박완서 소설에 나타난 노년기 정체성의 위기와 문학적 대응 - 「저물녘의 황홀」, 「석양에 등을 지고 그림자를 밟다」를 중심으로 -

Abstract

A vague expectation in old age or social stereotype toward the elderly brings about an identity crisis for individuals entering old age. Old men are not the individuals who belong to a category of a particular period. They are a new aspect of ego, formed as the time continues and life extends. Thus, rebuilding one’s identity and stably gaining self-identity in old age can be viewed as patterns of the initiation. The Trance of Falling Sun and Stepping on the Shadow with a Sunset on the Back of Park Wan Seo - a representative writer for stories of old age in Korean literature history – depict experiences of entering old age and reveal the initiation pattern in a narrative form. The narrative structure of the novels composes self-discord, remembrance, and acceptance of old age; matching with the way of an individual reaching old age, recovering self-identity or rebuilding the identity. An initiation story of old age recreates the elderly’s life and emotion that emerged from a detailed scene of life. Through anticipatory socialization that prepares the elderly to establish a new role and get used to the changes, the story can help the elderly to break out of anxiety and chaos of normlessness in old age and ultimately contribute in the improvement of their self-respect and social identity.