The Unbearable Lightness of Being

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

by

Milan Kundera

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The Unbearable Lightness of Being: Part 4, Chapter 5 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Tereza sits in the sauna, sweating with the other naked women, and she stares at a young and beautiful woman with huge breasts. Tereza notices that the woman has a rather large backside as well, and Tereza wonders if she ever stares in the mirror and tries to see her soul. The woman smiles at Tereza, and she ignores her, going to the shower to rinse off.
Again, Tereza’s trip to the sauna is baffling. She strictly guards her own body and privacy, but she studies the other woman’s body intently. Tereza usually represents the soul, but here she disregards the other woman’s soul and treats her like only a body when she doesn’t reciprocate her smile.
Themes
Sex, Love, and Duality of Body and Soul Theme Icon