In "The Bourne Identity" by Robert Ludlum, the theme of memory and identity plays a crucial role in understanding the protagonist's journey. The story follows a man who loses his memory and must navigate a world where he is both a stranger and a target. This loss of recollection forces him to question his self-identity and the realities around him.
The quote, "What a man can't remember doesn't exist for him," highlights the importance of memory in shaping one’s experiences and perception of reality. Without personal recollections, the protagonist must reconstruct who he is, illustrating how memory is intertwined with identity and existence. The narrative delves into how the absence of memory can lead to a profound sense of disorientation and vulnerability.