Irony in Kundera’s Identity

Abstract

The major thrust of this thesis is to expose how feminist search, if ungoverned by rational principle, leads to the creation of ironical situations. Those women whose activities and choices are subversive and radical can find themselves trapped in ironical situations. In Milan Kundera's novel, Identity, the passivity of ironical situation, which can arise from extreme feminist search, is dramatized. Chantal contemplates extramarital affairs despite the proper behaviors of her husband. Despite the faultless behaviors of her husband, Chantal displays her disgruntled attitude and querulous nature. On the slightest provocation, she goes on a trip to holiday with Marc, a man who is intimated with Chantal. Marc notices clear difference of age between himself and Chantal. Like him, Chantal is also aware of the fact that she is older in age in comparison to Marc. Marc, on the one hand, expresses his love for her. On the other, he writes letters without mentioning his name for her. Those letters are full of affection and love. Chantal is curious to know who writing letters of love to her is anonymously. The moment she knows that it is Marc, she discontinues her affair with him. Resultantly, she finds herself trapped in ironical situations.