<개문인시폐문인(開門人是閉門人)> 유형 설화에서 문과 환생의 의미

Abstract

This study attempts a new interpretation of the <Gaemuninsipyemunin>- type folktales. So far, the reincarnation motif that appears in many tales has been used as a device to secure narrative rightfulness that makes something impossible possible in reality. However, <Gaemuninsipyemunin>-type folktales have not been analyzed in earnest up until now, and they are valuable as a research subject in that the meaning of reincarnation is different from the previous one. In addition, focusing on the fact that Wang Su-in appears repeatedly as the main character in the type folktales, this study attempts to find out the reason. This researcher has figured the status of Wang Su-in as a person with a tendency to be generous about Buddhism within the social context then and explained how the attribute of being favorable to Buddhism was the reason for settling him as the main character in the folktales employing the reincarnation motif. Through that, this study has analyzed how Wang Su-in settled as the main character in the tales and was accepted by the class enjoying them. Next, to analyze the meaning of <Gaemuninsipyemunin>-type folktales, the sequential structure and confrontational structure which are the methods of structuralist analysis are applied in combination. Through sequential structure analysis, this study has figured the meaning that the narrative progress forms and the importance of the theme called ‘Mun (the door)’. Through that, the change in Wang Su-in’s state from isolation to extension and to integration has been observed. Through the confrontational structure naturally formed with the door, the fact that the meaning of the inside and outside of the room separated by the door refers to the meaning of the inside and outside psychological space of an individual has been revealed. Also, the structure that Wang Su-in’s state connects death and life with the mediation of reincarnation has been identified. Based on the structure revealed, this author has analyzed the meaning of Wang Su-in entering the room closing the door and the door opened by Wonnim although it had not been able to be opened outside. <Gaemuninsipyemunin>- type folktales signify psychological self-growth that occurs in the process of solving problems and the importance of the subject’s willingness to solve problems. This study is significant in that it has presented a new interpretation about the meaning of <Gaemuninsipyemunin>-type folktales loved by various classes through oral and written transmissions and figured what they imply for contemporaries about the value and direction of concerns for change in existence.