<서오전(鼠鼯傳)>의 서사적 특징과 주제의식

Abstract

This study discussed the narrative characteristics and thematic consciousness of Seooh-jeon, a lawsuit-type fable novel. First of all, the narrative characteristics of the work are as follows: First, in the progress of a case, the internal context of the relevant case is often not explained at all. Accordingly, even the causal relations between cases feel somewhat loose. Second, certain scenes related to the main characters are embodied relatively more in detail. Through these scenes, there are effects that vividly reveal the personality, position, and the state of mind of the main characters. And by doing this, the first characteristic, which is pointed out as a weakness of the work, is set off to a considerable degree. Third, the characters’ petition, testimony, and appeal comprise a large proportion of the work. Through these writings, the characters justify their position and plead their innocence by the narration utilizing various authentic precedents such as their own personality, whereabouts, and lifestyles. In particular, in the first half of the appeal, the writer’s political consciousness and perception of reality of the times, as well, which connects to its thematic consciousness closely. Next, the writer’s deep despair and sigh that even if an ideal politician appeared, perhaps, it would be impossible to prevent petty fellows’ rampancy, permeate the appeal, the narrative at the end of the work, and the writer’s comments.