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Characteristics in Genre Analysed through the Motif of ‘Foregoing Integrity’ -A Comparative Study of <King Seongjong's Wit to Save Two Subjects > and <Jibongjeon>-

  • Korean Language & Literature
  • 2012, (81), pp.159-191
  • Publisher : Korean Language & Literature
  • Research Area : Humanities > Korean Language and Literature

Kim Miryeong 1

1조선대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This study aims to examine how the motif of forgoing integrity is realized in different genres of ‘narratives' and ‘novels’ and what meaning it creates. For the purpose, the study compared a narrative titled <King Seongjong's Wit to Save Two Subjects> with a novel titled <Jibongjeon> with the motif of forgoing integrity. As a result, three differences in genre between narratives and novels were discovered:First, a difference in delivery method. In the <King Seongjong's Wit to Save Two Subjects>, sentences are short and simple, but vivid and active while in the <Jibongjeon>, sentences are long and lots of comparative expressions are used and a style of writing is refined. Second, a difference in dscription method. <King Seongjong's Wit to Save Two Subjects> depends on narrator's criticism through direct intervention. In such case, scenes are intensively presented and the cause and effect is emphasized to focus on the development of the story. However, in <Jibongjeon>, the method of showing is used through dialogue between characters, specific description of scenes, and Chinese poetry rather than ' telling.' It presents specific scenes to extend the narrative and to make it stable and refined. Third, a difference in composition of the story. In the former, two events of forgoing integrity are closely connected through the case and effect to make a complete story. However, in the latter, two different stories are independently composed and then they are combined through the forgoing integrity told by King Hyojong. Finally, a difference in the method of realizing the motif and in meaning. In <King Seongjong's Wit to Save Two Subjects>, the motif of forgoing integrity is used as a mediating device to highlight the integrity of King Seongjong. However, <Jibongjeon> contains a consciousness of forgoing integrity. In addition, it actively advocates freedom of sex. It is a resistance against strict recognition on sex in the aristocratic world and shows changes in thoughts of the people at that time who affirmed human instinct, which leads us to awareness of sex in the aristocratic world. Thus, the two literary works have similar plots, but different stories. However, as each of them has reception and vitality as a narrative and specificity and elegance as a navel, they are attractive.

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