The Joke

Though they have not seen each other for many years, Kostka often thinks of Ludvik. Since they hold very opposing views, he often holds imaginary debates with him, whom he regards as his “chief adversary.” Kostka insists that he loves Ludvik in spite of—or even because of—their differences.

Kostka first met Ludvik in 1947 in the early days of the revolution. For many years, Kostka had been criticized for his “godlessness” by Christians (208), even though he was a self-professed Christian. However, he continued to believe in communism over Christianity.

In the early days of the revolution, the Communists tolerated Kostka’s Christian faith. He remembers Ludvik standing up for him at a plenary meeting of the Party. When Kostka went to thank Ludvik, the two men had a long debate about the existence of God. A short time later, Ludvik was sent away from the university; six months later, Kostka was also sent away. Rather than protest his dismissal from his lecturing job at the university, Kostka took it as an opportunity to reflect on his faith. His attachment to his “comfortable life” alarmed him, and though he had a wife and child, he resolved to accept his punishment and reconnect with his faith and politics.