여말 선초 시조의 맥락과 작가의 정의론

Abstract

This paper, focusing on the writer’s political thought and stance, explores each context of Sijo (Korean song) texts in the late 14th century. The late 14th century in the East Asia was a period of catastrophic history of “the world”. It was the time when “the world” order centered on the Yuan Empire was reorganized into “the world” order centered on the Ming Empire. The national order of Korea centered on the Goryeo dynasty was reorganized into that centered on the Joseon dynasty. In such an era, individuals are forced to make ceaseless choices but their choices vary. So did the political choices of Sijo writers. Therefore, first of all, I searched for the context of Sijo works in the period, analyzing what the historical occasion was especially important for each writer and what kind of thoughts and feelings he had at that moment. As a result, each author of the Korean song revealed the idea that his political choice was right, and that the basis of such thought was rooted in the Confucian justice theory. The scriptures of Confucianism present a multi-layered set of conditions needed to realize the right way of “the world” and the state, assuming hierarchical order. It was the time when the thoughts of justice of the people was in the process of reforming the national order according to the new “world” order and became unified with Confucian justice. For this reason, the authors of Sijo leaned on it and tried to rationalize their political actions and choices. The sacred texts of Confucianism cover the discussions on life or justice of various levels such as the world, the state, the unit society of the state, and personal behavior. The theory of justice, which was the writers’ guide, was basically based on the sacred texts. In this respect, the discussion of this paper will give another chance for us to reflect what the justice is through Korean classical literature.