신화를 통해 본 여성주체의 형성: 『바리공주』텍스트분석을 중심으로

Abstract

Post-modern thinking criticizes a modern subject. We accept that the contribution of post-modernism to feminism is great, but this article starts by questioning post-modern thinking when it does not provide enough alternatives to the subject in general and to female subjects in particular. I am concentrating on a myth in order to find a solution to the difficult problem of a feminism that reconstructs female subjectivity reflected on the differences of women, without falling into essentialism. Myth is an original form about the various realities of life. In particular, Korean oral myths, sung by shamans, are abundant resources in which we can find new symbols for female subjectivity. This article seeks to examine the theoretical possibility of the formation of the female subject and a subversion of the modern Western subject by focusing on an analysis of the Korean oral mythological text Bari Princess. First of all, the Bari princess recognizes her ‘non-identical self' through non-identity as depicted by her state as a deserted daughter. Her ‘non-identical self' is established by her act of choosing ‘non-identity,' namely the act of ‘self-sacrifice,' to rescue her father, who had abandoned her. Furthermore, the Bari princess forms her principles, ‘independent wisdom' and ‘self-sacrifice' in regard to physical labor, in the face of danger during her journey for life-giving water. Her ultimately intended value while practicing these principles is viewed as the interconnected, or interdependent, ‘living.' The mythological text Bari Princess shows very well how a deserted woman recognizes her ignored reality; this character has been created as an active subject so that she may find her identity. Thus, we can propose an alternative conceptual framework for subjectivity from a feminist perspective.