La puissance du regard chez Marie-Claire Blais: de la honte à l’affirmation de soi

Abstract

In Marie-Claire Blais’ first novels, the images of eyes and glances acquire a great significance. They highlight the character’s relationships, conformism or rebelliousness. The other’s constant gaze arouses feelings of shame and remorse in the character which is being observed. This article will illustrate how Marie-Claire Blais’ portrayals of eyes and glances allow her to draw attention to the character’s relationships and to denounce the dramatic consequences the notions of guilt and shame have in the search of individual identity.