Milan Kundera's The Joke receives acclaim for its rich, complex exploration of individual vs. political identity, full of dark humor and satirical depth. Some readers, however, find the narrative dense and the characters less sympathetic. Still, it holds a strong place in modern literary canon for its insightful critique of totalitarianism.

Readers who enjoy deep philosophical inquiries, dark humor, and political satire will appreciate Milan Kundera's The Joke. Comparable to George Orwell's 1984 and Franz Kafka's The Trial, this novel appeals to those interested in the absurdities of totalitarianism and the complexities of human relationships.

The Joke by Milan Kundera, first published in 1967, follows Ludvik Jahn, who faces severe repercussions under the Czech communist regime after sending a playful postcard deemed politically subversive. Expelled from the Communist Party and university, he endures hard labor, personal struggles, and eventual disillusionment as he navigates a life filled with bitterness and attempts at redemption. The book includes suicide, suicidal ideation, an attempted rape, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

Melancholic / Bittersweet / Mysterious / Contemplative / Dark

- Milan Kundera began writing The Joke in 1962, and the novel is often credited with bringing him international attention.
- The book was published in 1967 and was initially banned in Czechoslovakia following the Warsaw Pact invasion in 1968, only to be republished in 1989.
- The Joke was adapted into a film in 1969 by Czech director Jaromil Jireš, but like the book, it also faced censorship issues in Czechoslovakia.

**Ludvik Jahn**  
A politically minded and inquisitive individual whose ironic comment leads to a dramatic shift in his life and attitude, transforming him from an optimistic student to a jaded middle-aged man.

**Jaroslav**  
A childhood friend of Ludvik and a dedicated preserver of folk music traditions, who experiences disillusionment as the novel progresses.

**Helena**  
A sincere and emotionally vulnerable woman stuck in a loveless marriage, who becomes involved with Ludvik and faces the consequences of her search for genuine connection.

**Kostka**  
A Christian man in an atheistic society, whose faith differentiates him from others and provides him with a distinct perspective on life and relationships.

Milan Kundera

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Overview

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The Joke Summary

Background

The Joke Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Parts 1-2

The Joke Parts 1-2 Summary & Analysis

Part 3 The Joke Part 3 Summary & Analysis

Parts 4-5

The Joke Parts 4-5 Summary & Analysis

Part 6 The Joke Part 6 Summary & Analysis

Part 7 The Joke Part 7 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

The Joke Character Analysis

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Themes

The Joke Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Joke Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

The Joke Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

The Joke Essay Topics

The Joke

Before You Read

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