Norman's Interpersonal Communication in the Movie, On Golden Pond

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Norman's Interpersonal Communication in the Movie, On Golden Pond

EXAMPLE

The movie On Golden Pond is a fantastic vehicle with which to consider

six facets of interpersonal communication. The main character of the movie,

Norman, provides for a multifaceted study in relationships, both with his

"self" and with others.

I have chosen to focus this paper on several aspects of Norman's

interpersonal communication. On Golden Pond is a fascinating study in the

discovery of Norman's need to communicate with those he cares about in new

ways.

Our textbook defines communication being interpersonal "when the people

involved are contacting each other as persons" (4). On Golden Pond is rich

with excellent examples of interpersonal communication.

For example, Norman's relationship with his wife, Ethel, is most

certainly interpersonal. As I watched the movie I was struck by how

comfortable Ethel and Norman were with one another. Our text explains that

"the term interpersonal labels a kind of communication that happens when

the people involved talk and listen in ways that maximize the presence of

the personal" (16). Ethel and Norman treat one another as unique

individuals - each bringing different experiences to the relationship -

because each has a differing view of life. Norman is afraid of his own

mortality, and therefore he views life as threatening. On the other hand,

Ethel dances, sings, and smiles her way through each day.

Examples of impersonal communication can also be taken from the movie.

Norman treats two teenagers pumping gas into his boat very impersonally, or

nonpersonally. The boys could just as easily have been lampposts. Norman

does not consider the boys ...

... middle of paper ...

...op" to feel like a

worthwhile human being.

Our textbook lists Curran's fifteen characteristics of a healthy family

(405). While I cannot see that Norman and Ethel's family live out any of

these traits, I believe that, one fine day, they might figure out at least

a couple of them. They do have "a sense of play and humor," (405) and they

may eventually be a family who "affirms and supports one another" (405).

In conclusion, Norman and his family are a true-to-life study in

communication. On Golden Pond brilliantly portrays an enormous problem

common to the family: poor interpersonal communication. It also shows that

interpersonal interaction can be addressed at any stage in life - that it

is never too late.

Works Cited

Stewart, John, and Carole Logan. Together: Communicating Interpersonally.

4th ed. New York: McGraw-Hill, 1993.

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