Garam Yi, Byung-Gi devoted to concentrated study and practice for modernization of Sijo and left behind him outstanding achievements in Sijo writings and theory. He contributed to let Sijo could alive through the hard time for Sijo literature and help...
Garam Yi, Byung-Gi devoted to concentrated study and practice for modernization of Sijo and left behind him outstanding achievements in Sijo writings and theory. He contributed to let Sijo could alive through the hard time for Sijo literature and helped modern Sijo could be started.
As a man of taste, he loved natural object including orchid very much and sublimated them to exceptional Sijo. He stood first to protect Korean language and writings as a Korean literature protector.
As a Sijo innovator, Garam insisted on a Sijo innovation theory that can be summarized on six key points: (1) let’s express the actual feeling and actual condition to completely include a flavor of real life, (2) let’s expand the range of collection of poetic object by rediscovering the materials with new perspective, (3) let’s widen the range of poetic words to express newness, (4) change of tone is required to meet new Sijo style as it transformed from Sijo as a song to that of a text, (5) let’s write elongated work to reflect complicated life of modern people, and (6) how to read is as important as how to write.
Garam’s theory of Eight Phrases In Three Lines was a somewhat rare claim in comparison with theory of Six Phrases In Three Lines or Twelve Phrase in Three Lines and it was not be widely accepted by other Sijo writers or scholars. It seems that Garam insisted on this in considering the convenience of the person who read that Sijo.
Garam often utilized sensory words in his works, especially the words expressing colors, and this seems to be related with his innovative theory of ‘expressing the actual feeling and actual condition.’ Garam showed advancement of his Sijo by utilizing variety of images that is considered as an important part of modern poetry.
His consciousness as a writer could be categorized as follows: (1) appearance of a patriot who has the will that is going to act for his nation, (2) oriental naturalism that sees the nature as the same quality object as human being, not opposed to human being, (3) the will to change and innovate, (4) voluntary creative mind that emphasize creation than imitation and (5) critical consciousness to society.
Main subjects in Garam’s Sijo could be categorized in five area: (1) Garam did commune with, respond to and was immersed in the natural objects such as orchid and apricot flower. Sometimes he identified the objects with himself and lapsed into a state of ecstasy. (2) He often expressed admiration for nature in his works. Sometimes nature was even sublimated to ideal space such as an enchanted land. (3) Some aspect of daily life also often appears in his Sijo. As he loved details around his surroundings, various object of daily life including ceiling, mouse and puppies were used in his works. (4) Sorrow of parting and condolence also shown in many works. Garam expressed the feeling of ephemerality in this world caused by death of several acquaintances and sang a heartrending sorrow as a remained one. (5) Climate and circulation of a season was used to express circulation of history, not just a seasonal change. Some messages of hope could be found in that kind of Sijo. Just as a spring comes after a winter, winter of history will be passed and a spring of history will come at last.
Garam improved a road of modern Sijo through innovation of traditional Sijo; inspired national consciousness through his life, literary activity and study of Korean literature; and offered self-reflective criticism through nature-based social criticism.
In this age that Sijo is declined, this study will be a cornerstone for ongoing study of Garam who dedicated himself for improvement of modern Sijo.