A Study of Narrative of Things in Beasts of a Little Land: History and the Individual

Narrative of Things is a growing focus in contemporary narrative studies. In Beasts of a Little Land, written by Korean-American author Juhea Kim, personal stories are intricately intertwined with the broader historical context of Korea’s struggle for independence. The novel employs a distinctive narrative technique by assigning symbolic roles to inanimate objects, which reflect both the personal and political histories of the characters. Objects such as sea glass, a silver cigarette case, and a wooden trunk are meticulously depicted throughout the novel, serving as witnesses to the protagonists’ memories, symbols of their identities, and mediums for the convergence of the third space. This paper explores the subjectivity of ‘objects’ and their function within the narrative, focusing on how these items embody the intersection of history and personal experience. It analyzes the relationship between objects and human actions in the novel and how these objects influence the narrative’s progression. Furthermore, the analysis reveals how these objects, as carriers of memory, identity, and cultural heritage, offer a deeper understanding of the characters’ lives and the era they inhabit. Ultimately, the paper seeks to explore and convey the pursuit of life’s meaning and the essence of the human spirit. (Sungkyunkwan University)