하 진의 『자유로운 삶』에 나타난 이주자 정체성 구축과 자유의 의미

Abstract

This article examines how Ha Jin constructs his migrant identity and interprets the meanings of freedom presented in the migrant novel A Free Life. Contrary to his previous works set in China, A Free Life set in America focuses on Asian-American classic narrative of the immigrant family’s socioeconomic hardships and independence and struggles with cultural and linguistic assimilation. As the title suggests, A Free Life is also a novel that deals with the meanings of freedom. First, this article examines how Nan Woo, the male protagonist, attempts to overcome his Chineseness and China his homeland and achieve freedom by rejecting blind nationalism and patriotism. Secondly, this article discusses how Nan attempts to obtain his creative energy and freedom to write poems by overcoming the illusion of his first lover Beina that he’s been continuously obsessed with as his only muse. Lastly, this article examines how Nan attempts to overcome material desire, an American dream, and obtain linguistic and artistic freedom to create in English. By doing so this article discusses how Nan presents an alternative model of American dream and constructs the migrant identity through the fulfillment of his dream of becoming a poet.