• (The)Study of the Eastern Classic
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• no.66
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• pp.193-226
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• 2017

This writing establishes identity of JinSeBaek, a male protagonist from a classical novel Hajinyangmunrok, through examining his relationship with a female character named HaOkJu. The character JinSeBaek was analyzed with attachment theory. JinSeBaek is a type of character who openly expresses his emotions. The evidence that JinSaeBaek falls in love with HaOkJu at a first sight was mainly shown through his physical affection with her. After the breakup, JinSeBaek expresses sadness, depression, and anger, as well as sheds tears. Although JinSeBaek repeatedly breaks up and gets back together with HaOkJu, JinSaeBaek consistently shows his desire to be with HaOkJu. Expressing true emotions was not ideal characteristic for men in this era. JinSaeBaek develops attachment to HaOkJu after he loses his parents, whom he has previously developed attachment to, but repeated break ups with HaOkJu leads to separation anxiety. Although his separation anxiety is caused by HaOkJu, it is also HaOkJu who can resolve the anxiety. The fact that JinSaeBaek honestly expresses his emotions and develops abnormal attachment to woman makes JinSaeBaek unique from other male protagonists. A character like JinSaeBaek is not common in other fictional novels or romance novels as well. Thus, JinSaebaek is claimed to be extraordinary character in literature.