Suspending moral judgment is not the immorality of the novel; it is its morality. The morality that stands against the ineradicable human habit of judging instantly, ceaselessly, and everyone; of judging before, and in the absence of, understanding. From the viewpoint of the novel's wisdom, that fervid readiness to judge is the most detestable stupidity, the most pernicious evil. Not that the novelist utterly denies that moral judgment is legitimate, but that he refuses it a place in the novel. If you like, you can accuse Panurge of cowardice, accuse Emma Bovary, accuse Rastignac-that's your business; the novelist has nothing to do with it.
In Milan Kundera's "Testaments Betrayed," the author argues that the suspension of moral judgment within the context of a novel is not an act of immorality but rather reflects a deeper morality. The text asserts that the human tendency to judge quickly and without understanding is fundamentally flawed. Instead of rushing to conclusions about characters, the novel invites readers to explore the complexities of human experience and to reflect on their own judgments.
Kundera emphasizes that while moral judgment can be valid, it should not overshadow the narrative. He suggests that readers may feel inclined to criticize characters like Panurge, Emma Bovary, or Rastignac, but the novel itself does not engage in these judgments. The essence of the novel lies in its ability to present life’s nuances without imposing moral binaries, allowing for a richer understanding of humanity’s multifaceted nature.
