Body, Corporality and Maternity in Margaret Drabble's 'The Millstone'

Abstract

The definition of the human body has been studied in multiple fields, as well as the concept of corporality. Both are closely related, as the human body is not only what we see, the biological body, but also the elements that surround this physical reality – that is, corporality. Maternity is one of these elements, and this is clearly reflected in The Millstone. Through the analysis of the protagonist’s (Rosamund) physical, social and cultural body, we are able to explore her evolution, her relationship with her own body and with herself, with her friends and the women that surround her during her pregnancy, and her adjustment to her new situation and to her daughter.