🇰🇷Intro to Premodern Korean Literature Unit 6 – Goryeo Poetry and Prose

Historical Context

• Goryeo dynasty ruled Korea from 918 to 1392 CE, following the Unified Silla period
• Buddhism played a significant role in shaping the cultural and intellectual landscape during this era
  • Many literary works reflected Buddhist themes and values
  • Buddhist monasteries served as centers of learning and artistic expression
• Confucianism also gained influence, particularly among the scholar-official class
• Political instability and power struggles among the aristocracy characterized much of the Goryeo period
  • These conflicts often found expression in literary works, either as critiques or as a means of escapism
• Goryeo faced external threats from nomadic tribes, such as the Khitans and the Mongols
  • These encounters influenced the development of military and diplomatic strategies, as well as literary themes
• The invention of movable type printing during the Goryeo period facilitated the dissemination of literary works and knowledge

Key Literary Figures

• Yi Kyubo (1168-1241) renowned for his poetry and prose, particularly his "Lay of King Dongmyeong" and "The Lay of Pyeonggang"
• Yi Inro (1152-1220) famous for his lyrical poetry and his mastery of the Goryeo poetic form known as "Koryŏ ka"
• Yi Jehyeon (1287-1367) known for his philosophical and introspective poetry, often exploring themes of nature and the human condition
• Choe Chiwon (857-10th century) influential scholar and writer who introduced Chinese literary forms and Confucian ideas to Goryeo literature
• Monk Kyunyeo (917-973) renowned for his Buddhist hymns and poems, which expressed devotional themes and spiritual insights
• Jeong Jijon (1337-1392) scholar and statesman who wrote poetry and prose works that reflected the political and social issues of his time
• Yi Saek (1328-1396) prolific writer and scholar who made significant contributions to the development of Neo-Confucianism in Korea

Major Themes and Motifs

• Buddhist philosophy and spirituality, including concepts such as impermanence, enlightenment, and the cycle of rebirth
• Confucian values, such as loyalty, filial piety, and the importance of education and self-cultivation
• Nature and the changing seasons, often used as metaphors for human emotions and experiences
  • Cherry blossoms symbolizing the fleeting nature of life and beauty
  • Mountains representing spiritual ascent and enlightenment
• Love and longing, particularly in the form of romantic poetry expressing the joys and sorrows of human relationships
• Political and social commentary, often expressed through satire, allegory, or historical references
  • Critiques of corruption and abuse of power among the ruling class
  • Reflections on the hardships faced by the common people
• Nostalgia and a sense of loss, often related to the passing of time, the decline of dynasties, or personal experiences of exile or separation

Poetic Forms and Styles

• Hyangga: Native Korean poetic form that originated during the Silla period and continued to be used in the early Goryeo era
  • Characterized by a three-line structure and a focus on lyrical expression and natural imagery
• Koryŏ ka: A new poetic form that emerged during the Goryeo period, influenced by Chinese poetry
  • Consisted of four lines with a fixed number of syllables and a specific rhyme scheme
  • Often used for expressing personal emotions, philosophical reflections, and social commentary
• Sijo: A short, three-line poetic form that developed in the late Goryeo period and became popular in the Joseon era
  • Known for its concise and expressive language, often dealing with themes of nature, love, and human experience
• Kasa: A longer narrative poetic form that gained prominence in the Goryeo period
  • Used for telling stories, expressing political and social ideas, and exploring philosophical themes
  • Often incorporated elements of folk songs and oral traditions
• Chinese-style poetry: Goryeo poets also adopted and adapted various Chinese poetic forms, such as the lüshi (regulated verse) and the ci (lyric poetry)
  • These forms allowed for greater experimentation with structure, rhyme, and tone, and facilitated the exchange of literary ideas between Korea and China

Influential Prose Works

• Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms): A collection of legends, folktales, and historical accounts compiled by the monk Iryeon in the 13th century
  • Provides valuable insights into the cultural, religious, and social history of ancient Korea
• Goryeo Dogyeong (Illustrated Account of Goryeo): A historical and geographical text written by Sin Chaeho in the early 12th century
  • Offers detailed descriptions of the Goryeo kingdom's geography, administrative divisions, and local customs
• Dongmyeong Wang Pyeon (The Lay of King Dongmyeong): An epic poem composed by Yi Kyubo, celebrating the legendary founder of the Goguryeo kingdom
  • Reflects the importance of national identity and the glorification of heroic figures in Goryeo literature
• Gaoli Tujing (Illustrated Account of Goryeo): A Chinese travelogue written by the Song dynasty envoy Xu Jing in 1123
  • Provides an outsider's perspective on Goryeo society, culture, and politics, and highlights the cultural exchanges between China and Korea
• Mokgeun Ilgi (Diary of Mokgeun): A personal diary written by the scholar-official Lee Gyu-bo in the 12th century
  • Offers a candid and introspective account of the author's life, thoughts, and experiences, and sheds light on the intellectual and emotional world of the Goryeo elite

Cultural and Social Influences

• Buddhism's influence on Goryeo literature, art, and thought
  • Literary works often incorporated Buddhist themes, symbols, and imagery
  • Many writers were monks or had close ties to Buddhist institutions
• Confucianism's growing influence, particularly among the scholar-official class
  • Emphasis on education, self-cultivation, and moral values in literary works
  • Development of Neo-Confucian philosophy and its impact on Goryeo intellectual life
• Interaction with Chinese culture and literature
  • Adoption and adaptation of Chinese literary forms, themes, and styles
  • Exchange of ideas and knowledge through diplomatic missions, trade, and cultural contacts
• Social hierarchies and class distinctions
  • Literature often reflected the perspectives and experiences of the aristocratic and scholarly elites
  • Some works also explored the lives and struggles of commoners and marginalized groups
• Oral traditions and folk culture
  • Incorporation of folktales, legends, and popular songs into literary works
  • Influence of shamanism and indigenous beliefs on Goryeo literature and thought

Literary Techniques and Devices

• Allusion: References to historical events, legendary figures, or classical texts to enrich the meaning and context of literary works
• Symbolism: Use of natural imagery, colors, and objects to represent abstract ideas, emotions, or spiritual concepts
  • The moon often symbolizing loneliness, contemplation, or enlightenment
  • Flowers representing beauty, transience, or the cycle of life
• Parallelism: Repetition of grammatical structures or ideas to create a sense of balance, rhythm, and emphasis in poetry and prose
• Metaphor and simile: Comparisons between seemingly unrelated things to convey deeper meanings or emotional states
  • Love described as a burning fire or a flowing river
  • The human condition likened to the changing seasons or the journey of a wanderer
• Personification: Attribution of human qualities or actions to non-human entities, such as natural phenomena or abstract concepts
  • The wind sighing with longing or the mountains standing as silent witnesses
• Rhetorical questions: Use of questions to engage the reader, provoke thought, or emphasize a point without expecting an answer
• Irony and satire: Employment of wit, sarcasm, or exaggeration to criticize social norms, political figures, or human foibles

Legacy and Impact on Korean Literature

• Goryeo literature laid the foundation for the development of Korean literary traditions in subsequent eras, particularly the Joseon period
  • Many Goryeo-era poetic forms, themes, and styles continued to be used and adapted by later writers
• The invention of the Korean alphabet (Hangul) in the 15th century during the Joseon period made literature more accessible to a wider audience
  • This development built upon the literary achievements and innovations of the Goryeo era
• Goryeo literature's emphasis on Buddhist and Confucian values, as well as its exploration of universal human experiences, continues to resonate with modern readers
  • Many classic Goryeo works are still studied, translated, and appreciated for their artistic merit and cultural significance
• The legacy of Goryeo literature has inspired contemporary Korean writers to engage with traditional forms, themes, and aesthetics in new and creative ways
  • Modern poets and novelists often draw upon the rich heritage of Goryeo literature to explore issues of identity, spirituality, and social change
• Goryeo literature has also gained international recognition and interest, with many works being translated into other languages and studied by scholars worldwide
  • This global appreciation has contributed to a deeper understanding and appreciation of Korean cultural history and its literary achievements