Abstract
Evolutionary Approach on Korean Modern Novels
Hwang, Kook-myung
The objective of the study is to provide a fresh interpretation and evaluation of Korean modern novels, particularly Chungjun Yi’s <This Paradise of Yours (Da ...
Abstract
Evolutionary Approach on Korean Modern Novels
Hwang, Kook-myung
The objective of the study is to provide a fresh interpretation and evaluation of Korean modern novels, particularly Chungjun Yi’s <This Paradise of Yours (Dangsindeurui cheonguk)>, Jo Jung Rae’s < Taebaek Mountain Range (Taebaek sanmaek)> and Pak Kyongni’s <The Land (Toji)> based on the theory and concepts of evolution.
The summary of the last three years of research is as follows.
First, Chungjun Yi’s <Paradise of Yours (Dangsindeurui cheonguk><Discharge (Toewon)><The Wall of Rumor (Somun ui Byeok)><An Imbecile and an Idiot (Byeongsin gwa mejeori)> mainly focused on individual selection and revealed evolved dispositions, such as dominance, submission and anti-dominance. Under this context, this study explains (1) the strategy of dominance and anti-dominance hierarchies (2) theory of mind and an individual’s autonomy, and (3) the problem of triage and selfish survival.
Second, Jo Jung Rae’s <Taebaek Mountain Range (Taebaek sanmaek)> focused on conflicts between kin selection and group selection, showing intragroup and intergroup conflicts. Under this context, this study analyzes separately in terms of (1) kin selection and ethnicity/class problem, (2) group selection and altruism, (3) a competition between indoctrination and meme, and (4) selfishness and altruism of revenge.
Third, Pak Kyongni’s <The Land (Toji)> focused on the possibility of combining kin selection and group selection, emphasizing nationalism and altruism. Under this context, this study explains (1) selfish kin selection and motherhood, (2) altruistic group selection and nation, and (3) moral community and the functions of gossiping.
This difference is related to the historical background of the novels. While <The Land (Toji)> illustrates the extended fights and struggles for the recovery of national sovereignty and a combination of kin selection and group selection, <Taebaek Mountain Range (Taebaek sanmaek)> shows antagonism between kin selection and group selection under the objective of achieving the socialist revolution in the Korean Peninsula. After the Korean War, however, the Cold War paradigm was strengthened, making it hard to imagine the Third Zone and Korean Peninsula as evacuation places. This is the reason why individual selection was emphasized in Chungjun Yi’s novels.