<숙영낭자전>에 나타난 여성 해방 공간, 옥연동

Abstract

Usually, spaces in classical novels are divided in two tiers, such as the heaven and the earth, or the reality and the unreality. However, in SukyeongNangjaJeon, Okyeondong is set as a new area between the heaven and the earth, which is figured as a feminine space. In this paper, as we notes the spatial characteristic in SukyeongNangaJeon, it is analyzed by focusing on the spatial structure. And, based on that, I want to examine the meaning that Okyeondong has as a liberating space for women. By this study, it is expected that imagination about space in the late Chosun Dynasty and the meaning of setting women’s space could be analyzed. The spaces in SukyeongNangjaJeon divided in two tiers of Andong, where Confucian ideology is strongly applied, and Okyeondong, where the ideology is passed over. Andong is figured as a closed space surrounded by high walls, while Okyeondong is an open space where numerous flowers and natural stuffs are harmonized with. And this figuration provides the characteristics for the space, and has impact on the behaviors of Sukyeong Nangja. Sukyeong Nangja shows actively her words and expressions by media of her dream in Okyeondong, but she doesn’t do so in Andong and suicides herself by falsely being accused of about her fidelity. It relates to the characteristics of the spaces. It means that Andong is an oppressed space where Sukyeong Nangja cannot express her intentions freely, while Okyeondong is a liberating space where she can shows her wills in her own control. When we notes these spatial modes, we can find that SukyeongNangjaJeon arranged the women’s liberated space, where women could be escaped from authority of patriarchy, by setting a new space of Okyeondong. And the women readers at that time seemed to imagine a world where women can express their active wills, when they read the work.