고전소설에 나타난 여우 퇴치담의 양상과 의미

Abstract

In Korean classical novels, the fox is described as an antagonist to be exterminated and a negative being, and most of the stories end up with its extermination. By examining ten Korean classical novels containing extermination narratives, which are Samhanseupyu, Imssisamdaerok, Pyogangsangjeon, Haedanghyang, Ihwajeon, Jeonuchijeon, Okrumong, Sohyeonseongrok, Taewonji, and Oknangiyeon, this study classified the narratives by type, and derived patterns and internal meanings from the stories. Fox extermination narratives contained in Korean classical novels are, depending on karmic relation, divided into those of extermination involving karma in the previous life, those of extermination involving karma in the present life, and those of extermination not involving karma. First, in the narratives of extermination involving karma in the previous life, the hazard of the fox is expanded from a private sector to a public sector, and the cause of the hero’s sufferings in the present life is found in the fox. Second, the narratives of extermination involving karma in the present life are subdivided into those in which the hazard of the fox is limited to a private sector and those in which it is expanded to a public sector. The latter group is distinguished from the former group, the essence of which is in resolving a grudge. Third, in the narratives of extermination not involving karma, the hazard of the fox is confined within a limited area but it is exterminated immediately as a preventive measure against a serious problem to the state and society. Moreover, this type is distinguished from the previous two in which the fox is exterminated only after problems caused by the fox are exposed to individuals or societies.