“Some memories never heal. Rather than fading with the passage of time, those memories become the only things that are left behind when all else is abraded. The world darkens, like electric bulbs going out one by one. I am aware that I am not a safe person.”
This quotation speaks to the lasting impact that trauma can have on an individual. It provides insight into the narrator’s inner state of mind after his time in prison and the death of his friend, Jin-Su. Through the metaphor of the electric bulbs going out one by one, the narrator conveys the darkness that has taken over his life because of his prison experience. He acknowledges that he is not a “safe person”, meaning that he is unable to cope with his memories in a healthy way. The narrator’s reflection on his survival when Jin-su died speaks to the psychological toll of trauma. While he survived the physical brutality of the prison, he is unable to deal with the psychological pain that lingers even after his release. The memories of the beatings and the death of his friend are never healed, and instead, become the only things he is left with after all else has been abraded. The narrator’s guilt and confusion over his survival are a testament to the enduring effects of trauma as they can continue to manifest in an individual’s life long after the initial event has passed.
“I never let myself forget that every single person I meet is a member of this human race.”
The statement speaks to the power of human connection and the importance of recognizing the shared humanity of all people. Even in the face of great suffering, the prisoner was able to remember that he and Jin-su were members of the same human race, and thus were connected in a special way. This connection was so strong that it allowed the prisoner to cling to hope and continue to fight for survival, even in the darkest of times. This connection to the outside world was a source of strength for the prisoner and enabled him to persevere in the face of great suffering. The quote also highlights the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment. Even though Jin-su took his own life, the prisoner still remembers him fondly and holds onto the memories of their friendship.
“You are aware that, as an individual, you have the capacity for neither bravery nor strength.”
Seon-ju reflects on her experiences in the past, particularly in the face of her participation in the labor union strike and the brutal treatment she faced from the police. The statement speaks to her understanding of her powerlessness and the inability of one person to make a large difference in the world. The events demonstrate how Seon-ju and the other members of the labor union felt they should stand up to the police, because of the unjust labor conditions. The feeling of powerlessness is reinforced by the fact that despite their protests and the physical pain they faced, the conditions of their labor did not improve. Her quote reinforces this feeling of subjection and speaks to her understanding that as an individual, she was not capable of the bravery and strength required to make a change.
