Several Aspect o f Care i n “Shim cheongjeon”

The aim of this paper is to explore the several aspects of care in “Shimcheongjeon.” While the term “filial daughter Shimcheong” aptly represents the thematic consciousness of the work, confining it within the framework of a text about ‘filial piety’ restricts the possibilities for diverse interpretations. In the Confucian values of the Joseon Dynasty, filial piety was a value of great importance, not only in the realm of ethics but also in that of justice. Filial piety, commonly understood as a child's duty to serve their parents well, tends to imply a unilateral relationship. However, this paper posits that filial piety can be included within a broader concept of care, suggesting it involves reciprocal, interdependent actions, thus necessitating a focus on care in “Shimcheongjeon.” “Shimcheongjeon” features various characters in need of care, who engage in reciprocal relationships and perform acts of care. This study examines aspects of care, distinguishing between the realms of private ethics and public justice, and observes how care extends from the private to the public sphere. Key to examining care in each realm are the notions of relationality and contextuality. In the private realm, the focus is on how care is enacted within spousal and parent-child relationships. In the public realm of justice, the study explores how care extends from the familial unit to community and national levels. This process confirms that care is portrayed not only ethically but also justly. “Shimcheongjeon” advocates for the practice of care, illustrating that the performance of care leads to rewards or punishments. The scope of care is not limited to family members but expands through the community and national units, enhancing social cohesion and solidarity. This paper's attempt to interpret “Shimcheongjeon” as a narrative of care highlights how individual acts of care contribute to ethical values within the community and to social justice, reminding us that care holds significant social and political implications beyond the personal level.