"귀수성(歸數性)"과 동학혁명운동의 현재적 가능성

Abstract

Shin Dongyeop is a significant poet of the 1960s and has shown a distinctive facet as a poetry critic whom established a certain type of poetics, which aimed for a unique vision regarding humanity’s cultural history. His novel theory of poetry can be summarized into the cycle of Wonsoosung (原數性), which implies the original form of community, humanity’s most divine roots; Chasoosung (次數性), which evoked the objectification, functionalization, and materialization of Homo sapiens, along with the emergence of civilization; Guisoosung (歸數性), which is the aim from Chasoosung towards Wonsoosung, also known as Wonsibanbon (元始反本). Shin, through the process of Wonsibanbon, seeks for the vision of cultural history, which surmounts the reality of the civilized contemporary, industrial society that is antagonistic against humanity and life itself. His search for a novel establishment of rules through Wonsibanbon resembles that of the Donghak Revolutionary Movement, which occurred in the Latter Period of the Chosun Dynasty. The idea of Donghak emphasizes acquired Creation (hoocheongaebyeok 後天開闢) and rather attempts the advent of coexistence than conflicts against the opposite, Seoncheongaebyeok. Hence, it is discernable that Shin’s focus on the Donghak Revolutionary Movement in the epic poem titled <Geumgang> results in this particular creation of poetry based on his very own poetics. In other words, the voice that speaks of the Donghak Revolutionary Movement in <Geumgang> realistically materialized Shin’s poetic theory that was merely abstract and conceptual. This certain perspective renders the simultaneous observation of both the poetics and the epic poem <Geumgang> necessary. His poetic is the very fundamental principle of the creation of <Geumgang> and embodies directivity, as this epic poem is the concrete context of it. The epic poem <Geumgang> actually juxtaposes the Donghak Revolutionary Movement with contemporary history, leading to its modernization and potential of future values. Also, it rather ultimately speaks of the volition of overcoming wars and leading to social revolution than the history the Donghak Revolutionary Movement carries of fierce battles fought by civilians. Shin was evidently aiming for the modern definition and future values of the idea of Shicheonju (侍天主) of Donghak. This, frankly, is substantiated and implied in the end of this poem as the son of the protagonist Shinhanee (신하늬) and the young boy Shinhanee (신하늬) disappear as they are buried in the flood of contemporary workers. It pursues the accomplishment of an organic community. This is relevant to the vital assignment of Guisoosung(歸數性), which was conceptualized in Shin’s very own theory of poetry.