From tender youth we are told by father and teacher that betrayal is the most heinous offense imaginable. But what is betrayal?…Betrayal means breaking ranks and breaking off into the unknown. Sabina knew of nothing more magnificent than going off into the unknown.
The idea of betrayal is ingrained in us from a young age, taught by parents and educators as one of the worst wrongs possible. However, the true essence of betrayal may differ from this conventional view. It suggests a departure from established norms and stepping into uncharted territories, relying on personal freedom and exploration rather than societal expectations.
For the character Sabina in Milan Kundera's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," the act of venturing into the unknown represents liberation and beauty. To her, breaking away is not a mere offense but rather an alluring journey towards self-discovery and authenticity, showcasing the complex relationship between betrayal and personal growth.
