Part 7, Chapters 1-4 Summary

Tomas and Tereza sell all of their belongings to live in the country in a small cottage with a garden. Tereza is happy not to have to smell women's groins in Tomas's hair, and not to be subjected to drunks at the bar. Tereza's vision of Sunday church, taverns and dances did not exist under Communist law. Tomas and Tereza are at a great advantage when they go to the country, because everyone is trying to leave the village. They become good friends with the collective farm chairman. Karenin finds a new friend in Mefisto, the chairman's pet pig.

Karenin becomes sick with cancer, and Tomas operates on him. The cancer spreads and Karenin's health declines rapidly. Tereza becomes more empathetic towards the cows and pigs she tends and Karenin. She sits under a tree, caressing Karenin's head, thinking...