The affect and meaning expressed in the works of exile by MaeGye(梅溪) JohUi(曺偉)

Kim Jin Kyung

doi:10.18213/jkccl.2012.25.1.009

MaeGye JohUi(1454~1503) was a member of the new scholar group in the SeongJong dynasty. He achieved fame due to his fine literature and became an active politician in the central political arena. However, he was exiled because he was accused in the Muo-Sahwa in the charge on his editing the collection of his teacher Jeompiljae's works. While he lived at a place of exile, his ardent patriotic sentiment made him get sick and die. At that time, being forced into exile meant the frustration of a will to realize their ideal in the political reality. Under such a situation, it is natural for their works to contain desperate emotion of frustrated individuals. Therefore, close examination of the affect expressed in MaeGye's works in the period of his exile may provide a solid base for sound and fair understanding of his life and purpose. In order to fully understand MaeGye JohUi's life and purpose, the present study attempted to identify the affect expressed in his works during his exile. In addition, the present study aimed at providing a foundation for a better understanding of the life and literary world of Early Neo-Confucian Literati through the examination of MaeGye JohUi's life and purpose. MaeGye tried to abstain from mentioning on current political events during the 5 years of exile. Thus, most of his works written during the exile expressed his depressed feelings resulted from the forced separation from the world rather than critical comments on political events or social conditions. However, his other works expressed his will to lead a life of man of virtue in accordance with the mandate of Heaven even under such extreme circumstances as exile. Through his works, we can recognize his aspect not only as an exile but also as a Confucian scholar who tried hard to fulfill the Confucian duties. And this is the reason why MaeGye's works of exile matters. Further discussion will be needed to elaborate unique characteristics of the affect and purpose from MaeGye's works of exile in comparison with those of his comtemporary scholars. In turn, it would be able to pave the way for better understanding of his humane qualities and literary world. Furthermore, it is expected to assist in examining various characteristics of the new literati of the time from a more specific and comprehensive perspective.

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