Part 5, Chapters 10-12 Summary

Kundera defines and distinguishes between two types of womanizers. The lyrical womanizer seeks his ideal woman in all women. However, because no woman can meet this lofty standard, he is disappointed and moves on to the next woman. The other type of womanizer is the epic womanizer, and Tomas represents this one. The epic womanizer is interested in women only for themselves; he is obsessed with all women, no matter how different they are. Kundera explains that women and people in general are more accepting of the lyrical womanizer, as they have redemption by their disappointment. The epic womanizer is never disappointed, as it appears that he is without redemption or thought for his deeds. The lyrical looks for the same woman in all women, so their physical traits are always similar. The epic's interests take him through a...