≪서유기≫를 통해 본 문화원형의 계승과 변용

Abstract

This study explores modern appropriations of the popular Chinese classic, 《Xiyouji(Journey to the West)》. Long before the term “culture contents” came into vogue, Chinese classics have been exploited for cultural archetypes or original sources. 《Xiyouji》 is an exemplary case, being used for a variety of performing fields including puppet shows, dramatic performances and animations. The source power of 《Xiyouji》 transcends the national boundary as the novel attracts (re)creative forces in Korea, Japan and America. The paper adopts the framework of MSMU (Multi-Source Multi-USE) in its attempt to examine the nature of the source power of 《Xiyouji》. In doing so, the paper focuses on and utilizes the concepts of modernization, localization and contemporization. Roughly speaking, 《Xiyouji》’s appropriations in China tend to stress the continuity and inheritativenes with the original source whereas those in non-Chinese cultures tend to highlight the reformulative aspects of their appropriations. Both local and international appropriations of 《Xiyouji》 are discussed with examples pertinent to the topic of the paper.