여성의 주체되기와 살아남기 — <방한림전>을 중심으로 —

Abstract

<Banghanrimjeon> drew attention in the history of classical novels as a work that strongly shocked the medieval ruling order by revealing the taboo subject of same-sex marriage. <Banghanrimjeon> examines the traces of hardship and anguish caused by the marriage system, which provides the basic foundation for the existence of the state in a class society, acting as a bond between restraint and oppression for two women in the play. The same-sex marriage between Bang Gwan-ju and Yeong Hye-bing, the female protagonists of <Banghanrimjeon> was possible because they chose their partner as a viable target, but there was a difference in their intentions. This is evident in the way the two women respond to identities that come violently to the two women bystanders and Young Hye-bing. Bystanders deny the female identity itself and choose marriage to possess and acquire subjectivity in the process of imitating male identity. On the other hand, Young Hye-bing rejects the identity imposed on women, but paradoxically chooses to use the marriage system to cover it up externally. This means that the life option given in front of women inevitably results in either transfer or resistance, and it is understood that the acquisition of women's subjectivity is still difficult. However, the two main characters of <Banghanrimjeon>, Bang Gwan-ju and Yeong Hye-bing, constantly try to escape from their given identity. Sometimes, even if the method is only incorporation and resistance, it is the same for both women in that it is the process of surviving the oppression and restraint given to women and standing as subjects, and it is interdependence that plays an important role. In this respect, it is necessary to once again note that the system of marriage lies at the root of the identity imposed on women. Bystander and Young Hye-bing's conflicting reactions make us look back on the power hierarchy of the marriage system. This paper corresponds to a request for a change of direction to the perspective focused on the ripple effect and gender of the subject of same-sex marriage in the interpretation surrounding <Banghanrimjeon>. Rather, it reminds us that the marriage system, which exists as a hierarchy, can sometimes be reset as a buffer zone to secure safety. Therefore, an attempt to take a new approach to the problem of identity and subjectivity surrounding the <Banghanrimjeon> focusing on the relationship with the system is necessary, and this paper corresponds to pointing out this.