No Such Thing as Perfect

For our essay test last Friday, I chose the topic on paradise and Kundera's suggestions regarding the concept of a perfect world. Throughout the novel, Kundera juxtaposes constant political turmoil with the everyday conflicts of the main characters to prove his point regarding paradise. Political turmoil in Czechoslovakia was initiated by the dream of a perfect society. Early believers of Communism truly believed that a society based upon communal equality would be a form of utopia. However, the implementation of their sublime society caused pain and suffering to millions of people. Similarly, characters in the novel such as Franz and Tomas hold their own personal versions of paradise and constantly attempt to attain them. Franz firmly believes in his concept of "living in truth" and a perfect world for him is one in which he can live freely and openly with no secrets. Due to this, he understandably feels very guilty when he has to conceal his affair with Sabina from his wife and from society. For this reason, he confesses to having an affair to his wife so that he can openly spend time with Sabina. However, Sabina resents commitment and, due to Franz's confession regarding their affair, she no longer feels comfortable with their relationship and subsequently leaves him. This event destroys Franz, who idealizes Sabina and his relationship with her. Another character who attempts to attain his concept of perfection is Tomas. Tomas' perfect life is one in which he can have extensive sexual relations with many women rather than fully committing to one woman. Tomas is constantly living out his version of a perfect life much to the distaste of his wife, Tereza, who wants nothing more than full loyalty from her husband. For these reasons, similar to that of supporters of the Communist regime, both Franz and Tomas not only hurt themselves but also those surrounding them in the pursuit of sublimety. Kundera uses this to instill the message that the pursuit of paradise leads to destruction. Therefore, Kundera brings up a very important point: is paradise really perfect if its pursuit causes misfortune? If this is true, can there even ever really be a true paradise?