≪水滸葉子≫의 인물 서사― 地煞星 9인을 중심으로

Abstract

According to the ranking of the 108 heroes in Water Margin, 36 Heavenly spirits are in higher ranks compared to 72 Earthly Friends. Some of the Earthly Friends are not outstanding so they are not matched well with the title, ‘hero.’ However, the 40 heroes in Shuihuyezi includes nine Earthly Friends, who are selected by the writer, Chen, Hong-shou, not by the hero ranking of Liangshanpo or the weight of role in Water Margin. The descriptions of the nine Earthly Friends in Shuihuyezi are analyzed in this paper, and this research has found four main features from the descriptions. First, loyalty is regarded as an important virtue, which is the same in Water Margin. The descriptions of Zhu Wu, who are patient, and considers communication is important, Gu Dasao, who builds a network and solve an issue easily, and Fan Rui, who has alchemy and comes down to humans, are all based on loyalty. Second, Shuihuyezi defines the characters in Water Margin from practicality, which is the trend of the time. Shi, En and Wu, Song are inseparable. However, just like the maximum tension in the bowstring without an arrow, it can be a meaningless desire. Also, the introspection into reality enables the revaluation of the petty thief, Shi, Qian. Third, it is a new gender awareness that clearly depicts characters created between individuals’desires and values that the society pursues. The insight toward reality in which people only care for their own profits, and the society which stresses womanly virtues, generates a new point of view toward Sun Erniang and Hu Sanniang. Fourth, the civil administrative society and bureaucracy, which need practical specialties, include An Daoquan and Xiao Rang in Shuihuyezi. Chen, Hong-shou dreamed a new world in Shuihuyezi. In this world, a gentle leader makes his people new citizens. The major driving forces of the world are Confucian values, such as loyal relationships; friendship; and filial duty. And Chen, Hong-shou focuses on people in the world. That is the reason why Chen, Hong-shou paid attention to the Earthly Friends, along with the Heavenly Spirits.