Exploring Prague's Literary Legacy

Last week, my parents and I took advantage of a four-day holiday in Turkey to visit Prague, the capital city of the Czech Republic. From the moment we arrived, we were struck by the city's rich history, culture, and tradition, and we quickly fell in love with its charm, beauty, and heritage.

As I walked through the streets of old town Prague, I was transported back in time. With each turn, I was greeted by new delights and surprises. The cobbled streets, historic buildings, including the Gothic masterpiece of St. Vitus Cathedral that dominates the skyline, and the 14th-century stone construction of the Charles Bridge adorned with a row of statues, offering breathtaking views of Prague's cityscape all seemed to belong to a bygone era. But amidst the charm of this medieval city, I was also reminded of a more recent past - the events depicted in the book "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" by Milan Kundera that I read last summer. This powerful novel, set during the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia in the 1960s, follows the complex relationships between four characters: Tomas, Tereza, Sabina, and Franz.

Tomas is a successful surgeon and a womanizer who is in a complicated relationship with Tereza, a young woman who is in love with him but struggles with his infidelities. Sabina is another woman who is involved with Tomas, and Franz is a university professor who falls in love with Sabina but is torn between his desire for her and his sense of duty to his wife and family. Throughout the novel, Kundera explores themes of love, politics, and the human condition. He also muses on the concept of "the unbearable lightness of being," suggesting that life has no inherent meaning and that humans are free to create their own values and purpose.

The novel is divided into seven parts and is written with different perspectives and timelines overlapping and intertwining. I am glad I read it in Turkish, because it was a complex and philosophical novel, and it required a good amount of effort to fully comprehend. However, I must confess while the plot may seem fragmented at times, it ultimately coalesces into a powerful exploration of the complexities of human relationships and the search for meaning in life. I was fascinated by the unique perspective the book offers on life in Prague during the Soviet occupation. Although Prague is no longer under Soviet control, I found it rewarding to experience some aspects of the novel during my visit to the city.

Prague is not only a beautiful and historical city, but also a city that has contributed greatly to the world of literature. Prague is deeply intertwined with the legacy of Franz Kafka who was born in the city in 1883. Not only were Kafka's works set in Prague, but the city has also become a symbol of his literary prowess. As a result, there are numerous landmarks in Prague that pay homage to Kafka, such as the house where he was born, now transformed into a museum dedicated to his life and work. Additionally, a statue of Kafka, which was created by the Czech artist Jaroslav Róna, depicts a towering figure of Kafka riding on the shoulders of a headless man. The statue is meant to symbolize Kafka's complex relationship with his own identity and his struggles with isolation and anxiety.

The influence of Franz Kafka on Prague's literary scene is undeniable, and the city's landmarks pay homage to his legacy. But Prague is not just a city of the past, as it continues to thrive and evolve with each passing day. The city's ability to honor its history while embracing modernity is a testament to its resilience and enduring spirit. As I walked through the streets, I couldn't help but reflect on the contrasts between the ancient beauty of the city and its more recent struggles, and how both have shaped the Prague of today.