The ostriches were like messengers who had learned their vital message by heart, but whose vocal chords had been slit by the enemy, so that when they finally reached their goal, all they could do was move their mouths.
Milan Kundera's "The Book of Laughter and Forgetting" uses the metaphor of ostriches to convey a poignant message about communication and the silencing of important truths. The ostriches represent beings that possess crucial information but are unable to express it due to external suppression. Their inability to vocalize their message highlights the tragic consequences of censorship and the impact of losing one's voice in a critical moment.
This imagery serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles faced by individuals or groups when their ability to communicate is hindered. The scene illustrates how even the most vital messages can become futile if the means to share them are taken away, reflecting broader themes of forgetfulness, loss, and the yearning for connection in the face of adversity.
