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

Unknown Author, “The Song of Ch’un-hyang” (76-89)

Character:

Ch’un-hyang:

·         Insanely beautiful

·         Ch’un-hyang’s mother was a Kisaeng. However, she is not.

·         Betrothed to the former governors son, who is in Seoul.

·         She is often longing for her love and cries for him. Her longing for him is so extreme that it even makes others feel sympathy for her. For example, “She was crying like this when the yamen servants heard her moaning. Since they were not wood and stone, how could they not be moved? All the joints of their bodies melted like spring ice on the Naktong River: “How pitiful! What sort of men are we, who can do nothing to help a girl like that!”(81).

·         She is set on remaining faithful to her lover, even when other people tell her she is a fool for waiting for a man who might not come back for her.

·         She often talks about faith, virtue and female chastity.

·         Virtue: “A woman’s virtue is the same for high ranks and low. If you listen I will explain. Let’s speak of kisaeng. There are no virtuous ones, you say; but I will tell them to you one by one…” (82). She gives examples to prove her point.

·         She seems to be teaching a lesson through the portrayal of song or just simply addressing this lustful governor.

·         She even makes this point: “If the rape of a married woman is not a crime, what is?” (83).

·         She is very knowledgeable in her facts and sticks by her version of truth/purpose: staying faithful to her husband/love.

·         Her faith, virtue and point of female chastity get her beaten and placed in Jail. However, she still sticks by her beliefs and even teaches a lesson while taking a beating. For example, “Two spouses are faithful, two husbands there cannot be: though my body is beaten, though I die forever, I’ll never forget master Yi” (84). During her second stroke, she points out that there cannot be two husbands, for just one husband is faithful and right. She also practically states that no matter what you do to her, she will not forget her love for her husband Yi.

Defined words:

1)      Kisaeng- a female entertainer or courtesan.

2)      Virtue- high moral standards in behavior.