<배비장전>에 나타난 신분의 한계와 극복 방안

Abstract

The change of the class system in the late Joseon Dynasty caused significant change in social and economic ways. Differentiation of yangban class led to polarization of the class with power and fallen yangban, which produced the class with title of yangban but is incompetent in practical life. In this social phenomenon, numerous satirical novels about corrupt life and false ethics of gentry appeared. One of most representative works is Baebijangjeon. This study examines limitation of the class and method to overcome this appeared in Baebijangjeon. First, differentiation of yangban class led to polarization of theclass with power and fallen yangban, which produced the class with title of yangban but is incompetent in practical life. This is the reason why novels about the upper and lower classes cooperating to surrender integrity of false yangban prevailed in late Joseon dynasty. This is the result of overcoming contradiction of the class system and pursuing modern awareness. Second, bureaucrats appeared in Baebijangjeon are classes that reign over by asserting their authority, but are incompetent in practical life. Thus Jeju official gathered the lower class and planned to remove affectation of hypocritical character. This can be seen as recognizing limitation of dignity and authority of yangban and groping for harmony of the upper and lower classes with the lower class taking the leading part. Moreover, change of recognition to pursue equal society can be found. Third, the study examines the meaning of limitation and overcoming of the class in the perspective of literary history. In this novel, Jungbijang who does not know what is right as official and Baebijang who is character with affectation are satire and mocked by the lowest class, gisaeng and bangja. This can be seen that they were strongly protesting, representing the public. This is changeover to modern era from medieval by removing affectation of the upper class and demonstrating sincerity of the public. Therefore, this novel renounced Neo-Confucianism ideology and appropriately applied the modern thought in the transition period to modern era from medieval. On the other hand, it enlightens that when people free themselves from the class, they can proceed to new era.