The Riddles of Touch (and Look) in the Novel The Virtuous of Eliza Orzeszkowa

Abstract

This article is devoted to the analysis and interpretation of the sense of touch in the early novel The Virtuous by Eliza Orzeszkowa. Touch is used in emotional or intentional tones, and in its character is the force of interaction: positive or negative. In the novel The Virtuous, touch in a physiognomical context was particularly important, which added diagnostic information about the nature of the literary hero. Due to the satirical content of the work, there was definitely more badness in tangibility that distinguished the small-town elite. Among the many categories of touch are “touch for show”, hidden touch, honourable touch, metaphorically-meta-physical touch, and empathic touch.