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Of Forgiveness In Simon Wiesenthal's 'The Sunflower'

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In Simon Wiesenthal’s The Sunflower, the wounded Nazi committed unforgiveable acts against the Jewish people. While I am not Jewish, he has disgusted me and I do not think he is worthy of any form of forgiveness. I loosely define “forgiveness” as ceasing to be angry with someone for committing a wrongful act, or pardoning that person. In this book, Karl has shown to be not worthy of forgiveness, as he seeks it not out of remorse, but for personal gain. Karl’s sins range from murder to brutally beating the Jewish. I could never live peacefully knowing I had let such a man die happily. He may claim he had no choice but to be cruel, but he could have killed himself to spare others. He does not deserve forgiveness. It should only be given once someone atones for what they have done. Not only has Karl failed to do that, but also he has not explicitly apologized. Throughout his entire encounter with Simon, Karl continuously attempted to guilt trip him by describing how horrid he felt committing the inhumane actions. As if trying to make Simon feel forgiving Karl was his duty. …show more content…

If I were to forgive him, he would die peacefully and I would hate myself and the Jewish people would not be avenged. If I did not forgive him, I would have peace of mind but he will die an uneasy death and the situation of the Jewish people would not change. The sole difference in the outcomes is my well being compared to his. Karl just wishes for a peaceful death and I see no reason to give it to him. I am not God, nor do I believe in him so I will place my happiness above Karl’s and show him no mercy. Taking into account his sins and comparing them to mine, his are far worse. If he were truly sorry then he would not even think of asking for forgiveness, therefore I will have no trouble leaving him to die

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