Modern Social Science Research

In Su Tongs "Wives and Concubines", the scene of "gazing" recurs frequently. This act of gazing is a complex projection of power and desire, with profound implications. This article, in combination with relevant theories of gazing, reveals the objectification and discipline exerted on the wives and concubines by Chen Zuqians gazing power, and sorts out the gradual reshaping of the characters of Songlian, Meishan and others after experiencing various gazes, as well as their attempts and failures at counter-gazing. In the oppressive space formed by the interweaving of power gazing and desire gazing, the subjectivity of women is erased and they eventually fall into a predicament of aphasia. The novel profoundly presents the systematic oppression and destruction of the bodies and spirits of women in feudal families by this gazing mechanism, reaching the essence of the survival predicament of women under patriarchy.

“Wives and Concubines”; Gaze; Desire; Female