The Existential Conscience and Steadfast Spirit of Characters in Nada and Writing on Blank Paper

6·25 동란 후의 소설 『백지의 기록』과 스페인 내전 후 소설 『무』의 등장인물들의 실존의식과 현실극복의지

The purpose of this paper is to establish a methodology useful for identifying links between the postwar novels of Spain and Korea. We analyze the lives and actions of the characters from Nada by Carmen Laforet, and Writing on blank paper by Oh Sang Won. The characters in these novels demonstrate the challenge of adapting to the harsh reality of life because of the psychological or physical scars of war: characters such as Jungsub and Jungseo in Writing on blank paper and Juan and Andrea in Nada finally overcome their difficulties thanks to a shared sense of existential conscience and a steadfast fighting spirit; others, like Jungyun and Roman, surrender to the struggle and commit suicide, tragically succumbing to the bitter harshness of reality. Through the analysis of these novels' characters, we can empathize with the common tragedy of war-time life and death; we gain perspective on the destruction of both society and people caused by war.