As we discussed in class, under a totalitarian society, creative activities are strictly imposed upon by states to prevent resistance and the assembly of dissidents. Due to this imposition on self expression, people tend to feel an isolation from society and must find different activities to channel their individuality. While we were going over these topics in class, it struck me that there might be a correlation between this constraint on self expression and the acting out of several characters in the novel, particularly Sabina. Clearly, the impact of the totalitarian society is evident in the uniformity and, as Ms. Quinet said, "airbrushedness," or lack thereof, in Sabina's artwork. Sabina was trained at the academy to cover up imperfections and only reveal a superficial layer of sublimity. Because of this background, Sabina felt the need to revolt from her societal norm and express herself through her artwork.
However, I think this behavior extends to other characters as well in a less direct manner. In a way, Tomas acted out and escaped the norms of his society and political constraints through his extensive sexual endeavors. His sexually active lifestyle could be seen as a form of self expression and certainly provided him a sense of individuality.
Tereza is also deeply affected by the constraints of the Soviet occupation, particularly its influence on her own form of self expression: photography. Tereza realizes that her photography has the ability to reveal to the rest of the world the events occurring in her own country. Photography becomes a way for her to express herself and her nation despite the harsh restrictions under a totalitarian society.
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