The Unbearable Lightness of Being

The Unbearable Lightness of Being

by

Milan Kundera

Teachers and parents! Our Teacher Edition on The Unbearable Lightness of Being makes teaching easy.

The Unbearable Lightness of Being: Part 6, Chapter 18 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
The American actress, who had been near the back of the Grand March, moves quickly to the front. A doctor from the middle of the parade yells at her, asking why she even bothers taking part in the Grand March. These people need medicine and doctors, he screams, not entertainment. The actress is highly insulted. “You won’t get anywhere without stars! It’s our job! Our moral obligation!” she yells back.
Obviously, Kundera is being sarcastic here, but what the actress says is undoubtedly true. The suffering of the Cambodian people, sadly, will not draw large-scale attention; however, a famous actress marching for the rights of others does garner attention. Thus, the actress considers the march to be her “moral obligation.” 
Themes
Power, Politics, and Inequality Theme Icon