김유정 소설의 여성 인물과 ‘貞操’

Abstract

In this paper, I take note of female character's position, different from male character in Kim, Yujeong's novels, and investigate author's recognition of those days' reality. Fidelity which is suggested in Kim's novels is not the atonym of forgoing or sexual disorder. It is meaningless judgement that remaining faithful to one's husband is ethical problem or throwing away chastity is survival problem. Preferably life logic and live moral come in contact with each other through fidelity. The fidelity which shows humble, folksy, faithful in individual works is linked to author's recognition of the reality when located in historic place of the colonial period. In Kim's novels, female character is considered as symbolic embodiment of colony people. Kim's conservative woman character is an expression of national unconsciousness which stands against colonial exploitation and refuse forced change. The value that female character must keep is not limited to traditional virtue seen as return or regression. Female character also must take responsibility for national prospect as a mother. However groping in the dark carried out by author is conclude in reconfirmation of pessimistic view.