梁建植과 ≪西廂記≫ 小考

Abstract

Yang Geonsik was a matchless existence in translating and introducing Chinese literature into Korea in the early 20th century. He tried modern translation of Xixiangji as a representative classical play of China in the 1920s. Yang who had always pursued innovation throughout his literary life tested the translation of Xixiangji as an original script by applying modern styles of writing and senses to it resolutely out of customs of traditional texts and translation from selecting Xixiangji which Guo, Moruo modernly dramatized. Also, he introduced a critical essay of Guo, Moruo who freshly stated Xixiangji from a modern viewpoint. His translation experiment was not always smooth and ended incompletely in small width. Nonetheless, in that it prepared an opportunity to see Chineses classical literature newly in a modern view through Xixiangji, it achieved small but meaningful result. Plus, although his experiment kept a big flow of accepting Xixiangji into Korea which has been continued constantly since the late Joseon Dynasty, the first modern translation and review were shown in a drastic trial differentiated from existing tradition. In that point, it added a special page to the adoption history of Xixiangji. Of course, because his translation exposed problems and limits together, evaluation on his performance needs suitable balance.