蘇軾 人物論에 나타난 인물 평가의 근거 初探 ― 勢를 중심으로

Abstract

One of the diverse forms of classical prose writing that emerged during the Song Dynasty is historiographic prose. Sushi left us with a body of great historiographic prose work which is characterized by a unique perspective and outstanding writing skill. This study examines Sushi’s work that concerns his appraisement of human character, with a particular focus on the criteria used by him for such appraisal. What is unique about his perspective is his use of “Shi(勢),” forces of influence, which refers to contours of an event in the totality of its causes and effects. Accordingly, appraisal of an individual is based on his ability to grasp a given situation with its causes and possible outcomes and to apply the knowledge of “Shi(勢)” properly. Furthermore, a great individual is one who goes beyond understanding “Shi(勢)” and create it. Creation of “Shi(勢)” consists ultimately in the harmonious unity attained by the realization of one’s aim by making the wishes and desires of others come true. Sushi’s conception of “Shi(勢)” is more procedural than consequential, more comprehensive and deep-rooted than fragmentary and superficial. With the aid of superb linguistic techniques of analysis, hypothesis and analogy, Sushi succeeded in transforming particular historical events into literature of universal significance. It is thanks mainly to Sushi’s contribution that the appraisement of human character became an important prose form in the Song Dynasty.