• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.34
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• pp.113-132
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• 2009

The present paper considers lice described in some premodern Korean proses, focused on the implications of lice and the literary strategies adopted by the writers in dealing with this unique subject matter. The works reviewed in this process are "A Story of the Louse and the Dog" by Lee Gyu-bo (Goryeo Dynasty), "The Old Man's Vindication of Lice" by Gwak Yeol (Early Joseon), "A Small Realization" by Yu Sin-hwan (Late Joseon) and "Miscellany" by Heo Jeon (Late Joseon). In these premodern essays, an allegory of lice was used to disclose various kinds of prejudices that people generally had: against things small (in "A Story of the Louse and the Dog"), against the old (in "The Old Man's Vindication of Lice"), against the dichotomous idea of right and wrong (in "A Small Realization") and against various aspects of life (in "Miscellany").