옌롄커의 ‘新군대소설’ 읽기- 『여름 해가 지다(夏日落)』를 중심으로

Abstract

In the early 1990s, YanLianKe tried to create an experimental literature in accordance with the trend of the critical view of 'new historicism'. His experimental mind and attempt combined with his military experience leads to the creation of what is called a "new military novel. " Most traditional military novels have been written primarily on the imagery of an ' abstract and stereotypical army (soldier) ', and most were focused on heroic discourse that introduced the central events of history or the achievements of men. However, the novel written by YanLianKe broke down its history focusing on the central figure (incident) and avoided a huge discussion at the national level. At the same time, history was reconstructed by selecting an incidental and insignificant surrounding discourse based on the main character of the periphery. The restoration of these peripheral histories made the existing history that was fragmentary and flat more abundant, and enabled various interpretations of the history. The central story of the typical " New Military novel, " 『XiaRiLuo』, revolves around a series of events that begin with Xiariluo's death. However, the author emphasized the existing method of individuals that was neglected in traditional historical novels by exploring human nature and desires for power, materials and sexual appetite in a very honest way. Additionally, YanLianKe provides more implications throughout the work by drawing the history of the small life of an individual who lived in that age, and by trying to interpret it. These ordinary stories about lower-class people are not only positive for understanding the full history, but also very helpful for the readers to build bond of sympathy easily.