🇰🇷Intro to Premodern Korean Literature Unit 10 – Joseon Literature: Historical & Philosophical

Historical Context

• Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) marked a significant period in Korean history, characterized by political stability, economic growth, and cultural flourishing
• Neo-Confucianism became the dominant ideology, shaping the social, political, and cultural landscape of the dynasty
  • Emphasized the importance of education, morality, and social hierarchy
  • Influenced the development of a merit-based civil service examination system (gwageo)
• The invention of the Korean alphabet (hangul) in 1443 by King Sejong the Great revolutionized literacy and facilitated the spread of knowledge
• The dynasty faced numerous foreign invasions, including the Japanese invasions (Imjin War) in the late 16th century and the Manchu invasions in the early 17th century
  • These invasions had a profound impact on the society and culture of Joseon
• The latter part of the dynasty saw a period of political instability, social unrest, and foreign encroachment, culminating in the Japanese annexation of Korea in 1910

Key Philosophical Influences

• Neo-Confucianism, particularly the Zhu Xi school of thought, became the dominant philosophical framework during the Joseon Dynasty
  • Emphasized the importance of morality, self-cultivation, and social harmony
  • Provided a basis for the social hierarchy and the relationship between the ruler and the ruled
• Buddhism, which had been the dominant religion in the previous Goryeo Dynasty, was suppressed and marginalized during the early Joseon period
  • However, Buddhist thought and practices continued to influence the culture and literature of the dynasty
• Taoism and Shamanism also played a role in shaping the worldview and cultural practices of the Joseon people
  • These indigenous beliefs often coexisted and intermingled with Confucian and Buddhist ideas
• The School of Practical Learning (Silhak) emerged in the 17th and 18th centuries as a response to the perceived limitations of Neo-Confucianism
  • Emphasized the importance of empirical knowledge, scientific inquiry, and practical solutions to social and economic problems

Major Literary Genres

• Sijo, a form of short lyric poetry, became one of the most popular and enduring genres of Joseon literature
  • Characterized by a three-line structure, with each line consisting of 14-16 syllables
  • Often explored themes of nature, love, and the human condition
• Gasa, a form of narrative poetry, was another significant genre during the Joseon period
  • Longer than sijo and often used to tell stories or express political and social commentary
• Prose works, such as essays, travelogues, and historical writings, also flourished during the Joseon Dynasty
  • These works often reflected the Confucian values and worldview of the educated elite
• Novels, both in classical Chinese and hangul, gained popularity in the latter part of the dynasty
  • These works often depicted the lives and struggles of ordinary people and challenged the social norms of the time

Notable Authors and Works

• Yi Hwang (1501-1570), also known as Toegye, was a prominent Neo-Confucian scholar and writer
  • His works, such as "Ten Diagrams on Sage Learning" and "Commentary on the Doctrine of the Mean," had a significant influence on Joseon thought and literature
• Yi I (1536-1584), also known as Yulgok, was another important Neo-Confucian scholar and writer
  • His works, such as "Essentials of Confucianism" and "The Secret of Expelling Ignorance," contributed to the development of Joseon philosophy and education
• Heo Gyun (1569-1618) was a renowned novelist and poet of the late Joseon period
  • His novel "The Tale of Hong Gildong" is considered one of the first works of fiction in hangul and has become a classic of Korean literature
• Kim Manjung (1637-1692) was a prominent scholar-official and writer of the late Joseon period
  • His novel "The Cloud Dream of the Nine" is a masterpiece of Joseon prose, blending Confucian, Buddhist, and Taoist ideas

Themes and Motifs

• The theme of loyalty, particularly the loyalty of subjects to their rulers and of children to their parents, was a central motif in Joseon literature
  • This theme reflected the Confucian emphasis on social hierarchy and the importance of fulfilling one's duties
• The concept of "han," a complex emotion encompassing sorrow, resentment, and yearning, was a recurring theme in Joseon literature
  • This theme often reflected the struggles and sufferings of the common people under the rigid social structure of the dynasty
• The beauty and power of nature were also prominent themes in Joseon poetry and prose
  • Works often celebrated the changing seasons, the majesty of mountains and rivers, and the harmony between humans and the natural world
• The idea of the "scholar-official" (seonbi) as an ideal type was a common motif in Joseon literature
  • This figure embodied the Confucian values of education, morality, and public service, and served as a model for the educated elite

Literary Techniques and Styles

• The use of allusion and intertextuality was a common technique in Joseon literature
  • Authors often referenced classical Chinese texts, historical events, and mythological figures to enrich their works and convey complex ideas
• The technique of "borrowed scenery" (jieqing) was frequently employed in Joseon poetry
  • This involved using natural imagery and sensory details to evoke emotions and convey deeper meanings
• The use of parallelism and repetition was another prominent stylistic feature of Joseon literature
  • This technique was particularly evident in sijo poetry, where the three lines often echoed and reinforced each other
• The incorporation of colloquial language and dialect was a notable development in later Joseon literature
  • This reflected a growing interest in depicting the lives and voices of ordinary people, particularly in novels and short stories

Social and Political Impact

• Joseon literature played a crucial role in shaping the social and political discourse of the dynasty
  • Works often reflected and critiqued the Confucian values and norms that underpinned the social hierarchy and political system
• The civil service examination system, based on the mastery of classical Chinese texts, had a profound impact on the development of Joseon literature
  • Success in the exams was the primary means of social advancement, and the literary skills cultivated through this system influenced the style and content of Joseon writing
• The invention and spread of hangul had a democratizing effect on Joseon society and culture
  • By making literacy more accessible to the common people, hangul facilitated the emergence of a broader range of voices and perspectives in Joseon literature
• Joseon literature also served as a means of political and social commentary, with writers using their works to criticize corruption, advocate for reform, and challenge the status quo
  • This was particularly evident in the later stages of the dynasty, as social and political tensions intensified

Legacy and Modern Relevance

• Joseon literature has had a lasting impact on Korean culture and identity, shaping the way Koreans understand their history, values, and traditions
• The works of Joseon writers continue to be widely read, studied, and adapted in modern times
  • Classic texts such as "The Tale of Hong Gildong" and "The Cloud Dream of the Nine" have been reimagined in various forms, including novels, films, and television dramas
• The themes and motifs of Joseon literature, such as loyalty, han, and the scholar-official ideal, continue to resonate with modern Korean audiences
  • These themes are often explored and reinterpreted in contemporary Korean literature, cinema, and popular culture
• The legacy of Joseon literature has also influenced the development of modern Korean language and literature
  • The use of hangul, the incorporation of colloquial language, and the emphasis on social realism in later Joseon works paved the way for the emergence of modern Korean literature in the early 20th century
• The study of Joseon literature remains an important field of academic inquiry, both in Korea and internationally
  • Scholars continue to explore the historical, philosophical, and artistic dimensions of Joseon texts, shedding new light on this rich and complex period of Korean cultural history