PURPOSE: To obtain a high contrast and provide operation and gradation representation which are stable for a long period of time by performing matrix driving by pulse-width modulation and making dielectric torque in an unselected state operate.

CONSTITUTION: This method provides the matrix driving of the chiral smectic C phase of ferroelectric liquid crystal, which is sandwiched between electrodes and has positive dielectric anisotropy, by the pulse-width modulation and in the unselected, the dielectric torque operates. For the purpose, a driving waveform which does not contain a DC component consisting of pulses with length τ/n (n: integer selected among 2-5) is applied in the unselected state where the voltage with a pulse applied waveform causing switching at the time of selection is denoted as V and its width τ. Consequently, the matrix driving of the ferroelectric liquid crystal having positive dielectric anisotropy can be performed so that chevron structure or slanting bookshelf structure in its natural state is utilized.