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A Study on the Patterns and Meaning of Twins in Korean full-length classical novels

  • The Research of the Korean Classic
  • 2025, (68), pp.207~242
  • Publisher : The Research Of The Korean Classic
  • Research Area : Humanities > Korean Language and Literature > Korean Literature > Korean classic prose
  • Received : January 22, 2025
  • Accepted : February 11, 2025
  • Published : February 28, 2025

Eunkyoung-Lee 1

1충북대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on how twins, who are currently often appeared to popular culture, have been produced in the Korean full-length classical novels and what they mean. The purpose of this study was to see the perceptions of the nobleman about twins born on the same day and living various lives. Focusing on the role of the twins in the relationship of many characters in the Korean full-length classical novels, the aspects were divided into the sides of the twins and the sides of the family. In terms of twins, the first is confrontation and conflict-type twins, which cause conflict between twins or other brothers due to twins. Second, a case of cooperative and complementary twins that join forces with each other to protect the country, or family from the enemies, or to overcome crisis. Third, independent and individual twins, who live individual lives because of different appearances and personalities, or because the environment in which they grew up is different. Each lives their own lives because they are not significantly affecting each other’s lives or because of separation. In terms of the family, the first is a case of the twin who registered as the descendant of the family relatively reduces the burden of the succession problem and continues the family. Second, it is a case of healing and recovery twins who heal pain and trauma by filling the void of the family. In the Korean full-length classical novels, which has the nobleman as its main readers, twins have the following meanings. First, in the Korean full-length classical novels, twins are recognized not only as symbols of the same nature that share the same genes but also as independents with different thoughts and qualities. It can be said that twins are not viewed in a dichotomy but are perceived complexly. Second, by featuring many twins in the Korean novel, it is well revealed not only the establishment of the family’s identity but also the will to prosper. Twins are symbols of family prosperity and also responsible for filling the fastest-dead family members. Third, the twins in the Korean full-length classical novels try to solidify the vertical order of patriarchy through twins who do not differ significantly in time. In other words, the Confucian order can be more emphasized through a narrative of twins who significantly change their position in the family than the other brothers.

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This paper was written with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea.
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