『옥수기』의 여성인물과 결연 양상

Abstract

Oksuki(玉樹記), one of the novels in Chŏson Dynasty, in the 19th century, is created by Sim-neungsuk(沈能淑:1782～1840) at his later years. It is written in classical chinese, and later translated in Korean by Nam-Yunwon at 1883. Just as Nam-Yunwon, the translater of the novel, ascertains at his preface, the main story of Oksuki(玉樹記) is about a “union between man and woman”. Every male character who forms a relationship with a female character in this novel, has certain traits in common, such as good at writing, having similar appearances, etc. The main story of Oksuki is about that the male characters who are much alike in their talents and appearances have relationships with females within different characters. Therefore, in order to grasp the work precisely, it is essential to observe what specific aspects of their relationships are, how figures of the characters can be described, and what their roles are. The patterns of relationships between man and female characters has shown different aspects depending on female characters' status. The female characters playing a role of wife are described as learned and virtuous persons who have fidelity and devote themselves to their parents. They are all described as faithful to Confucian idea. Their marriage is arranged by their parents excluding their personal emotions. Even though they not only resolve family troubles, but also have higher abilities over the male characters, they still conceal their superiorities and always support their husbands. Conversely, the concubine characters in the novel are described as unrestricted ones compare to the wives: they surpass in poetic compositon and martial arts. They use to deceive their partners or to be deceived by them during the relationship. As they mainly focus on enjoying life, so they take an important role only in the scenes of merrymaking. Through analyzing the distinctions between the wife charater and the concubine charater shown in the novel, we find out that Sim-neungsuk(沈能淑), the writer of Oksuki(玉樹記) follows the order of social status reflecting Confucian idea.