『영난몽뉴록』 연구

Abstract

The research purpose of this thesis is to identify the meaning and significance of the work by targeting Youngnanmongnyurok, a classic novel estimated to have been created in the early 20th century. Thus, this study analyzed the structural characteristics of the work and identified the meaning of Youngnanmongnyurok through comparison with existing Mongjaryu and abstracted author awareness by analyzing the personality of highlighted female characters. This work succeeded to the structural tradition of existing Mongjaryu. However, not specifically revealing a dream, a key element of Mongjaryu, it was replaced with the elements, advent and return. Eventually, the element, dream, left only its trace. But, this change does not originate from Youngnanmongnyurok. It could be confirmed that the change has already started in the works of the prior age such as Okrumong. The reason why we could confirm the works whose element of dreams is blurred or removed as Mongjaryu is because the structure of Mongjaryu was fossilized and has been inherited despite the transformation of the Mongjaryu style. Titling this work as ‘Mongyurok’ is closely related to the flow of the novel history. Mongjaryu which was popular in 18~19th century entered the decline phase in the 20th century and the structural tradition was inherited but genre recognition has faded out. At this time, Mongyurok took the place of Mongjaryu again and due to this effect, this work was granted the name of Mongyurok though it is Mongjaryu. Inheriting the structure of fossilized Mongjaryu, Youngnanmongnyurok shows the differentiation from existing Mongjaryu in terms of thought, characters and contents. Unlike that existing Mongjaryu showed mixed thoughts of Confucianism․Buddhism․Taoism or made ‘Namgajimong’ as its subject focusing on Taoism, this work has a strong Buddhist tone. Also, the female main character finds enlightenment through the sufferings of this world and takes refuge in Buddhism. It makes a clear contrast with the fact that people find enlightenment through wealth and honor in Mongjaryu centering on male characters. However, taking refuge in Buddhism is just the surface alternative and the true intention of the author is totally different. Hardships that women suffer in this work are deeply associated with the issue of fidelity and this was the norm forced to only women in the Joseon society. By connecting the issue of fidelity that was forced to only women with that of faith of men, Youngnanmongnyurok emphasizes that faith of men is also as important as fidelity of women. In this respect, we can find the unique aspects of Youngnanmongnyurok which are significantly distinct from existing Mongjaryu works.