Part 3, Chapter 7 "A Short Dictionary of Misunderstood Words" Summary

Kundera's final chapter of definitions completes the picture of Sabina and Franz's relationship. It also illustrates, unconditionally, that Sabina and Franz will never be compatible.

Part 3, Chapter 7 "A Short Dictionary of Misunderstood Words" Analysis

The Old Church in Amsterdam - Franz and Sabina visit an empty Gothic cathedral. Franz notices how empty the church is, how it is a sign of "Hercules' broom sweeping out this cathedral." To Franz this church and revelation is liberating, and he feels the need to sweep free his own life. Sabina looks upon the church and remembers a time when she had ridden her motorcycle away from school, marches and life and found this respite of church, where she saw beauty in a rejection of Communist and conformist life.

Strength -...