Study Guide

The Unbearable Lightness of Being Part 6, Chapter 12

By Milan Kundera

Part 6, Chapter 12

Sabina now lives in New York with an old man and his wife.
The old man sometimes comes with her to her studio, an old stable on his property, to watch her paint.
The narrator again reflects on kitsch.
It is Sabina's enemy, but hasn't she also been carrying kitsch with her for her whole life, in the form of her ideal of a quiet, peaceful home?
In some ways, Sabina functions as the parent of these two old people. In some way, she's trying to fulfill the image she has of the perfect home.
But she knows this happy home is just an illusion. Soon enough, her path of betrayals will continue, and she will leave the old couple.
But as soon as she recognizes that the happy home is an illusion, it loses its power and is no longer kitsch.
The narrator makes the point that no one – not even Sabina – can escape kitsch completely.

Ask questions, get answers, and discuss with others.

Join today and never see them again.

Get started