김유정 작품<금 따는 콩밭>을 활용한 문학치료 사례연구 -가정폭력으로 인한 고통을 호소하는 이혼여성의 사례를 중심으로-

In modern society, studies of human emotions are actively conducted to improve the quality of life socially and culturally. In this regard, literary texts and their characters offer an indirect way to experience the full range of life and build the strength to deal with problems. The work “A Field of Beans for Gold” depicts the characters’ inner psychology around money and gold. The main character of the work is a violent husband. Also, aggression from foolish human desires and impulses is expressed. Literature therapy is an interactive treatment, which helps individuals reflect on themselves with literary text as a medium, gain new insight into their problems and feel cathartic. Few people can maintain a high degree of happiness, and emotions and psychological stress are closely related. Extreme stress and violence not only cause severe suffering but also break up families. Violence, in particular, imprints anxiety on the victim, and the ensuing pain creates a sense of isolation and makes them feel threatened. Feeling threatened by life may be the most common cause of psychological stress. “A Field of Beans for Gold” is a very useful literary medium in this context because the work shows that impulsive aggression caused by environmental factors make not only oneself but also one’s spouse and family members unhappy. This dynamic of unhappiness is not much different from what is happening in society today. In this respect, we might say that we can experience life indirectly and can find ways to cope with difficult problems through fictional characters. At the same time, we can build up our strength to overcome difficult problems. Literature therapy enables people to reflect on their lives. It also helps them change their sense of identity and self-respect in a positive way to improve the quality of their lives. Therefore, literature therapy can be said to greatly benefit society.