다와다 요코(多和田葉子)의 『변신을 위한 마약 (変身のためのオピウム)』 분석 - 그리스 로마 신화의 변용과 여성상을 중심으로 -

Abstract

This study analyzes Yōko Tawada’s Opium for Ovid from the perspective of transformation of mythology and the cracking of traditional values in women. In Opium for Ovid, different female characters act as speakers in each chapter, and the characters are far from the original mythical female image of being beautiful, young and capable of giving birth. We can see cracking in mythical beauty which is socially forced toward women through the figures with the same name of goddesses, fairies and women in Greek or Roman mythology but showing different images. Ironically, transforming mythical and stereotypical characters might be a great way to emphasize various figures of women. The work raises a question for stereotypes in humans and age and presents a new perspective that it is not a matter of size or quantity but a matter of order and suggests that stereotypes may be wrong. It also attempts to change the negative perceptions positively, interpreting the symptoms of getting older such as being unable to sleep, irritation, and weeping as if people have fallen in love. We can see the desire to move away from the responsibility of childbirth and childcare through the character Coronis, who does not want offspring, and who then came up with a character named Juno who has the role of giving birth and raising children typically socially forced on women. The analysis indicates that there are various ways of life for women and that childbirth and childcare is neither right nor wrong.