同春堂 宋浚吉의 碑誌文攷

Abstract

This dissertation is a study on the epitaphs of Dong-Chun-Dang(Joon-Gil, Song). Joon-Gil Song tried his best to restore social order to a society in disarray(seventeenth century Chosun Dynasty) and to weather the crisis of his country through propriety. He was very interested in literary works and was especially interested in epitaphs. He strove to supplicate his ancestors by writing epitaphs that praised them. He managed to convince celebrities to write epitaphs for his ancestors and wrote twenty-seven himself for his ancestors and for others on demand. He drew from typical motifs of Chinese literature such as loyalty, filial piety, and a virtuous woman, but adapted them to Chosun times. Since the heroes and heroines were always people he knew, he always showed deep feelings when he wrote them. Even if an epitaph already existed for someone, he would rewrite epitaphs when he was requested to do so. Members of his family died during his lifetime, and his deep grief for the loss of his son and daughter can be seen in his epitaphs. This study is very useful to understand seventeenth century Chosun literature.