• Journal of Korean Classical Literature and Education
• /
• no.34
• /
• pp.41-74
• /
• 2017

This study aimed to investigate the narrative strategy and meaning of fantasy in classic novels and to derive the educational meaning from the fantasy of Sukhyangjeon. This study selected Sukhyangjeon because is considered a suitable literary text that embodies characteristics of fantasy inherent in classical novels through its successful portrayal of the fantasy genre and its high popularity during its time. Specifically, this study observed that the "notice of hardships" which repeatedly appears in the narration of Sukhyangjeon reinforces the fantasy of the novel as it serves as an advance notice of intervention from heaven. Therefore, this study investigated the relationship between the notice of hardships and fantasy by focusing on Sukhyang's life. The way in which the "notice of hardships" is a form of illusion realized it evident in the plot when heaven saves Sukhyang from her hardship even though it was heaven that had granted her those forms of hardship. Firstly, the "notice from heaven" constitutes the macro structure of Sukhyangjeon. Through it, readers realize the enormous power of heaven by seeing how Sukhyang's life has been realized in accordance with heaven's notice with that, it evokes a sense of respect to heaven. In addition, heaven saves Sukhyang from different forms of danger. It enhances a miraculous feeling, which the omnipotent power of heaven shows, against the innocent appearance of Sukhyang during her times of danger. Meanwhile, when heaven notifies Sukhyang and the surrounding people of their fate and subsequently realizes it through dreams, this act creates a mysterious atmosphere and improves the probability of the narrative. If so, the narrative meaning in reinforcing the fantasy of the novel by the use of "notice of hardships" could be revealed through Sukhyang's real life. First, the hardship in which Sukhyang has gone through is so realistic and detailed that the readers' feelings of empathy are evoked with the fear of the coming hardship, wailing together, and trying to resolve the inner anxiety through Sukhyang's happiness. Second, the heavenly beings who are touched by the good behaviors of Sukhyang save her from the dangers of death. This creates the belief in readers that heaven intervenes for the good people. Third, the active attitude that Sukhyang and Leesun show in the process of marriage helps them overcome their earthly hardship and preserve their relationship in heaven. This gives readers hope that they could go to a "higher life" after going through suffering. This fantasy of Sukhyangjeon helps readers overcome their anxieties of reality through fantasy and recognizes the importance of relationships to enhance a sense of unity and solidarity with others. Because of these elements, it is expected that the fantasy of Sukhyangjeon will have a meaningful value to modern readers.