Milan Kundera, in "The Art of the Novel," discusses how novels transcend mere reality by exploring the concept of existence. He emphasizes that existence encompasses not just past events but the vast potential of human capabilities. Novelists play a crucial role in illustrating the map of existence through various human possibilities, highlighting what individuals can become and achieve.
Kundera asserts that to truly understand existence, one must recognize the interconnectedness of characters and their environments as realms of possibilities. By portraying their characters' journeys and interactions within their worlds, novelists reveal deeper insights into the human experience and the potential that lies within each individual.