귀환서사에 나타나는 냉전 표상 - 이쓰키 히로유키 소설의 소련 인식을 중심으로 -

Abstract

In this article, we examine the novel featuring “Hikiage” written by Hiroyuki Itsuki, exploring the recognition of the Soviet Union depicted in the “Hikiage” epic novel and the related representation of the Cold War. Firstly, we analyze the author’s own experience of “Hikiage” from North Korea in order to clarify the recognition of those who were subject to “Hikiage.” Secondly, we survey the characteristics of the representation of the Soviet Union in the novel. The Soviet Union at the time of “Hikiage” is negatively represented. This negative representation is related to the representation of the Soviet Union by Japan, which was, at the time, sympathetic for the US under the system of the Cold War. Thirdly, the collision between the sense of victim and the sense of perpetrator as portrayed in the novel brings about a crack in the experience of living in a colony. In conclusion, Itsuki’s novel reproduces the memory of defeat and “Hikiage,” and during this reproduction process, a crack is engendered in the recognition of the Soviet Union and the experience of living in a colony by the post war Japanese people, which, in turn, yields a crack in the representation of the Cold War. It must be noted, however, that Itsuki attempted to lightly handle the serious theme of “Hikiage” by emphasizing the entertaining aspect of the issue. This corresponded with the public feeling, but it also weakened the public responsibility of the Japan nation and emphasized the “individuals” who suffered from private tortures under extreme conditions.