Date of Award
12-2021
Degree Name
Bachelor of Arts (A.B.)
Restricted/Unrestricted
Unrestricted
Abstract
Since establishing diplomatic relations in the nineteenth century, South Korea and France have seen excellent bilateral ties and cultural exchanges through the present day. The vibrant nature of this exchange reveals itself in the translation of French literature into Korean and in the increasing demand for Korean literature in France, where occidental and francophone influences have traditionally flourished. In this thesis I interrogate the French interest in Korean culture, using translated novels as vehicles of exploration: Lee Seung-u’s The Private Lives of Plants and Han Kang’s The Vegetarian. I propose three analytical lenses through which to examine the appeal of these acclaimed Korean novels to a French audience. First, French readers are drawn by the “exotic” and “familiar” elements of Korean culture as exemplified by unique cultural practices, a thriving national economy, and interpersonal dynamics. Second, the French appreciate the plight of the novels’ protagonists as they interact with these elements in a realistic portrayal of Korean society. Lastly, the depiction of nature as a refuge with supernatural and spiritual attributes has universal appeal for individuals disenchanted with the status quo. Through my analysis, I conclude that the representation of South Korean society (the real) and the prevalence of supernatural themes (the surreal), are of particular interest to the French. It can be no mere coincidence that two of the most well-received Korean novels in France challenge societal norms and propose the concept of metamorphosis as a means of escape. As such, this thesis employs both a sociological and literary approach to better understand Franco-Korean cultural exchanges, shedding light on key commonalities and differences.
Mentor
Harriet Stone
Additional Advisors
Lionel Cuillé, Vincent Jouane
Recommended Citation
Choi, Adelaide, "Allure of the Supernatural: South Korean Realities and the French Interest in The Private Lives of Plants and The Vegetarian [L’Attrait du surnaturel : les réalités sud-coréennes et l’intérêt des Français pour La Vie rêvée des plantes et La Végétarienne]" (2021). Senior Honors Papers / Undergraduate Theses. 58.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/undergrad_etd/58
Comments
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7936/f7ps-t136