<유씨삼대록> 속 상층 여성 인물의 늑혼(勒婚) 양상과 의미 - 설초벽과 왕씨를 중심으로

Abstract

This study would discuss the aspects and meanings of upper-class female characters’ marriage by force, different from princess marriage with Yussisamdaerok, a work of the early 18th century. In the work, Seol Cho-byeok and Mrs. Wang show different aspects of marriage by force, and the one shows an overly subjective woman’s marriage by force while the other shows that of a woman who lacks in everything a little bit, including appearance. The meanings of marriage by force through the two women can be divided into three. First, the dual image of the Emperor appears. Second, the image of a virtuous father who asks for forgiveness for his daughter’s mistake appears. Third, the woman who came in by marriage by force was distinguished by her appearance, and accordingly, we can guess against what female characters precautions were taken in the work. Then, it is necessary to examine how the class of readers of Yussisamdaerok accepted such upper-class female characters’ marriage by force as compared to princess marriage. First, in upper-class female characters’ marriage by force, the vertical force between the lord and the vassal relatively stand out less as compared to princess marriage. In that the logic of power was weakened to some extent, the class of readers might feel the tension less and read that as an interesting element. Second, in the princess marriage of the work, Princess Jinyang, who brought a vicious female character to an end, accepted it as reformed by virtue; however, in upper-class female character’s marriage by force selectively embraces the female character. This is related to which female character speaks of and lead marriage by force first. Third, as for the female characters’ personalities, Princess Jinyang was a silent character; however, Seol Cho-byeok or Mrs. Wang were characters who expressed her thoughts. Thus, it seems that the class of readers was very likely to think of showing a silent attitude like Princess Jinyang to be more positive. Lastly, Yussisamdaerok has a positive view of marriage by force by the will of the Emperor, unlike other Korean full-length novels. The work ends with the scene in which Seol Cho-byeok and Mrs. Wang gave birth to descendants at last, and Princess Jinyang who also got married by force is described as a very idealistic person, too. This is because of the characteristic of the class of enjoyment, which was related to the royal family of the times as well as the upper class. In other words, it is inferred that both the narrator and the class of readers had a somewhat positive view of marriage by force.