Comparing Unyong-Joon And Mujong The Great

Unyong-jon differs greatly from the modern text of Mujong, as both popular trend, as well as the harsh environment of the time, resulted in a much more realistic conclusion for the couple. Perhaps the happier closure in Unyong-jon, is a result of the external environment of that time. The story that Unyong tells, takes place during the reign of King Sejong the Great, which was known as a time of cultural and literature prosperity. The conclusion of other pre-modern texts from the same time, though offering more precise happy endings than Unyong-jon, could also suggest the readers desire for similar happiness within their own lives during that time. These contrasting environmental factors can be connected to the opposing conclusions in each story.

Another important comparison to make is the massive emphasis that Yong-ch’ae puts on pursuing Confucian values. The entire, and really only reason as to why Yong-ch’ae decides to become a kisaeng is in order to make enough money to release her father and brothers from jail. She does this while remembering Confucian texts

Though Unyong, as mentioned before, shows a strong mindset, unique to women at the time, she eventually commits suicide for the sake of her sisters and loyalty to the Prince, thus dying for her values. Yong-ch’ae on the other hand, attempts suicide, but is stopped by a young women student, Pyong-uk. She stops Yong-ch’ae and helps her realize that the morals, by which she is living by, should be only a part of her life, but not the only reason for living. This realization, allows Yong-ch’ae to progress her character as well as the story, as she proceeds to give up her strict Confucian requirements. This may also be interpreted as a parallel the movement towards a more modern Korea during the time of the novel, where people were inclined to leave traditional thoughts behind and