숙명여대 소장 필사본 『주대명전』의 특성과 가치

Abstract

“Joodaemyeongjeon” is the only known 51-chapter manuscript and one of the 14 copies of the “Eunyul Manuscript Collection” housed at the Sookmyung Women's University Library. While various Korean novels feature Joo Wonjang, “Joodaemyeongjeon” uniquely portrays him as the sole protagonist depicting the founding of the Ming Dynasty. This study introduces the newly discovered novel “Joodaemyeongjeon,” comparing it with existing narratives about Joo Wonjang in a historical context. It explores the novel's significance and value, distinguishing it from other novels such as “Jangbaekjeon,” “Yumunseongjeon,” and “JooWonjang Changeop Sikgi.” Although differing significantly from these works, Joo Daemyeongjeon similarly emphasizes ‘heaven's mandate,’ prominently using dreams as a narrative device, particularly highlighting the ‘Jewangyeon dream,’ inspired by the contents of Geumsansa Mongyurok. Constructed around real-life figures related to Joo Wonjang, the novel incorporates elements typical of heroic or military tales, suggesting that its creator had access to historical knowledge of the early Ming Dynasty and was adept at the grammar of fiction. This study aims to contribute to early research on the “Eunyul Manuscript Collection” at Sookmyung Women's University by elucidating the unique thematic features of “Joodaemyeongjeon.”