최찬식의 새 작품 『박명화』 연구

Abstract

This paper attempted to determine that the novel Parkmyunghwa, by an unknown author, published by 'Parkmunseoguan' in 1921, was Choi Chan-sik's work, and to examine the characteristics and meaning of this work in detail. Choi Chan-sik published the short story “Jongsori” in the magazine Bandosiron, then transformed and expanded it to fit a full-length novel and serialized it in Bandosinmun under the title “Pakmyung”. Afterwards, he shortened “Pakmyung” to fit the system and format of Ttakjibon popular novels and published it as a book titled “Parkmyunghwa”. Choi Chan-sik's “Parkmyunghwa” was a work completed through the transfer and refraction of various printing media during this period. Unlike Choi Chan-sik's previously published novels, “Parkmyunghwa” contains changed perspectives and descriptions on the issue of affection between men and women, reflecting the changing social situation around 1920. For example, the positive view on free love changed to a critical view in “Parkmyunghwa”. In addition, the resolution of the conflict in the love triangle between men and women changed from polygamy to monogamy, and a more three-dimensional personality was given to the 'old women', thereby tilting men's choices toward the 'old women'. Meanwhile, another characteristic of change is that “Parkmyunghwa” attempted an open ending and gave women the initiative to make choices in the relationship between men and women. “Parkmyunghwa” becomes another meaningful work in understanding the popular characteristics of Choi Chan-sik's novels and the existence of 'Sinsosul' around 1920.