朝鮮後期 散文에서의 奇 - 李用休 散文을 중심으로 -

Abstract

This paper attempts to analyze the implication, category and historical significance of Qi which was used as a critical concept in literature theory of the late Joseon Dynasty. The concept and category of Qi in the prose of the eighteenth century have more various and ambiguous aspects than those of the earlier period. This is a result of discussions about Chinese prose in the late Ming Dynasty and in the early Qing Dynasty. Therefore, compared to the ealier period, Qi in this period is frequently shown and contains broader meanings in a literary criticism. Due to the diversity of Qi’s meaning, it is often the case that Qi has different meanings depending on the context. In many cases, the texts are often emphasized. Therefore the specific meaning of Qi should be examined in the context of the actual work. Accordingly, Qi can be understood through writers’ actual works, which provides the possibility of comprehending the discussions of literary circles in the eighteenth century. Yu Man Ju and Jeong Yak Yong explain Lee Yong Hyu as an eccentric writer among writers of 18th century. But what are the aspects of Lee Yong Hyu's works that lead Yu and Jeong to argue that Lee's writings are eccentric? And what is the Qi that he pursues? If this is clarified, it would be possible to have a closer approach to the meaning of Qi in the eighteenth century. For this purpose, this paper has the following order for analysis. First, it tries to understand the basic significance and characteristics of Qi. Second, it discusses the perceptions of Qi among writers in the eighteenth century. Third, it attempts to investigate the meaning of Qi in prose through Lee’s actual works. Lee Yong Hyu utilizes the ambiguous implication of Qi in a most effective way. Lee Yong Hyu's Qi shows a uniqueness in expressing the theme due to his eccentric ideas. However, the description shows that there is not a large difference compared to the existing earlier writings. This plays an interesting role in revealing the eccentric aspect of his writings. Although Lee Yong Hyu's Qi follows the existing writing style in its description, the uniqueness in expressing the theme helps readers to visualize and enlarge unique images through an easy readability. Readers and critics at the time probably evaluated this aspect as the most eccentric one, and there were positive and negative evaluations depending on critics.