≪新唐書≫의 ‘小說’ 인용 고찰

Abstract

This paper examines the “Xiao-Shuo” that is included in the New Tang History Book. Xiao-Shuo does not designate the modern concept of the novel or of narrative fiction, but instead refers to stories, legends and anecdotes that were spread by ordinary people. It was the term for inaccurate and unofficial records during the Tang-Song Dynasty, which today we know as Bi-ji(筆記, Miscellaneous Notes). Xiao-Shuo is often cited in the New Tang History Book, a work of official history(正史), because the authors felt it necessary to do so. This paper analyzes why, despite its shortcomings, the outstanding intellectuals of the Northern Song Dynasty engaged with Xiao-Shuo and required it as a source material for the New Tang History Book, and how Xiao-Shuo influenced the official historical narrative. It was widely perceived that the Old Tang History Book(舊唐書) was inadequate to the task of teaching its readers lessons on good and evil, and right and wrong. Given this, the scholars’ main focus in compiling the New Tang History Book was to impart moral lessons more effectively. By citing Xiao-Shuo, the New Tang History Book validated the exemplary actions of good people, and cast the bad actions of evil people in a negative light. In doing so, the text established a more rational, complete narrative. The fact that Xiao-Shuo was not an accurate account of history was disregarded, as morality and rationality were prioritized over accuracy. The New Tang History Book cited Xiao-Shuo in order to elaborate a more moral, complete historical narrative.