1、 Introduction

Anne Weber is a versatile writer and translator who grew up under the influence of German and French cultures. Her works are known for their experimental nature, with a particular focus on women and writers from cross-cultural backgrounds. Her novel 'Annette' explores themes of human nature, ethnicity, gender, oppression, freedom, and equality through the life of the protagonist Annette. The novel portrays Annette's heroic image and moral criticism of political resistance movements through her actions in different historical periods. The critics have paid attention to the genre and heroic performance of novels, believing that Weber demonstrated heroism in the historical context of the 20th century through epic experiments. The relationship between self and others in the novel reveals the complexity of power relations through the analysis of gaze scenes.

2、 Annette's Adversarial Gaze

Deeply explored the complex interaction between gaze and power, particularly through the perspective of Annette's character. Annette encountered gaze pressure from class, race, and gender at different stages of her life. She challenged these unequal power structures through confrontational gaze and action. During her student years, Annette observed that teachers treated students from different social backgrounds unfairly, which sparked her sensitivity to unequal power relations. As an adult, she transformed from an object of gaze to a subject with gaze power through education and professional achievement. During the Nazi occupation, Annette helped Jewish children escape persecution, and her actions directly opposed the Nazi gaze authority. In terms of gender, Annette realized during underground activities that although her abilities were underestimated, her appearance became the focus of attention, which prompted her to pursue gender equality. In her later years, she conveyed the spirit of disobedience through lectures, encouraging others to challenge and surpass the limitations brought by gaze. Annette's story demonstrates how individuals can achieve self empowerment and the possibility of changing reality through adversarial gaze.

3、 Annette's eye contact with others

Sartre believed that "the gaze of others" is an important factor that affects an individual's self-awareness. In her interactions with Jews and Algerians, Annette experienced the bidirectionality of gaze, being both the observer and the observed object. When rescuing Jewish children, she gazed at their father, which prompted her to reflect on herself and gain trust. In Algeria, she became aware of the unequal relationship between France and Algeria through eye contact with the locals. The novel introduces the French colonial history of Algeria and the miserable life of the local people through the narrator. Annette feels the shame brought by her identity as a French, which urges her to draw a line with the Malrault and de Gaulle governments and start to resist the French colonial behavior. Annette's story showcases the subjectivity of individuals in gaze relationships and how these relationships promote self reflection and change in action.

4、 Unequal power relations and their transcendence

In depth exploration of Sartre's perspective on social relations through gaze, emphasizing gaze as a tool for power struggle and reflecting the binary opposition between self and others. By narrating historical events such as the conflict between France and Algeria, as well as the aggression of Nazi Germany, the transformation of gaze relations in power struggles is demonstrated. It is particularly pointed out that when the third-party gaze disappears, the original unity splits and a new gaze relationship forms, leading to a new power struggle. Annette's character is used to showcase a possibility that transcends traditional power relations, by blurring the boundaries between self and others, pursuing equality between people, not pursuing personal privileges, but emphasizing the shared humanity and principles of equality for all humanity. The novel showcases how Annette resists unequal power relations through adversarial gaze and the construction of equal relationships, reflecting her pursuit of the ideal of an equal society.

5、 Conclusion

Annette explores the relationship between self and others through gaze scenes. The protagonist, Annette, constructs subjectivity through adversarial gaze and mutual eye contact, attempting to break down unequal power relations and establish an equal society. The life story of Anne Bomano continues in the novel, and its practical significance and enlightening value remain significant.