him, Norman begins to see that there are changes he must make to become generative. Stage eight of Erikson’s Developmental Stages consists of Integrity versus Despair. Norman is unable to look back on his life with integrity after spending time with Billy and being reminded of Chelsea. When Chelsea returns at the end of the summer, the two have a civil and enjoyable conversation. They rekindle their relationship and Norman has completed stage eight and finally look back at his life with integrity. By the end of the film, Norman is much more enjoyable and is no longer in a constant state of

is going through the fifth stage, Identity versus Confusion. At this stage, individuals are looking to separate themselves from their parents and friends, which is exactly what Billy Jr. has the opportunity to do while on Golden Pond away from his parents. He explores different personalities and Norman is always there to discipline him when he gets a little edgy. Billy Jr.’s time spent with Norman is filled with adventures after their awkward introduction and Billy Jr. getting sent to his room to read. Billy Jr’s summer on Golden Pond allows for him to learn more about himself and how he fits into the world. He accomplishes new tasks that he had never done before like fishing and driving a boat. Living with an older couple allowed Billy Jr. to expand his perspective on others in society. He ends up becoming pals with Norman and glad to have spent his summer with him. By the end of the summer, Billy Jr.’s various experiences had helped him through stage five Identity versus Confusion by allowing him new experiences and opportunities away from his