Bolek Character Analysis in The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness

A young Polish man who had been studying to be a Catholic priest before his imprisonment. Simon meets Bolek at his final concentration camp, Mauthausen, over two years after his encounter with Karl. Simon learns of Bolek’s vocation because he still prays—a rarity in the camps. Simon recounts his story to Bolek and asks what he might have done in such a situation. Unlike Simon’s friends, Bolek argues that Simon should have forgiven Karl because he was truly repentant.

Bolek Character Timeline in The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness

The timeline below shows where the character Bolek appears in The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Anti-Semitism and Dehumanization Theme Icon

...but the free place could not be hidden. Two days later, a young Pole named Bolek takes the man’s place. He had come from Auschwitz, which had been evacuated. Bolek tells... (full context)

One morning, Simon hears Bolek murmuring prayers. Gradually, he learns that Bolek had been training to be a priest. Simon... (full context)

Bolek continues, arguing that Karl died in peace because Simon heard his confession. However, he also... (full context)