東學亂 설화에 내재된 혼종적 시각과 혁명의 의미

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to consider the hybrid perspective and meaning of revolution in Donghak Peasant Revolution folktale. This type of folktale contains the historical development and evaluation about Donghak Peasant Revolution. In the folktale, the conclusion of narrative is not fixed but open ended. At the beginning, folktale informants say this event is a revolution, however, at the end of part, they say this is just an insurrection. Between these extremes, it is possible to find the basic meaning of revolution on the point of view from the bottom. Whether Donghak Peasant Revolution folktale is judged as a narrative of revolution or insurrection, informants and people who enjoy this type of folktale focus on the daily life itself. From their point of view, all the things which threaten their life are something they must fight against. Ideology against the feudalism, capitalism or imperialism is not under consideration to them. They strain every nerve to take care of their everyday life and keep it safe. That is why they respond positively to the beginning part of narrative which describes the outbreak of revolution, and also why they regard this historical event as a revolt. At the first part, they realign the movement which expels a corrupt official represented by Cho Byeonggap who is a governor of Gobu region. However, they change their positions at the end of part because the military both Donghak peasant and Choson dynasty threaten their life. Sometimes they resist on the Japanese imperialism. They just fight for their daily life and this shows the meaning of revolution that though some movement follows great cause representing the spirit of the age, if this disturbs to keep their life safe, it cannot be called “revolution”. Donghak Peasant Revolution folktale emphasizes it not through the huge discourse but through the individual low voice.