In Milan Kundera's "The Unbearable Lightness of Being," a character is reminded of a myth from Plato's Symposium that describes humans as once being whole beings with both male and female parts. According to the myth, these beings were split in two by the divine, leaving each half to roam the earth in search of its counterpart. This tale encapsulates the essence of love as a fundamental longing for the missing part of ourselves.

This longing for connection highlights the deep-seated human desire for unity and completeness. It illustrates that love transcends mere physical attraction; instead, it reflects an intrinsic quest for wholeness that resonates within individuals. Kundera weaves this philosophical concept throughout his narrative, emphasizing the intertwined fates of his characters as they navigate their own experiences of love and longing.