운명적 공간과 선택적 공간 - 한국소설의 공간구조의 몇 양상에 대해 -

Abstract

In view of the discussions so far, the types of space shown in Korean novels can be categorized into the following four: First, characters cannot choose the space to live in because it is dominated by time. This type of space often implies a situation which isolates the self from the world, and the world from another world. Second, characters such as travelers make certain space their own and take the initiative to live in it, thought it is also dominated by time. Third, characters change their lives by changing their understanding of the space. In this case, characters` choice of space has great meaning. Lastly, characters consider a single space to be different when the space of the past comes up in their memories and overlaps with the space of the present. This different recognition of space has great influence on characters` lives. Novels originated in the stories of seeking a new space. Therefore, novels are necessarily based on characters` choice of space and their understanding of it. The recognition of space enables adventurous life, so people can start a journey for a new space and a new life. The culture of human beings started with the desire of loss and recovery of space. Adam, expelled from Eden, sought a new space as he dreamed of recovery of paradise. Since it is a basic human desire, it is so natural for novels to have stories of journey to a new land. It is also a journey to the salvation though it started from human desire. The same thing can be said about the life stories of the patriarchs who appeared in Genesis. However, the space shown in Korean novels is introspective rather than adventurous. We can understand this as a reflection of the lives and thoughts of Koreans who have been restricted by the ideological situation.