This paper discusses the recurrent theme in Lee, Gang-baek's works of the 1990s not under discussion due to interpretative difficulties. It also ponders over how he has utilized his recurring tools like 'allegory' and 'dual structure' for thematic emp...
This paper discusses the recurrent theme in Lee, Gang-baek's works of the 1990s not under discussion due to interpretative difficulties. It also ponders over how he has utilized his recurring tools like 'allegory' and 'dual structure' for thematic emphasis since his debut in the 1970s.
Lee, Gang-baek's dramas written in the 1990s fall into two broad categories: those addressing the quest for truth in an invisible world in pursuit of the essence of thinking and those embodying introspection within the context of social reality.
First, <Bubble>, <As if Seeing Flowers in the Winter Solstice>, <Diary of a Journey to Yongwol>, <Feeling, Like Nirvana>, and <Bone and Flesh> reveal the unseen's true meaning through the quest for truth in an invisible world. For thematic emphasis, they embody the unseen in ‘sacrifice,' ‘moderation,’ ‘pond,’ and ‘destiny.' Defining the unseen's meaning as an invisible world, they draw no distinction between the unseen and the seen while embracing the seen.
Second, <Yeongja and Jintaek>, <The Man Who Set Fire>, <Fishy Man>, <Jowl of Dried Pollack>, <Jumping Over a Barrel>, and <About Suicide> look at the social reality from a critical viewpoint.
They highlight personal introspection within a social mechanism. Each work features individual characters with different appearances, but all of them have ultimate connotations of 'social reality.' Moreover, individual characters therein sacrifice themselves for group salvation and integration and guide their acquaintances into the value of life.
They are also manifested in a dependable and mature human being for our introspection. To stress the quest for truth in an invisible world plus personal introspection, Lee, Gang-baek continues to use his unique hallmarks like allegorical technique and diverse forms of dual structure in his works of the 1990s.
First, Lee, Gang-baek showcased his own allegorical technique. In particular, those works of allegorical embodiment usually offer significant implications for the unseen's value, thereby presenting a world view of reconciliation and tolerance. Typical examples include <Bubble>, <Diary of a Journey to Yongwol>, <Feeling, Like Nirvana>, <Yeongja and Jintaek>, <The Man Who Set Fire>, and <Jowl of Dried Pollack>.
Second, Lee, Gang-baek demonstrated various forms of dual structure. The dual structure manifested in several works not only enables audiences to clearly recognize theatrical meaning but also arouses theatrical fun from audiences. Typical examples include <Bubble>, <As if Seeing Flowers in the Winter Solstice>, and <Diary of a Journey to Yongwol>. Even though such dual structure doesn't appear in all his works of the 1990s, he continued to use it in his own way from the outset of his literature.