문학작품에 투영된 아프리카의 이미지 : 콩고 강을 바라보는 서구와 현지의 시선들

Abstract

In our research on "the Image of Africa in Literatures", we have studied various literary works of both western and local origins dealing with the Congo River. First of all, we have reviewed the histories of the Congo and Congolese literatures written in French. Then we analysed the English novel "Heart of Darkness"(1899) by Joseph Conrad and the French journal "Le Voyage au Congo"(1927) by André Gide to illuminate the western perspectives. These two literary works above published during the colonial period of Congo, reflect the authors' personal experiences of the Congo river as Europeans who experienced cultural shocks at African realities. They lead readers to share emotional feelings on African reality by showing sympathy for African poverty and entrenched racial discrimination. In reviewing modern Congolese literature, we've analysed the most famous poet Tchicaya U Tam'si's poem Vive la mariée(Hail to the bride). We also looked at Songe fluvial(River Fantasy) of Jean-Baptist Tati-Loutard and J'ai rêvé(I Dreamed) of Maxime N'Debeka. The Congo River reflected in these poems mean the confirmation on their identities, the object for hope and universality as a human. These poems reflect contemporary sensibilities and African images connected with the ideal of humankind. In that sense, the Congolese literatures not only show the cultural uniqueness of Congo, but also can be claimed to be cosmopolitan literatures that inherit the spirits of World literatures. It's because universal values of peace and coexistence are well respected in the literature of the Congo, a country once referred to as 'Heart of Darkness'. This study will help understand further the literature of Central Africa rarely introduced to Korea so far.