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Figures of old age in Classical Narrative and their modern meanings

Jeung Sun Hee 1

1홍익대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This paper examines figures of old age appearing in entire classical narrative. After that, it examines figures of Korean full-length classical novels in which figures of old age in family relations are notably shown comparing to other subtypes of classical narrative. Old people in classical narrative usually function as wise people who solve problems in social relationships or people who cause tension by delaying resolving a conflict. However, in Korean full-length classical novels figures of old age are usually seen in family relations and their roles are focused on roles as ‘grandfathers’, ‘grandmothers’ or ‘seniors of a family’. They teach their children strictly and manage themselves. They are embodied as people who are respected by others because they are capable and do not look young. At the same time, they love their grandchildren and physically contact with them. In addition, they help family members to reconcile and console by creating an atmosphere for adjusting conflicts. However, they say and act in a patriarchal manner regardless of their gender because of their status as seniors of a family. Like these, old people in classical narrative play important roles in a family and are respected by others, so figures of old age in classical narrative can be suggested as solutions for modern family conflicts and the alienation of old people.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.