연암 후기소설의 구조와 그 서사적 효과

Abstract

This paper is to investigate Yeonam’s later novels, ‘Huhsaengjeon’ and ‘Hojil’, explaining structural basis they have in common, and what kind of narrative effects it yields. The reason is, although these novels apparently present totally different styles, the in-depth study shows that they are written in a very similar structure. The structure of Yeonam’s later novels is characterized by the connection of two episodes, the symmetrical structure of the first and second half of the work, and the combination of the indirect expressions through events and the direct statements by words. The episodes have a considerable completeness and independence as a story. The two halves of works have contrasting features and form a symmetrical structure. The two works deliver messages through the two track approach, the indirect expressions and the direct statements. The styles of character developments, the tones and humors used in Yeonam's later novels are closely connected with the features of structure. The figures and relations of characters, their narrative roles are set in a similar aspect. In two works, this similarity of characters, the humors generated by the parody and the disharmony of tones closely correspond with the structural features. The contrast of the two halves of the works reveals the phenomena and quiddity by posing the issues in the first half and confirming the facts in the second half. In addition, the combination of indirect expressions and direct statements yields the effects that the author's ideas can be precisely delivered to readers in a dramatic way by redefining the ideas that are indirectly expressed through events.