下第詩 硏究

초록

Hajesi(下第詩) refers to the poems written on the theme of ‘failure in the civic examination.’ So far, little research has been done on these works: a total of 180 titles and 204 poems have been found. In terms of verse form, a large portion of Haje poems was composed in chireonjeolgu (七言絶句: 7-word, 4-phrase verse form) and chireonyulsi(七言律詩: 7-word verse with rhythm); in terms of dates, most of them were composed during the late Joseon era; in terms of content, a number of them were composed to comfort and encourage those who were discouraged because of the failure in the civic examination. The themes recurring in Hajesi are as follows: First, the complex feelings about the writer himself and the world, such as gloom (愁), grief(悲), shame(羞), remorse(悔), resentment(怨), regret(恨), and sighs(歎) are well described. In addition, the writer expressed his feelings toward their families, who had the similar emotional response to the failure in the civic examination, with a sense of solidarity. Therefore, the writer had to heal his own wounded heart and, at the same time, those of in his family members. He also expressed encouragement and consolation to others who failed, too. There are more poems containing consolation and encouragement to others in distress than to himself. Actually failure in the past civic examination was a common experience at the time, so the writer could sincerely comfort others. Finally, it captures the feeling of giving up the past. It can be seen as resignation and abandonment, but it can also be interpreted as seeking and attempting a new path. Most of all, the consciousness of obedience(順命) is permeating Hajae poems. Obedience is an intense belief that a person cannot trust people or circumstances, but Heaven will be on his side. Failure is enough to cause resentment or anger toward the world or others, but, in the end, through obedience, the writer could overcome difficult times wisely. It is hoped that further interest in Haje poems will be aroused starting with this study, and various researches such as the comparison between Korean and Chinese Haje poems, differences in Haje poems by era, and studies on the Geupje(及第) poems will be steadily addressed in follow-up studies.

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