Study Guide

The Unbearable Lightness of Being Part 7, Chapter 3

By Milan Kundera

Part 7, Chapter 3

Tereza dreams that Karenin gives birth to two rolls and a bee. She tells Tomas about it, and they take comfort in the fact that her dream turns Karenin's illness into a pregnancy, and something comical at that.
That morning, Karenin can't get out of bed. Tereza goes to the bakery without him, and brings him back his roll. He won't even get up to come get it.
Tomas puts the roll in his own mouth and gets on all fours to play with the dog. They are both happy when Karenin finally yelps – they see this as his will to live.
The next day they all go on a walk together. Tomas asks Tereza to bring her camera and take pictures
The next day Tereza sees Tomas reading and then trying to quickly hide a letter.
When he is gone, she finds the envelope it came in.
The handwriting looks unfamiliar, but appears to be that of a woman. She is certain he does not have a mistress in the country, but is greatly depressed at the thought that he has kept up with a mistress in Prague, even through letters.
Tereza starts thinking of what the future will be like without Karenin. She goes out into the garden and marks a spot for his grave.
Tomas gets angry at her for this, and she responds by making him feel guilty about waking Karenin with his shouting.
They both go inside and wait with Karenin while he dies. They do not reconcile form their squabble, so each is alone as they watch Karenin die.

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