오브젝트의 능동성과 문화 전성:『호랑이를 덫에 가두면』에 나타난 한인 내러티브 연구

초록

Objects are not merely symbolic entities but also function as agents or autonomous beings that play a crucial role in advancing the narrative. Tae Keller’s novel When You Trap a Tiger uniquely integrates Korean folklore with modern storytelling through object narratives, exploring themes of family, loss, and cultural identity. This study examines the multifaceted role of objects in conveying emotions, preserving memories, and shaping identity. By analyzing the connections between food and emotional bonds, family heirlooms and intergenerational inheritance, and mystical objects within the novel’s fantasy framework, this paper highlights the significance of objects as vessels of emotion and memory. In the novel, objects not only propel the storyline but also serve as essential elements in the protagonist Lily’s journey of self-discovery. As a representative figure of countless Korean American immigrants, Lily faces cultural dilemmas and personal struggles in her identity formation. Through her interactions with objects, she navigates and reconciles her dual heritage, ultimately constructing her own Korean American cultural framework. The novel offers readers profound reflections on family, tradition, and identity.

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