디킨즈와 근대성 문제: 감금된 삶과 해방된 삶 = Charles Dickens and the Modernity Problem

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

This paper aims to examine Dickens`s Little Dorrit terms of its relation with the modernity problem, focusing on the Blake`s distinction of `selfhood` (ie, the false self) from `identity` (ie, the genuine self). The individual as selfhood has the characteristics of egotistically following possessive impulses and embodying normalized selves; on the other hand, the individual as a creative identity makes possible a liberation from the narrow modern ego and the exploitative economy. The former, because of its weak individuality, Just follows society`s current opinion, even when senous disasters are looming ahead. But the identity empowered with the strong individuality might see the actual state of affairs differently and oppose the general collapse. Among the characters in Little Dorrit, Christopher Casby, Mrs. Clennam, William Dorrit, and Henry Gowan represent `selfhood,` and Amy Dorrit and Daniel Doyce represent `identity.` Such qualities as innocence and disinterestedness, creativity and individuality of the latter group contribute to the collaborative creation of the genuine `reality.` These are qualities generating and sustaining the humane space by liberated lives, while the former group`s characteristics can be summarized as ones enclosed in the modern capitalist economy. Now we are witnessing the coming of `society of control` or `empire` accompanied by the spread of standardization on an unparalleled scale, the cause and effect of which might be attributed to the general spread of normalized selves. If we tread in their footsteps, there is no way to conceive alternative ways of life, because, as said before, they have no ability to think differently. The significance of Dickens`s notion of the imprisoned life and liberated life lies in this context.