Simon Wiesenthal The Sunflower

Holocaust- destruction or slaughter on a mass scale, especially cause by fire or nuclear war.(Google). Many are familiar with the Holocaust, brought on by Hitler and the he catastrophe that hurt families of millions. Years after, we learn of it as a historical trade guy, however before the holocaust students were taught other things. Things like being proud of their country; a patriot. Those born and raised in Germany were taught of their great ore WW1 as well as their downfall after the war. Proud citizens of Germany wanted to support their country any way possible: the young Germans were encouraged to join Hitler youth in order to put Germany back on top. A young man of Germany, known as Karl, did exactly that. Just like many German boys

In Simon Wiesenthal's "The Sunflower" he describes his life as well as how he was introduced to a man like Karl. Simone listened to Karl's story and was flagged with thoughts such as "What could this man still have to tell me? That he was not the only person who murdered Jews, that he was simply a murdered among murderers?" (Wiesenthal 50) Simon wondered why Karl a murderer, a Nazi, a German would have the audacity to tell him this story. The answer is because Karl is extremely sorry for his actions. "Believe me," said Carl, "I would be ready to suffer worse and longer pains if by that means I could bring back the dead." (50) This is. Perfect example of Karl's expression of remorse. Karl is aware that no matter what, his actions were wrong, however he is willing to do what he can to make them right with at least one Jew. Karl cannot ask for forgiveness from the dead, so he did the next best thing: He asked Simon for his forgiveness. As Karl explains his story of regret, he acknowledges that what he has done is terrible. He also states that he understands asking Simon for forgiveness is too much. After their encounter, Simon refutes that it was "a heavy burden" (55) Throughout the rest of Wiesenthal's life, he is constantly reminded of his confrontation and whether it would've been right to forgive the dying soldier. If Simon would've provided

Second, and more importantly, I have no right to forgive crimes committed against others."(260). Tec also states how Karl was only sorry because he was dying and took self pity. However, when is a better time to reflect on your life, your decisions, and your mistakes than when you're dying? Karl is young: young people make bad choices. Although Karl may have known the error of his ways, he may not have been able to predict the outcomes like Tec claims. As Karl reflects before death, he is aware of the awful consequences following his actions as a S.S soldier . Karl truly winder stands what he did was wrong, he is only trying to make things as close to right as