『가스통 라가프』의 m’enfin

The aim of this paper is to analyze the interjection m’enfin used in Gaston Lagaffe, a comic series by the Belgian cartoonist André Franquin, and to explore the value it holds within the work. To this end, the paper examines the implied meaning of m’enfin, the psychology and consciousness of the protagonist Gaston when he uses the expression, and the message conveyed by the author through Gaston. M’enfin, a contraction of mais (but) and enfin (finally), is an exclamation that implies ‘things did not turn out as intended’. It is the only word Gaston utters when his enthusiastic attempts end in disaster due to a momentary mistake. However, behind this m’enfin, which reflects the disastrous and ridiculous outcomes of his failures, lies a positive value of the human Gaston. Despite repeated errors and failures, he never gives up and resolves to try again in pursuit of human happiness. In other words, Gaston’s m’enfin carries the sorrow of human beings in modern society who have lost their dignity and freedom, becoming mere cogs in a vast organization. For readers, Gaston symbolizes human dignity, freedom, and a longing for nature a figure of nostalgia and yearning. While m’enfin signals that Gaston’s attempt has ended in failure, it also heralds a new attempt. As long as Gaston’s m’enfin continues, his challenges do not end, and he remains a hero to readers, creating yet another popular myth. Until Gaston’s m’enfin (I’ve failed again) is transformed into enfin (Finally, I did it), his challenges and the readers’ support will continue.