Even though the sewer pipelines reach far into our houses with their tentacles, they are carefully hidden from view and we are happily ignorant of the invisible Venice of shit underlying our bathrooms, bedrooms, dance halls, and parliaments.
The quote reflects the pervasive yet concealed nature of sewer systems in our daily lives. The metaphor of "tentacles" emphasizes how these pipelines extend into our homes, yet remain out of sight, allowing us to live without awareness of their presence. This contrast highlights the irony of our ignorance towards the intricate infrastructures that support modern living.
Kundera's imagery of the "invisible Venice of shit" suggests a hidden world beneath our feet, filled with the unmentionable aspects of life we often prefer to overlook. It serves as a reminder of the complexities and unpleasant realities that lie beneath our seemingly simple existence, urging us to acknowledge the underlying truths that contribute to our comfort and routines.
