현대시에 나타난 독(毒)의 이미지와 의미 고찰

초록

This paper examines the image of poison in modern Korean poetry and its symbolic meaning. The study confirms that poison extends beyond being simply understood as a chemical or biological substance to encompass various metaphorical meanings. First, poison possesses a duality of both positive and negative aspects, much like pharmakon. Externally, poison appears to be a dangerous and lethal substance, but internally, it acts as a symbolic element that reveals the will to live, determination, and affirmation. Poison is connected to the instinct to maintain life and existence while being destructive, and this duality reflects the essential contradictions of human existence. Second, poison is utilized as a fundamental symbol that enables the essence of life and philosophical contemplation. It visualizes human suffering and anguish, raising philosophical questions connected to the deep inner self of human existence through the poet's imagination. Third, poison is directly linked to death, serving as an important element that stimulates poetic imagination. While poison poses a lethal threat to existence, it also makes one aware of the boundaries of life and reminds us of the finitude and impermanence of human existence as a symbol of death, extinction, and new beginnings. Consequently, this study reveals that poison occupies an important position in the poetic world, demonstrating a powerful symbolism that explores the essence of life and death, suffering, and existence. Future research is expected to expand the symbolism of poison and its literary and philosophical possibilities based on richer materials.

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