New Poetry and Modern Poetry

New Poetry (신체시)

• Emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries amid significant societal changes.
• Represented by poets like 최남선, known for works such as “From the Sea to Boys” and “On Flowers.”
• Marked a departure from traditional Korean poetic forms, aiming for a freer style resembling Western poetry.
• Utilized a consistent rhyming scheme, distinguishing it from free verse; aimed for unity by ending lines with the same syllable.
• Served as a transitional genre, bridging traditional poetry and modern Korean poetry.
• Embodied the spirit of enlightenment, expressing optimism and hopes for a new era.

Characteristics of Modern Poetry

• Modern poetry began to flourish in the early 20th century, particularly after the March 1 Movement in 1919.
• Exploded in literary magazines from 1915 to 1920, such as the Light of Scholarship and Taeseo Literature and Art.
• Featured a variety of forms, with lyric poetry being the most common; narrative and dramatic poems also existed but were less frequent.
• Emphasized individual creativity, leading to the diversification of poetic style; lack of standard rhythm defined modern poetry.
• Criticism evolved from genre-focused to movements and individual styles, reflecting a broader range of experiences.

Flourishing of Modern Poetry (1920s)

• Gained momentum in the 1920s with key publications like Creation and Ruins.
• Poets expressed themes of individual suffering in a morally corrupt world, reflecting societal struggles during colonial oppression.
• The era encompassed feelings of darkness and evil, often leading to escape via imagination or death.
• Notable poem “To My Bedroom” (1923) used the bedroom as a metaphor for death.

Divergence Post-1924

• Modern literature split into two main groups post-1924: the "new wave" group focused on aesthetics and individual experience, while the 카프 (KAPF) writers emphasized social activism.
• Differences were not solely ideological; poets transitioned between movements and perspectives over time.
• Poets like 김소월 and 한용운 resisted ideological affiliation, focusing instead on personal themes, detached from contemporary trends.

Impact of Japanese Colonial Rule (1930s)

• Increased political oppression in the 1930s led to underground ideologies; social critique became less direct.
• Poetry shifted focus toward inner thoughts, urban life, and nature, with emphasis on self-reflection rather than complex themes.
• The “pure-poetry movement” emerged, prioritizing lyricism and detailed language, seen in the works of 박용철 and 김영랑.

Modernist Trends

• Mid-1930s saw experimental poetic trends reflective of Western styles such as imagism and surrealism.
• Poets like 김광균 and 이상 incorporated modernist ideas while vividly describing urban struggles under colonialism.
• A contrasting group emerged, termed the "life school," emphasizing humanistic themes and everyday experiences.

Notable Works and Themes

• Seo Jung-ju’s “The Self-portrait” reflects on personal identity amidst familial struggles and societal shame.
• Themes explored include the dichotomy of life and death, nature's relationship with humanity, and the introspective examination of existence.
• Poets reflected the grim realities of their times while seeking to find beauty and meaning in personal and external conflicts.

This quiz explores the evolution of 'New Poetry' and its impact on modern poetry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It delves into significant works, such as 최남선's 'From the Sea to Boys,' highlighting the shift towards freer poetic styles. Test your understanding of how these changes shaped contemporary poetry.