1950~60년대 펄벅 수용과 미국

Abstract

Pearl Buck, author of The Good Earth was unique in her overlapping position in America, Asia and feminine gender. This unique positioning for her was discovered as special meaning in Korea in 1950's and 1960's. Journalism reporting her first visit to Korea in 1960 described her as 'generous mother', who had special interests in Asia, respected Confucianism value of Asia, familism and motherhood. It was different from description on her, trustworthy specialist in Asia as westerner(caucasian) who had experiences in Asian society. Change of symbol on Pearl Buck from 'caucasian' to 'mother' for 30 years can be understood in relation to Korean view on America in 1950's. Korea in 1950's belonged under the American hegemony with its absolute aids. However, American liberalism experienced by Korea in times of its own forming nation was a dangerous value accompanying both charm and fear. Refusal to low American culture spread into Korean society since US Military Army Government in Korea and national humilation on US as aid and symbolic patriarch turned out refusal and blame for women with Americanization (Madam Freedom, Apres-Girl and UN Madam). However, Pearl Buck highly contributed to reconsideration on negative image of America. In other words, by expressing American as a mother called 'Pearl Buck', new image as offerer of generous offerer of care not abusive patriarch was born. Pearl Buck, a Novel laureate for Literature was required a role as spokesperson to introduce Korea into International society using her literatures and it was the desire of Korean society that wanted to move from the remote region of world history to the center through the allied nation, USA. Pearl Buck, mother of the Welcome House for Asian children of mixed blood can be seen to symbolize USA itself, which became the most powerful and integrated power by hugging international refugees and accepting immigrants. Accordingly, Pearl Buck was an American symbol which was gender as generous, wise, rational and cultured mother and referred positively for reconsideration of Korean view on America in 1950's and 1960's.