여성 정절 서사의 ‘신성성’과 ‘고난’의 관계 양상 -<백일홍>, <처녀고개>, <도랑선비 청정각시>의 비교를 중심으로-

Abstract

This paper seeks to explore the intricate relationship between the elements of divinity and adversity within the realm of fairy tales focusing on women's fidelity. Particularly, narratives centered on the unwavering faithfulness of maidens often depict the emergence of divinity as an outcome of their steadfastness. The sacredness attributed to these characters is intimately intertwined with the magnitude and duration of the hardships they endure. In essence, the greater the trials and tribulations faced by these maidens, the more pronounced the expression of divinity becomes. To delve into this dynamic, this paper examines three notable works: "Baekilhong," "Cheonyeogogae," and "Dorangseonbi CheongJeonggaksi." "Baekilhong" recounts the story of a woman who tragically perishes due to a miscommunication after a hundred days of waiting. The narrative culminates with the origin of the 'Baekilhong' flower, symbolizing her devotion. "Cheonyeogogae" is a geographical legend centered around Pungsan-ri Pass, where the unwavering faith of pine trees is enshrined in 'Seonghwang.' This enduring faith is a result of a woman's year-long wait. The intensity of these hardships escalates as we reach the tale of "Dorangseonbi CheongJeonggaksi," wherein CheongJeonggaksi's unparalleled endurance of suffering leads to her ascension to the divine realm. Her hardship serves as the catalyst for her transformation into a deity. Significantly, in all three works, the endurance of hardships is portrayed as a mechanism that elongates time, and the attributes of divinity are intricately connected to the spatial composition. This narrative strategy allows the concealment of the violence inherent in the male-dominated societal order imposed upon women, perpetuating these stories as enchanting tales of divine ascension. While the central characters of these narratives are revered as sacred beings, the reality underlying their sacredness is often rooted in the violence of the patriarchal order. This violence, instead of being directly confronted, is veiled beneath a veneer of beauty. These tales are subsequently passed down through generations, perpetuating a cycle that sustains the narrative of concealed oppression.