KJCKorea
Journal Central

The paper has examined the hierarchical aspects and phased features of family, society and foreign space which become the spatial background of the <Tale of Hong Gildong> based on the theory of needs hierarchy by Maslow, the psychologist in the USA. Space is an element implying the inside details of the event and character, and the <Tale of Hong Gildong> is noted for its special significance in each space. In particular, the spatial change following the movement of Hong Gildong represents the process of Maslow's self-realization. The space in the <Tale of Hong Gildong> is hierarchical. The space shown in the <Tale of Hong Gildong> is significant as a space that implies social issues. First of all, family space institutes the conflict from polygamy (one husband with one wife and several concubines) and issues in discrimination between sons. Social space is a place where the corrective action was carried out for the negative feature of the privileged class squeezing people's blood out of them. Lastly, foreign space is an ideal place where there is no social discrimination and poverty and where the fundamental duty of a human being is realized. The hierarchical space in the <Tale of Hong Gildong> is closely related with the needs hierarchy. Maslow insisted that most creative people achieved what others did not realize, and the highest level of self-actualization needs realized the creative power of a human being. Family space of the <Tale of Hong Gildong> is a place for personal growth as Maslow's first and second needs, which are physiological and safety issues, have been satisfied to some extent. Social space is where Hong Gildong's third and fourth needs of Maslow, which are affiliation and will of respect, are resolved by participating in the society. Foreign space completes Maslow's fifth phase of self-realization as Hong Gildong constructed Yul-do, the ideal country, to solve mounting issues within the country. The space and desire in the <Tale of Hong Gildong> is epically remarkable. The <Tale of Hong Gildong> is regarded to have appropriately collected social issues in the Joseon Dynasty period. The phased space has been placed behind it, highlighting the literary imagery. Family space dealing with the main character's hardship and growth in the first part of the epic, social space where the main character achieved activities and performance in the middle of the epic, and foreign space that realized his ideal in the finale played parts in materializing this work. Thus, the spatial background contributes to the structure of this work. This also means that Maslow's five-phase needs have been sequentially realized.

Honggildongjeon, Spatial setting, Self-Actualization, Maslow, Hierarchy of needs, Yuldoguk