고은 초기시에 나타난 상징주의 연구­ ― 1960년대 시집을 중심으로 ―

Abstract

This study looked at the characteristics of Ko Un’s early works and his world views. The three major characteristics of Symbolism such as suggestiveness, lyricalness, and symbolization and the merge with the Buddhist world views are found in his early works. Particularly, Symbolism can be categorized into transcendental and private aspects and Ko Un showcased both in his literary works. Transcendental Symbolism pursues the essence and origin, and ideals and transcendence rather than the reality and phenomenon itself. Ko Un’s early poems display the dual views of the world of nirvana and this world and the world of transcendental ideas and the aspiration and pursuance of the idealistic world symbolized in the form of nirvana are found in his works. Especially his ideals, ideas, and the aspect of transcendence are shown in the expressions of the “nirvana”, “ocean”, and “sister” for symbolization. On the contrary, if the ideas and emotions achieved by the expressions implied and symbolized remain in the inner world of the poet in the human aspect, it is Private Symbolism. Ko Um’s early poems showcase Private Symbolism by the illustration of the sister, incest with the sister-in-law, partings, disease, and death at the first glace. Notably, the fictitious sister used in the sense of the ideals and abstracts seen from the present day suggests Transcendental Symbolism, but also an expression of Private Symbolism by representing the damaged and lost inner world of the poet, and human emotion and psychology.