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Studies on the Images of Yi Sun-shin portrayed in 19th century literature -focused to Chinese poems-

  • The Studies in Korean Poetry and Culture
  • Abbr : Korean Poetry and Culture
  • 2008, (22), pp.103-131
  • Publisher : The Society of Korean Poetry and Culture
  • Research Area : Humanities > Korean Language and Literature

박동욱 1

1한양대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

The Great Admiral Yi Sun-shin has been portrayed in various fields of art. This study focused on literatures, especially Chinese poems, and limited the periodical background as 19thcentury, when foreign countries had overpowered the nation. First of all, this study examined the lists of Admiral Yi Sun-shin relevant Chinese poems, collected from the anthologies of Maecheon Poetic Circles. This is the first scholarly attempt to excerpt, collect and enumerate Admiral Yi relevant Chinese poems in quite amount of volume. It is highly remarkable and noticeable phenomena, that there were many Chinese poems created with the theme of Admiral Yi, in the era of 19thcentury when foreign powers had shown their invasive ambitions. This is the time when foreign powers overcame and maneuvering Korean politics and the intellectuals expressed more and more feeling of helplessness since they could not do anything to overcome the reality. Sometimes, they showed angers or expressed self-destructive feelings. They wanted Admiral Yi to revive and sweep away the foreign power, which were sometimes compared to filthy devils, with the help of Geobukseon that Admiral Yi created. There can be three different types of Admiral Yi relevant Chinese poems in this specific era. First is recalling and reflecting on Admiral Yi, and this type is the most general type. The writers visit Admiral Yi relevant places, the brought Admiral Yi relevant images to mind. Second is writing about the absence of hero and the dark and gloomy days of the nation. These poems have certain hues of deplore. Thirdly, some poems proposed and anticipated for great heroes who could win over foreign powers. Historic heroes are consolations and aspirations for people at that time. The general public could hope for the better future with the firm belief to see such heroes once again. At that time, Admiral Yi was not only a patriotic hero who saved the once endangered nation, but also the tutelary deity who could have saved Korea from foreign powers. The people united thinking of him and could salvage themselves from the helplessness and self-destructive feelings by reflecting on Admiral Yi. Even till now, Admiral Yi and Geobukseon is still appealing to general public, maybe the most attractive historic figure of Korea. He will always inspire us as a courageous hero who will be with us forever.

Citation status

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