『옥류산장시화(玉溜山莊詩話)』에 수록된 매화시의 특징과 의미

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the poems on plum blossoms in Okryusanjangsihwa, written by Yeonmin, Lee Ga-won, and examines the perspective of Yeonmin regarding poetry on plum blossoms by examining the characteristics of these poems. Plum blossoms are widely used in Korean poetry as poetic material, with various symbolic meanings, such as “constancy,” “fidelity,” and “detachment.” Okryusanjangsihwa is a vast writing of 792 articles covering Korean poetry from the ancient to the modern, and is the fruit of Yeonmin’s academic achievements. It is the last book of poetry criticism in Korea; at the same time, it is an independent collection of poetry criticism created by Yeonmin by referring to the existing poetry criticism of earlier times. Therefore, plum blossoms appear in various articles in Okryusanjangsihwa. Hence, analysis of the characteristics of the plum blossoms poetry in Okryusanjangsihwa is considered to give insight into the perspective of Yeonmin toward plum blossoms poetry and provide an overall view of such poetry in Korea. First, Yeonmin revealed the origin of Toegye's plum blossoms poetry. Toegye compiled Zhu Xi's Neo-Confucianism and is well-versed in it, as well as in poetry. He was prolific in plum blossoms poetry, and his achievements were so outstanding that he selected them to make an album of poems. In the case of bonsai and plum blossoms conversation poetry, it influenced the ethos and hobbies of writers of the time as well as later generations. Next, Yeonmin regarded plum blossoms as objects that reminded people of their hometown. Yeonmin, a descendant of Toegye, cherished plum blossoms as much as did Toegye. Therefore, for Yeonmin, plum blossoms were a symbol of his family and hometown. He selected poems with such symbolism and recorded them in his collection of poems. Lastly, the plum blossom is a symbol of enduring hardship. Yeonmin liked the distinct characteristic of the plum blossoms, wherein they endured years of hardship and finally bloomed. As the basis for this, we cite anecdotes that did not yield to external oppression or adversity, such as having to live a secluded life in the late colonial period, and an unemployed life due to political power. As a result, Yeonmin included poems on plum blossoms that reflect his views on plum blossoms in his book of poetry criticism. In this way, Yeonmin expressed his perspective on plum blossoms by describing many Korean plum blossom poems in Okryusanjangsihwa, and provided the overall view of plum blossoms poetry in Korea from the Goryeo period to the modern period.