신역사주의로 바라보는 쏜톤 와일더의 낙관주의 : 『우리 읍내』,『위기일발』,『산 루이스 레이 다리』를 중심으로

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

New Historicism is a literary criticism theory that emerged in the late 1970s. This theory focuses on studying the historical nature of literary texts. New Historicism is a stance that seeks to illuminate the subjects and their voices marginalized in the existing ‘grand narratives’ of history and bring them into the historical discourse, thereby diversifying or multi-layering meaning as an alternative to previous historical interpretations.
Optimism is a mental or emotional state characterized by a positive outlook on the future. The Latin etymology of optimism, 'optimum,' which stands in opposition to pessimism, means ‘the best.’ Broadening its meaning, optimism refers to a mindset, attitude, perspective, or theory filled with confidence and hope regarding the entire universe, society, and human life.
From this perspective, the mundane daily lives of ordinary people, as represented in the literary works of Thornton Wilder （1897-1975）, and the life wisdom of 'optimism' they express, constitute another characteristic feature and a significant value penetrating Wilder’s oeuvre. In this sense, the New Historicist perspective connects well with the attitude discernible in Thornton Wilder’s literary works that gains insight into the grand human significance of 'optimism' out of the ordinary daily wisdom of common
people. Based on a thorough understanding of New Historicist criticism and theory, this study aims to elucidate the aspects and meanings of optimism that permeate three representative works by the modern American playwright and novelist Thornton Wilder: the plays Our Town （1938） and The Skin of Our Teeth （1942）, and the novella The Bridge of San Luis Rey （1927）.
Wilder’s literary career is characterized by many works that incorporate complex elements grounded in his rich life experiences. This complexity allows for a more diverse understanding when analyzing his works through the lens of New Historicist criticism. As an optimist, Wilder's values and thoughts naturally permeate the consciousness and emotions of readers and audiences through his literature, in the form of everyday wisdom.
This study explores how the optimistic spirit in his literature is embodied from the New Historicist perspective, revealing the historical meanings hidden beneath the texts’ surface. Through these three works by Wilder, the study aims to demonstrate the interrelationship and connection between writings（text） and history（context）. Finally, it seeks to reconsider the literary value of Thornton Wilder, which offers solace and comfort to people in today’s unstable environments and psychological states.

목차 (Table of Contents)

• I. 서론 1
• II. 이론적 배경 15
• 1. 신역사주의와 역사 시학 15
• 2. 대역사 이론 18
• 3. 낙관주의 21
• III. 낙관주의 양상 관찰: 역사와 문학의 상호작용 24
• 1.『우리 읍내』: 일상의 전복성 24
• 2.『위기일발』: 순환의 시간관 35
• 3.『산 루이스 레이 다리』: 다층적 텍스트 45
• 4. 문학적 낙관주의: 의미와 논점 53
• IV. 결론 58
• 인용 문헌 62
• Abstract 67