Reading Notes W3, The Song of Ch'un-Hyang, Part B

In this reading assignment, we read an excerpt from The Song of Ch'un-Hyang. What struck me most about this literary work was the flow between traditional prose and song/poetry verse. This style is introduced during the introductions of the various kisaeng to the new governor. The poetry is used as a device to accentuate the beauty of each introduced woman. This back and forth prose/verse narrative style is cemented during the torture of Ch'un-hyang as each stroke of punishment is met with defiance. With each blow Ch'un reassures he devotion to her husband, displaying her passion through poetry. Much like the author used poetry to accentuate the beauty of each member of kisaeng, the writer also uses poetry to display the beauty of Ch'un-Hyang's love/passion through Confucian ideals; even in the harshest of situations:

Two spouses are faithful, 

Two husbands there cannot be:

Though my body is beaten,

Though I die for ever,

I'll never forget master Yi (84).

This work also displays a strong-willed female heroine to empathize and ultimately gain strength through like some of the other works we've read thus far. Overarching themes of not accepting predisposed societal positions and perseverance in the face of insurmountable odds are stressed; along with a focus on Confucianism. Literary device of metaphor/simile are a constant towards the end of the given section, with the character of Hyang reflecting on her unjust torture, using such to display her undying love for her husband. Using her passion as fuel to continue on when so close to the brink of death: "I will be the bright moon in the sky./When night comes, I will rise/And shed my bright beams/On my beloved's face" (88).

"The Song of Ch'un-Hyang. 84,88. The Norton Anthology of World Literature, Volume D