I surprisingly finished The Sunflower

You might not want to read this post if you had not read The Sunflower.

The Sunflower, written by Simon Wiesenthal, comes in two parts. As of 2nd period today I finished reading the first part of the novel, which is the story of Wiesenthal’s experience hearing the horrific confession of a dying SS soldier. The second part is 53 responses by various men and women. At the end of the first part, Simon Wiesenthal asks the reader a question, “You, who have just read this sad and tragic episode in my life, can mentally change places with me and ask yourself the crucial question, ‘What would I have done’” (Wiesenthal 98). Referring back to my last post I wondered what I would have done even before I read what he went through. Now that I do know the mental and physical struggle Wiesenthal went through, I can say that i would not have been able to keep complete silence when a man who took part in the heinous crimes against your people seeks absolution; Wiesenthal’s patience with the SS soldier is admirable for not losing his tempter, but cruel for not fulfilling a dying man’s last request. What Wiesenthal should have asked the reader is, do you think he was cruel to the SS man.

Regardless of what society may dictate, Wiesenthal made the right choice not to forgive the dying SS man, but he should have spoken to the man. By keeping complete silence, the SS man had no reference or feedback to give him the satisfaction of repentance. Forgiveness isn’t something to give out as easily as it may seem. It’s difficult for me to place myself in his shoes because I cannot relate to the horrors Jewish people endured during the Holocaust. While writing this post I came across this article written by Kelley Sawyer. In the article she states, “This is a difficult and complex question. There are so many things to consider in terms of diverse beliefs and opinions. None of us can say with complete certainty how we would respond if put into the same situation. It is difficult to answer the question from half a century away, not having gone through the tortures that Simon and his peers did.” (Sawyer) It seems to me that I’m not the only one having a hard time to answer Wiesenthal’s question. As of right now, reading only what Simon Wiesenthal wrote I conclude that if I were in his position, I would have not forgiven him as he did, but not in complete silence. I would have told the SS man off and wanted no part of his confession; however, once I read the 53 responses include in the novel perhaps my opinion will sway.