정약용의 「老人一快事」와 노년의 양식

Abstract

Old age brings with it unique circumstances and issues, as well as sentiments and a state of awareness. It also entails unique styles of literature and art. This can be described as “old-aged style.” While the “old-aged style” has similarities to what Edward W. Said defined as “late style,” the two terms have different implications. One Joyous Occasion for an Old Man by Jeong Yak-yong is a literary piece that represents old-aged style. Here, the author breaks down the negative notions of old age, while demonstrating a paradox of affirming phenomena involving old age as well as departure and freedom from various stereotypes and generally accepted perceptions. “Declaration of Joseon’s Poetry,” the 5th section of One Joyous Occasion for an Old Man, has consistent internal associations with the other five sections. These five sections negate generally accepted perceptions while affirming the subject of old men. It is also internally associated with the awareness of relativity between young and old, and between Chinese-oriented values and Joseon-oriented values, as well as with the affirmation of the Joseon-oriented subject. Denial of absolute standards, recognition of relativity, and affirmation of the subject are manifested in each different dimension. One Joyous Occasion for an Old Man was created as Jeong accepted poetic ideas of old-age poems by Bai Yuji. The two poets commonly shared a tolerance for aging and the assertion of a philosophical view on aging. However, while Bai’s philosophy was based on ideas of Lao-tse and Chung-tze as well as on Buddhism, and his poems take a rather calm and observant tone, Jeong’s philosophy is based upon subversive thinking towards generally accepted perceptions, and his poetry is characterized by a tone that actively diverges from ordinary styles to achieve freedom.