  The preceding analysis of suspense generates a  troublesome paradox. If uncertainty is required in order for one to  feel suspense, how is it that some narrative artworks can still  seem suspenseful on repeated encounters? For example, if we have  already seen a movie, and we remember it well, then we are certain  how it will end. Although we may not feel suspense as intensely as we did upon first viewing, it is undeniable that we can feel some  suspense upon repeated viewings. But if suspense requires  uncertainty, it should be impossible to feel suspense during  subsequent viewings. This problem is known as the paradox of  suspense. It can be stated more formally as follows: 