KJCKorea
Journal Central

The primary objective of this study is to present women's consciousness shown in <Boeungiurok(報恩奇遇錄)> through analyzing female characters' attitude toward marriage. There are three female characters - Paek Seung-sul, Jang Mi-ju, Sul So-a - along with the male character Wi Yeon-cheong. They all live in a belief system called Patriarchal Ideology, that justifies male domination over women. The female characters in this book, however, are somewhat rebellious on the common belief. Paek Seung-sul behaves herself in Confucian doctrine while she defines right and wrong of her own accord in certain situations. She tries to make her life better and becomes an active role model for other women. Jang Mi-ju and Sul So-a admit that women should stay at home, and they are eager to find their husband-to-be. They are fully aware of the fact that a good marriage can provide them a more satisfying, comfortable life. They both recognize that Wi Yeon-cheong would not make a good husband as they wanted. Some time later, Jang Mi-ju are married to another man than Wi Yeon-cheong, and Sul So-a are living by herself. The author does not punish the female characters for not being obedient for Confucian doctrine. Rather, he let them live their own lives whether they are maried or not. The female characters in <Boeungiurok(報恩奇遇錄)> may express the desires of readers who wanted to escape from patriarchal ideology and sexuality in their society. The author may have read their minds and decided to write about it. The intention of author may be to provide catharsis for his readers living with the guilt of their sins of disobedience to patriarchal ideology and Confucian doctrine.

<Boeungiurok(報恩奇遇錄)>, female character, marriage, woman conscious, etiquette, fidelity