옥시덴탈리즘과 복제된 오리엔탈리즘의 한국적 기원 : ‘초당’ 연구

Abstract

This study aims to analyze characters in <The Grass Roof>(1931, Kang Yongheul) in their thoughts and feelings about the Western, and revealed how Occidentalism and Orientalism are reproduced in the Korea. This Work that is published in English in the United States must be a great contribution to inform the reality of the colonial Korea into the world, by showing the real situation in Korea from the time of Enlightment up to 3․1 Movement. This study focuses on a clarification of the nature of the Western based on previous discussions. The situation of the Korean Empire in the latter era of the Choseon suffered difficuties in front of the War between Russia and Japan. In addition, the United Kingdom, United States, Germany, France and other countries would follow its own interests, indifferent to the fate of Korea. Han Cheong-pa, main character of <The Grass Roof>, describes feelingly sufferings of the Korea-Japan Annexation and the Japanese colonal rule, and 3.1 Movement. The narratives shows the conditions through that images of the Western was reproduced as a priori ideological 'civilization' in the Korea. A superiority of the Western civilization was already assured because the Japan became the hegemon of East Asia thanks to the Western civilization. The Orientalism is the way of the West to reconstruct and to opress the East, whereas a occidentalism in <The Grass Roof> is to said as the way that the Korea learns and discards the West. A character as Park Su-san puts emphasis on imitation of the West because he judges the Korea as the week nation that is inferior of the West civilization. In addition, Han Cheong-pa who returns home after studying in Japan reminds image of death because he regards the Korea as savage nation. Their thoughts are typical behaviors of the Orientalism. These practices are still rampant in Korea: English learning frenzy, cold eyes on migrants, persistent efforts to win heart of America. etc. We can reflect these behaviors through this work.