The Role of the Body in the Novel "Those Mothers, These Daughters" with Emphasis on Merleau-Ponty's Perspective

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Sociology, Faculty of Literature, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Department of Social Issues of Iran.

2 Department of Sociology, Faculty of Literature, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Department of Social Issues of Iran

Abstract

Maurice Merleau-Ponty believes that perception is intertwined with embodiment. Through embodiment, we can understand the world and ourselves. Merleau-Ponty has attempted to explain the importance of the interconnection of body and mind in cognition and perception using concepts such as embodiment, motor intentionality, bodily schema, and flesh. The primary aim of the present study is to elucidate the role of the body in the novel "Those Mothers, These Daughters" by focusing on Merleau-Ponty's perspective. A qualitative content analysis method was employed to achieve this goal. The unit of analysis was the theme, and purposeful sampling was used. After identifying various types of bodies in the novel, an attempt was made to explain the role of the body in the present novel using Merleau-Ponty's viewpoint. Categories extracted from the novel included the sick and suffering body, old/young body, feminine/masculine body, ugly and beautiful body, pregnant and breastfeeding body, and the body and cultural symbols. The author has narrated the story with a deep understanding of the concepts of embodiment, motor intentionality, bodily schema, and flesh. In the mentioned novel, the storytelling is such that the role of the body in understanding the environment, social relationships, and self is evident

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Research in Narrative Literature

Articles in Press, Corrected Proof
Available Online from 15 March 2025

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