The Count of Monte Cristo, a film made in 1945.

People usually say, "I remember that event." However, in reality, we remember the feelings we experienced at the time more than the event itself. For example, when recalling being scolded by someone, even if we don't remember the exact words spoken, the feeling of "it felt bad" or "it was unfair" remains vivid.

This is important because people later use these lingering feelings as a basis for their judgments about events.

The Persistence of Emotional Memory

Over time, memories change. Initially, the event comes to mind in detail. We recall who was there, what happened, and how it unfolded with relative clarity. But as time passes, these details gradually fade. Instead, only a very short sentence remains: "I was ignored." "I suffered a loss." "It was unfair."

This single sentence becomes the core of the memory. The problem is that this one-line memory continues to drive future judgments. Literature utilizes this point very effectively.

In The Count of Monte Cristo, the protagonist, Edmond Dantès, is imprisoned without reason. As the reader witnesses this process, they naturally come to think, "This person is being treated unfairly." Over time, the details of how he entered prison become less important. Instead, the perception of "betrayal" strongly lingers.

Therefore, even when he later begins his revenge, the reader easily understands his actions. To some extent, they even root for him. This is not the result of the reader's logical judgment. It's because the feeling of "this person is a victim" has already taken root in their hearts.

Something similar happens in Hamlet. Hamlet learns from a ghost the reason for his father's death. It's uncertain whether this information is true or not. However, after hearing it, the reader already forms the thought, "My father died unjustly." Hamlet's subsequent actions are understood in light of this belief.

Thus, literature doesn't just implant information into the reader's mind; it first implants feelings. And these feelings then become the standard for judgment.

When Logic Disappears and Only Sensation Remains

When people make judgments, they generally believe, "I reached this conclusion through thinking." However, in reality, pre-existing feelings often come into play first.

In this state, logic loses its power. This is because the conclusion has already been decided. Rather than changing that conclusion, people tend to defend it. Therefore, even when presented with new information, they don't change their judgment. Instead, they interpret the information to fit their existing beliefs. Literature also makes good use of this process.

In Othello, Othello suspects his wife of infidelity. In reality, she is not. However, the character Iago continuously fuels his suspicion. The reader witnesses this process alongside Othello.

Initially, we think, "Could it be true?" But as the suspicion is repeated, we gradually lean towards, "It might be possible." Ultimately, Othello makes the conclusion that he has been "betrayed" and acts accordingly. All subsequent actions are aimed at maintaining that conclusion.

A similar situation unfolds in The Great Gatsby. Gatsby continuously yearns for the woman he loved in the past. However, the image he remembers is not of the real person. It's an image created from his memories of the past. As the reader follows his perspective, distinguishing between reality and memory becomes difficult.

In Wuthering Heights, Heathcliff never forgets the wounds he received in his childhood. He reacts to new situations based on his past memories. As a result, his actions become increasingly extreme.

Nineteen Eighty-Four illustrates this phenomenon on a larger scale. When the state repeatedly says the same thing, people come to believe it as fact. Over time, the original facts disappear, and only the repeated thoughts remain.

Literature makes the reader believe they are making their own judgments. However, in reality, it leads the reader by first making them think in a certain way and then continuously reinforcing that thought.

The Process of Anger Becoming a Resource for Judgment

Anger is initially a reaction that arises after experiencing an event. However, if this reaction is repeatedly experienced, it eventually becomes a standard. When people encounter new events, they don't start thinking from scratch. They retrieve and apply the standards they already possess. This standard is the anger formed in the past.

Literature repeatedly demonstrates this process. And it makes the reader follow along.

In Macbeth, after deciding to become king, Macbeth continuously strives to maintain that decision. A judgment once made persists. Subsequent actions are taken to uphold that judgment.

In Crime and Punishment, Raskolnikov commits murder, believing he is doing what is right. He constantly tries to explain his reasons. However, in reality, the conclusion has already been reached in his heart. Logic is used to support that conclusion.

In Medea, anger is manifested more intensely. After being betrayed, Medea makes all her decisions based on that memory. She does not consider other possibilities.

When this structure expands, it affects society as a whole. The French Revolution, for instance, saw people harboring long-held grievances. As these grievances erupted, the criteria for judgment simplified: "Are you with us, or are you the enemy?" They were divided into these two categories.

Literature can be used to create such ways of thinking. By consistently portraying certain people as pitiful or certain groups as bad, readers naturally accept those standards.

Literature is not simply about telling a story. It first implants specific feelings into the reader's mind. And it repeatedly reinforces those feelings. As a result, readers believe they are judging for themselves, but in reality, they are following pre-established standards.

Anger, in particular, is a very strong standard. Once it takes root in one's heart, it doesn't disappear easily. It remains over time and continues to influence new judgments.

Therefore, what stories we read is important. The story may end, but the reaction left in our hearts does not disappear. That reaction is recalled when making future judgments. Even when we think we are encountering something new, we are often applying a standard that has already been stored.

◆ Songsan

A poet and researcher of history and philosophy. Former director of the Syngman Rhee Institute. Currently serves as a senior researcher at the Korean Modern and Contemporary History Research Society and as the representative of the philosophy forum Lyceum. He has published four poetry collections, co-translated 'Heroes of the Hooke Coast', and authored 'Chosun That Became Myth' and 'Humanities on Tatami Mats'. He is actively engaged in the research and practice of the liberal cultural movement. Songsan is a pen name.