In The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera, the curious Tereza questions what makes her unique. While looking at herself in a mirror, she wonders if changing her physical features can affect who she is inside; if his outer shell affects his emotional and mental state. Kundera allows his characters to explore the intricacies of "self" and "being" by peppering his novel with moments of reflection like the one with Tereza and the mirror. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Kundera never formally introduces his characters, but plunges the reader directly into the depths of the plot, avoiding scale altogether. Without a physical description, the reader is forced to concoct their own mental image, which leaves them some leeway in shaping the characters. We never worry about the physical features of the characters; rarely is there any reference to their outward appearance. Instead, the reader delves into the intimate thoughts of characters they barely know. The only common bond between all four characters is gender, which permeates every encounter and is one of the best ways to distinguish groups. Each of the four characters has a “me”. It is purely external, something that can be experienced before knowing one's attitudes, mannerisms, or feelings. Hair texture, eye color, and lip shape are all part of the characters’ “self.” They also possess a “being,” which is everything that “me” is not, essentially, the indispensable qualities that distinguish one person from another. “Being” also includes all of the decisions each character makes. These decisions shape their essence and help determine why characters act the way they do. Tomas’ “being” can be defined by his obsessive and unrepentant feminization. His flirtations are what first binds him to Tereza and what keeps him close to Sabina. He is also characterized by his avoidance of responsibility, something he chose to leave far behind when he got rid of his first wife and son. The life Tomas chooses next, one of "erotic friendships" and single life, further describes what makes Tomas truly himself. It's only when he has sex with multiple women, taking something from each of them, that he's truly in his element. He can easily differentiate between sex and love and refuses to give up on his adventures even when he realizes that he loves his wife. Tereza is on the other end of the spectrum, demonstrating that her "being" is radically different by remaining at Tomas' side. throughout his affairs. His “being” can be characterized by his fierce loyalty and his desire to be unique towards his darling. She desires an exclusive relationship with Tomas, something that seems unattainable because he refuses to end his affairs. Tereza wants to be different and special from all the women Tomas keeps having sex with, and can't do that because as long as he keeps having affairs, he tells her she's not worth monogamy. The feeling of not being special destroys his “being” and begins to seep into his dreams. In one of her nightmares, she is exactly the same as all the other women walking around the pool, which will eventually lead to her death. Tereza can't tell the difference between love and sex, even though she tries to have an affair. She is emotionally needy and very attached to Tomas, despite his flaws. We can see what kind of,.