한국아동문학사 서술방법론 연구―이재철 이후의 모색

Abstract

The history of literature is a progressive texture that can always be re-defined by the contemporary variables. However, the history of children’s literature was solely defined by Lee Jaechul half a century ago. Many studies have been accumulated in the field of children’s literature, so we are in a desperately need of a new definition of children’s literature. The key point is to establish a method of definition in the history of children’s literature with a consistent perspective and system. The method of definition that reflects the contemporary issues can be clarified by contrast with the previous method of definition. As Lee Jaechul’s definition is the only existing definition, this study examined each item to seek an alternative. The items discussed include scope, genre, time period, perspective, and standards. The point is that the establishment and development of children’s literature should be addressed from the views of modern issues based on the special circumstances of Korean history. Korean children’s literature developed with a unique trend because of the restrictions of the Japanese Imperial Rule. The major readers of children’s literature were in the mid to late teens. Young authors were very active, so children were both the consumers and producers of children’s literature. Broadly, the history of Korean children’s literature has developed with the pursuit of completion of modern plans. This study has clarified that a righteous historical perspective, the perspective of postcold war, the perspective of post-modernism and post-colonialism, a strictly substantial method, and a solid literary perspective in order to discuss Korea’s unique characteristics.