<구운몽>의 구조와 소설미학 - 액자의 형상 -

Abstract

In the ancient stories, the frame of dream vision used in <Mongyurhok> and other stories which introduce the same dream-world plot device only performs the basic function of showing that the story is just fiction. A frame story is a literary technique that sometimes serves as a companion piece to a story within a story, whereby an introductory or main narrative is presented, at least in part, for the purpose of setting the stage either for a more emphasized second narrative or for a set of shorter stories. The frame structure in <Guunmong> leads readers from a first story into another, smaller ones within it. This literary device in <Guunmong> acts as a convenient conceit for the organization of a set of smaller narratives which are either of the devising of the author. A specialized form of the frame is a dream vision, <Guunmong> includes such a frame. <Guunmong>, however, does not stay in ordinary frame story of dream but evolves into the three dimensional shape and nature. That is, in the form of frame story, <Guunmong> presents paradox and symbol, contrast and opposition, allusion and foreshadowing, and organic cause and effect between each frame. Because this literary device acts as a convenient conceit of for the organization of a set of smaller narratives, extensive use of this device found in <Guunmong> represents the unique structure where the stories next several deep, to allow the inclusion of manny different tales. Therefore, the frame used in <Guunmong> can be called ‘functional frame’. The literary values in <Guunmong> can be linked to the work of connecting the frames of center and periphery, part and part, connotation and extension, showing the differences and commonalities between them, and pursuing the organic whole of three dimensional structure. This is what the <Guunmong> with its unique structure accomplishes the great and what qualifies it as a classic in the history of Korean ancient novel.