Secularization Motives and Literary Changes in the Anrakguktaejajeonseung

Abstract

In this study, we looked at the changes that were seen when the Buddhist narrative Anrakguktaejajeon was passed down to the secular epic Anrakgukjeon. First, the background of the times and the motives of secularization were reviewed, and the literary aspects of secularized works were examined. Based on this, the meaning of secularization was reviewed. To summarize the discussion so far. First, the background of the times and the motives of secularization were examined. Anrakguktaejajeon appeared in the late Korea Dynasty and early Joseon Dynasty. This was the era when Buddhism lost its status as a national religion and Confucianism gained power and eventually grew into the ruling ideology. Therefore, the Buddhist world chose propagation as a way to overcome the crisis, and as a means of propagation Anrakguktaejajeon. Due to its religious purpose, this work could be restructured at any time because the causality of the narrative was not close. It is Anrakukjeon that makes up for the deficiencies in the secular aspect. Second, the literary aspects following secularization were identified by dividing them into structure and ideology. In terms of composition, the spatial background has rationality, and the actions and results of characters have causality. On the other hand, it was restructured to make the story before and after the case inevitably. In terms of ideology, Buddhist content was used as a means to shape the story, and secular persuasion was secured by introducing Confucian ideology. In addition, it also followed the universal method of shaping novels at the time by converging Taoist thought. Third, the literary value and significance seen through secularization were reviewed. Through the change of Anrakguktaejajeon to a classic novel, which is a secular narrative, it is possible to rationally trace the process of transition from a novel to a novel, as well as to identify what aspects of the sacred narrative were added and subtracted to create the character of a secular narrative. In addition, it should be noted that this work can contribute empirically when understanding the diachronic context of Korean classical novel history.