The movie On Golden Pond demonstrates the peaceful and tranquil life of the owners of a lake house in New England. The long-married owners, Norman and Ethel, are retired and are seeking to continue their long-lived summer traditions of fishing, board games, and fellowship. Norman is portrayed as a grumpy seventy-year-old European American with a fear and anxiety of death, which he manages through morbid humor. Ethel is shown as an optimistic sixty-year-old European American with a lively attitude and active lifestyle despite what appears to be as Parkinson’s. They both attempt to adjust to each others increasing age and self-identity as Norman welcomes yet another birthday. Their only daughter pays them a visit just in time to celebrate, but
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She often felt that her father was overbearing and that caused tremendous strain and void between their relationship. This contact between child and parent that directly affects proximity is common for parents with one child (p.227). In contrast to his relationship with his daughter, Norman had a very pleasant and loving relationship with his wife. They were both very sweet to each other and demonstrated their affection through flirtatious comments and friendship. They handled issues together, confiding in one another and limiting discussions. Their satisfying and long lasting marriage was anchored through humor and affection (p. 215). There was however no sign of sexual activity throughout the entire movie, even though sex is an important factor for most long-lasting marriages it does decline through the adult years (p.221). This could also be explained by the decreasing health or the medication that Norman had to take for his heart palpitations (p.223). Enjoying retirement seems accurately depicted throughout the film. Both Ethel and Norman were well in their retirement ages (62+) and they both appeared to possess enough finances to do so, since owing a lake-house in New England sounds expensive. Their lack of financial responsibility for Chelsea and infrequent visitations also prove them more likely to be retired
She often felt that her father was overbearing and that caused tremendous strain and void between their relationship. This contact between child and parent that directly affects proximity is common for parents with one child (p.227). In contrast to his relationship with his daughter, Norman had a very pleasant and loving relationship with his wife. They were both very sweet to each other and demonstrated their affection through flirtatious comments and friendship. They handled issues together, confiding in one another and limiting discussions. Their satisfying and long lasting marriage was anchored through humor and affection (p. 215). There was however no sign of sexual activity throughout the entire movie, even though sex is an important factor for most long-lasting marriages it does decline through the adult years (p.221). This could also be explained by the decreasing health or the medication that Norman had to take for his heart palpitations (p.223). Enjoying retirement seems accurately depicted throughout the film. Both Ethel and Norman were well in their retirement ages (62+) and they both appeared to possess enough finances to do so, since owing a lake-house in New England sounds expensive. Their lack of financial responsibility for Chelsea and infrequent visitations also prove them more likely to be retired