The Tale of Ch’unhyangChristine D. David

English 8

CharactersYi Mong-Yong

Noble manTender heartedHad much literary talent

Handsome young man

CharactersPassed the government examinations with the highest distinctions

Chose to be a amhaengosa instead of being a magistrate or a governor

CharactersCh’unhyang

Most beautiful girl of a Korean villagePure hearted artists from a humble

familyFaithful wifeDoomed to death by the new Namwon

magistrate

CharactersPangja

ServantConfidant

CharactersNamwon’s new magistrateAsks for Ch’unhyang’s heart for marriage

Corrupt

Conflict

External

Theme Fidelity is the key to a lasting relationship.

Exposition Once there lived in the province of Cholla, in the town of Namwon, a magistrate's son named Yi Mong-Yong. And a lovely maiden named Ch’unhyang.

Rising ActionNot long after the secret marriage, the servant brought Yi Mong-Yong a message saying that his father, newly appointed to the King's cabinet, was being recalled to the capitol.

Rising ActionYi Mong-Yong, who was to accompany

his father, went that evening to Ch'unhyang and told her the bad news.The young couple was forced to say a tearful goodbye at the Magpie Bridge.

Climax The new Namwon magistrate arrived and summoned Ch’unhyang to be his wife. Ch’unhyang refused because she is committed to Yi Mong-Yong. Her defiance enraged the magistrate and he ordered her taken to prison and sentenced to death.

Falling ActionYi Mong-Yong arrived in Namwon and learned of the situation. He dressed himself as a beggar to enter the palace during a feast given by the new Namwon magistrate. He revealed himself as an amhaengosa and banished the evil magistrate to a faraway land. He also saved Ch’unhyang from miserable death.

Denouement Yi Mong- Yong took his bride to Seoul and presented her to his parents. They accepted her as a daughter-in-law. In time, Ch'unhyang bore three sons and two daughters, and they all lived happily for many years come.