화류병과 문명병으로 표상된 일본과 조선의 근대 – 한일근대소설의 매독담론 –

Abstract

The syphilis discourse in modern Korean and Japanese novels is represented in different ways in the empire and the colony. The characteristics of syphilis discourse in modern Japanese novels are as follows. Among the 56 works of modern Japanese novels that deal with syphilis, 29 fall into the so-called “I-novel” category. Syphilis is depicted as being predominantly contracted by men in the lower class through licensed prostitutes or geisha in the demimonde quarters. In Japan, syphilis was considered a social disease caused by people working in or visiting the red-light districts. Therefore, it was used to indicate that men suffering from syphilis could not properly manage their sexual desire and were unmodern, barbaric, and unsanitary. The characteristics of syphilis discourse in modern Korean novels are as follows. Most of the modern Korean novels featuring syphilis are those by mainstream writers. It is heavily featured in the works of famous writers such as Lee Kwangsoo, Kim Dongin, Park Taewon, and Chae Mansik. In modern Korean novels, there were many new women and sons of affluent families who had syphilis. Therefore, in Chosun, syphilis was recognized as a civilizational disease caused by the development of civilization in the process of industrialization and modernization. In particular, society took a biased view of syphilis, depending on the gender difference. In the case of rich intellectual men, syphilis was considered a civilizational disease. In contrast, in the case of modern new women who accepted new knowledge, it was regarded as a social disease caused by their sexual promiscuity.