Horror is a shock, a time of utter blindness. Horror lacks every hint of beauty. All we can see is the piercing light of an unknown event awaiting us. Sadness, on the other hand, assumes we are in the know... The light of horror thus lost its harshness, and the world was bathed in a gentle, bluish light that actually beautified it.
Kundera explores the contrasting emotions of horror and sadness, depicting horror as a disorienting experience that strips away beauty and clarity. In moments of horror, we encounter a blinding light that reveals an unsettling unknown, leaving us feeling vulnerable and confused. This overwhelming shock leaves no room for beauty, emphasizing the raw and fearsome nature of the unknown.
In contrast, sadness brings a sense of understanding and acceptance. When we feel sadness, the harshness of horror diminishes, and the world takes on a softer, more beautiful hue. Kundera suggests that through the lens of sadness, we can appreciate life's complexities as we align with our experiences, making the world feel more gentle and filled with grace.