Differences in gaze in the figure form of <Poui-gyojip>

This study analyzed the difference in social position and perspective on the love between Yi Saeng and Cho Ok through an analysis of the character shape of the 19th-century affectionate novel <Poui-Gyojip>. In addition, the narrative development of their meeting and breakup was divided into two, and the social gaze on Cho-ok was discussed through conversation with Gisaeng. In a conversation with a gisaeng, the two gisaengs value highly for “the work of a beautiful woman making a scholar who failed to hold a government post as a friend,” and are said to be not to be treated as low-class women. Cho-ok's behavior was foolish, but it is worth living high in terms of damaging others or not following profits and wealth. However, Cho-ok's value is high because her behavior is suitable for internalization of the Confucian order. Based on her high Confucian knowledge, she longed for her recognized relationship and life. Trust in a man who did not follow profits and wealth even though she was a poor subordinate woman also falls under the ethics that women should protect in the system of Confucianism. Here, the fact that Cho-ok is a married woman is not a big concern in the ethics of the male perspective of the aristocrat. It can be said that Cho-ok's husband's role and value in the work are too reduced because she is a subordinate woman. This phenomenon reflects the urban culture of late Joseon, where desires were increasingly embraced, and romantic relationships became prominent themes across cultural domains. Despite the varied expressions of interest in the love and desires of men and women, texts like Yeolnyeojeon (Biographies of Exemplary Women) were still read by lower-class women, illustrating the tension between traditional norms and cultural shifts. The portrayal of “a beautiful woman associating with an incompetent yangban (aristocrat)” highlights a duality: it affirms societal norms regarding fidelity and validates men's desires while also presenting an image of women aligned with Confucian ethics, emphasizing loyalty and chastity. The fact that Confucian texts like Yeolnyeojeon continued to be influential among lower-class women reveals the persistence of traditional moral standards amidst societal changes. While Yeolnyeojeon emphasized Confucian virtues of loyalty and chastity as exemplary standards for women, late Joseon literature also depicted scenarios like “a beautiful woman engaging with an incapable yangban,” positively portraying men's desires. Such narratives recognized, to some extent, women's agency and emotions while simultaneously framing idealized female roles within the boundaries of Confucian ethics. Ultimately, the urban culture of late Joseon embodied a complex and paradoxical interplay between Confucian values and emerging popular desires. This duality, along with diverse perspectives, permeated the literature and culture of the time, reflecting the multifaceted nature of the society.