‘사악한 신’의 개념을 중심으로 살펴본 모파상 작품 속의 페시미즘 연구

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship between an evil god and pessimism in Maupassant’s novels. The images of god in Maupassant’s works were significantly different from those in 19th century literature. He considered the god evil, not merciful. The aspect of pessimistic realism in his works is expressed as an evil god, who keeps watch on human beings, every moment and everywhere. This aspect is related with determinism, which is described as inevitable traps for human beings by the evil god’s agents as well. The traps and the agents are particularly embodied in nature and female characters of his works. Female characters are revealed as temptation traps laid by nature for male characters. Male characters chase love and ideals in the female, but the female turns out to be bait. By the destructive law of reproduction, nature and the female have guaranteed existence and permanence of species. Nature, however, drives human beings into unpredictable fate and accident. Nature mocks man and deprives him of individuality. The image of man in Maupassant’s works is one of helplessness being overwhelmed by nature. In conclusion, Maupassant’s repetitive and obsessive perspective on nature and humans implies the relationship between an evil god and human conditions from which we cannot escape.