어머니의 신체와 연결성 – 구비설화에 나타난 ‘어머니’의 용인과 배제 양상을 중심으로

Abstract

In an attempt to explore and develop theories of the connected body, in this study, I focus on the mother’s body as represented in folk literature. The legitimate body of the mother is one that gives birth to and raises a good son. It is for this purpose only that the mother’s body may deviate from the norms of femininity as in the folktale known as “Son-byeongsa’s mother”. Another legitimate form of the mother’s body is the sickly mother, whose ailing body serves as an instrument for training her son to becoming a good son. The ailing mother’s body, which serves to reinforce the ideology of filial piety, is often used to test the authenticity and intensity of sons’ loyalty and the affection for their elders. There is also the mother who presents a threat to familism, as in “The Good Gravesite Lost Due to the Mother’s Exposure.” This mother is thus publicly shamed and excluded for her deeds. It is thought that the plan to perpetuate the paternal lineage, which restricts the mother’s body in a violent and barbaric way, has already been challenged by the very existence of these tales. The solution in the folktale, which breaks away from narrow-minded familism and seeks a new connection, can be seen as opening up new possibilities by cutting off the planning of patriarchy.