Furthermore, both authors create tension as characters grapple with the identities of those closest to them. In The Unbearable Lightness of Being, Kundera generates conflict through misunderstandings in relationships. Six months after emigrating from Prague with Tomas, Tereza realizes that she has become a burden on her husband of seven years and returns unexpectedly to Prague. Tomas reflects, “He was now on his way back to the bachelor life, the life he had once felt so destined for, the life that would let him be what he actually was”(30). Even though Tomas enjoys the relief from his once binding relationship, his new life is short-lived. As Tomas is forced to identify in himself compassion for Tereza which is in violation of his bachelor ways. In spite of Tereza’s attempt to ease the burden on Tomas, she imposes …show more content…
Moreover, in contradiction to his tendency towards meaningless decisions, Tomas reflects later in life with complete certainty, “ that time and again he will abandon the house of his happiness, time and again abandon his paradise and the woman from his dream and betray the "Es muss sein!" of his love to go off with Tereza, the woman born of six laughable fortuities”(239). Thus, through repetition occurring adinfinitum , their romance gains weight and becomes meaningful. Even though Tereza failed in her attempt to influence Tomas’ identity, the end result proves beneficial for both Tomas and Tereza.
In A Gentleman in Moscow, the main character demonstrates a similar attachment to the identity of his daughter. However, instead of trying futilely to change Sofia, the Count persistently attempts to preserve her sense of self. Stages of