The Sunflower by: Simon Wiesenthal pg. 1-98
What does Wiesenthal’s silence to the Nazi and later to his mother signify? Was Wiesenthal’s response kind or cruel?
To analyze what Wiesenthal's silence signifies in "The Sunflower" by Simon Wiesenthal, we must examine the context in which these incidents occur on pages 1-98 of the book. Wiesenthal's silence towards the Nazi soldier and later towards his own mother can be interpreted differently based on various perspectives.
In the story, Wiesenthal recounts and reflects on his experiences as a concentration camp prisoner during the Holocaust. When a dying Nazi soldier confesses to Wiesenthal about his involvement in the mass murder of Jews and asks for forgiveness, Wiesenthal remains silent, leaving the soldier without an answer. Later, when Wiesenthal's mother asks him about forgiveness during a visit to his hospital bed after his liberation, again, he remains silent.
Wiesenthal's silence towards the Nazi can be seen as a response to the weight of the atrocities committed against his people. By not offering forgiveness, Wiesenthal may be suggesting that the magnitude of the crimes committed is beyond his ability to forgive as an individual. It might symbolize his refusal to absolve the Nazi for his actions and unwillingness to grant closure. Wiesenthal's silence towards his mother might showcase his internal struggle and his difficulty in grappling with forgiveness, even to someone close to him.
Whether Wiesenthal's response was kind or cruel is subjective and can depend on individual interpretations. Some may argue that his silence was a justifiable response considering the magnitude of the crimes committed against his people. It could be seen as an authentic representation of the anguish and pain that individuals like him endured during the Holocaust. Others might view his silence as unkind and withholding, denying reconciliation and closure.
It is important to note that Wiesenthal's actions and motivations are subject to interpretation. These incidents invite readers to reflect on their own beliefs about forgiveness, justice, and the ethical dilemma faced by survivors of such heinous crimes. Understanding the complexity of Wiesenthal's silence engages readers in contemplating the depths of forgiveness in the face of unimaginable horrors.