The physical contact with people who struck and trampled and killed one another seemed far worse to him than a solitary death in the purity of the waters.
The passage reflects the stark contrast between the chaotic nature of human violence and the serene solitude of death in a tranquil setting. The protagonist perceives the brutality of being physically harmed by others as a profound tragedy, emphasizing the chaos and lack of connection in such moments. This perspective illustrates a deep respect for peaceful ends, valuing a solitary death over a life marked by conflict and aggression.
Kundera's narrative...