In this blog post, we examine how Lorca’s Andalusian “han” (grief) is linked to poetic mystery and political tragedy through the rituals of bullfighting and flamenco, as well as the symbols of children and death. The Poetic World of Lorca’s “Han” Lorca’s poetry and plays have been widely introduced in Korea. Not only have his poems been translated, but the play ‘Blood Wedding’...
How did Lawrence Sterne’s ‘Tristram Shandy’ break the mold of gentlemanly conduct and reveal a free spirit?
In this blog post, we explore how Lawrence Sterne and his masterpiece ‘Tristram Shandy’ used humor and candor to explore human fallibility and imperfection through the reader’s identification with the narrator, and why the work sparked such enthusiasm among European intellectuals of the time. The Writer with the Freest Spirit Lawrence Sterne (1713–1768), a vicar in a quiet...
How does the story of Dragon Raja’s founding 300 years ago connect to the present?
In this blog post, I’ll summarize the background of Dragon Raja’s founding and how the events that stemmed from it intertwine with the protagonist’s party’s journey. Background The story’s past dates back 300 years. The legendary knight Rooterino and the archmage Hendrake liberated humanity from dragon rule and founded the nation of Vaisus. Until then, humans had been forced to submit to...
How does the story of ‘Dragon Raja’ unfold?
In this blog post, I’ll summarize and introduce the main plot and narrative structure of ‘Dragon Raja’. Background In the story of ‘Dragon Raja’, the founding myth from 300 years ago is deeply intertwined with current events. The legendary knight Rooterino and the archmage Hendrake liberated humanity from the rule of the dragons in the past and founded the nation of...
Dragon Raja: Why Has It Become the Benchmark for Korean Fantasy?
In this blog post, I’ll summarize the plot (focusing on Volume 1), main characters, unique charms, and memorable quotes from Lee Young-do’s epic fantasy novel ‘Dragon Raja’. Overview of ‘Dragon Raja’ and the Plot of Volume 1 While ‘Dragon Raja’ is set in a classic fantasy world featuring familiar races such as elves, dwarves, trolls, and goblins, it is a...
Dragon Raja: Why Has It Captivated So Many Readers?
In this blog post, I’ll summarize the plot and key appeal of ‘Dragon Raja’, focusing on Volume 1. A Brief Introduction and Background While ‘Dragon Raja’ is set in a classic fantasy world featuring familiar races such as elves, dwarves, trolls, and goblins, it stands out from conventional Korean fantasy with its solid thematic depth, well-structured narrative, and...
How did “All animals are equal” turn into “Some animals are more equal than others” in Animal Farm?
In this blog post, we’ll examine how a revolution can be subverted by inequality of power and deception, through the plot, main characters, and the evolution of the Seven Commandments in Animal Farm. Background and the Start of the Rebellion The story is set on “Manor Farm,” a manor farm in England owned by Mr. Jones. Told from the animals’ perspective as a fable, the story begins one...
In Dostoevsky’s ‘Crime and Punishment’, Is Freedom Salvation or Destruction?
In this blog post, we will examine the conflict between “freedom” and “good and evil” as revealed through Dostoevsky’s life and works, his dramatic approach to characterization, and the impact his ideas have had on modern literature and philosophy. On Dostoevsky “Among writers who have transcended the boundaries of literature, Dostoevsky remains the greatest today. No one else has...
Why did Descartes criticize the humanities and Scholastic philosophy and advocate for the “analytical method”?
In this blog post, we will carefully examine how the historical context of Descartes’s era and his educational experiences sparked his criticism of the humanities and Scholastic philosophy, and how his mathematical and analytical methodology emerged from that. Descartes’ Era and Social Context Descartes (René) was born in France in 1596 and died in Sweden in 1650. Although the natural...
Who was Osamu Dazai, and what are his most famous works?
In this blog post, we’ll summarize Osamu Dazai’s life, as well as the background and significance of his masterpiece, ‘No Longer Human’. The Life of Osamu Dazai Osamu Dazai (太宰治, birth name Shuji Tsushima) was born on June 19, 1909, in Tsugaru, Aomori Prefecture, as the tenth of eleven children and the sixth son. His father, Tsushima Kengeemon, served as a member of the House...