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Jean Améry
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Forgiveness and Compassion
Religion and Moral Truth
Remembrance
Anti-Semitism and Dehumanization
Silence, Guilt, and Resistance
Summary
Analysis
Balić opens by saying that now that there have been thirty years to reflect on Simon’s question and the matter can be treated a little more dispassionately, he believes that he would have done the same thing that Simon did.
Balić’s opening statement confirms some of the fears that the previous two respondents had: that time alone will fade the memory of the pain and suffering caused by the Holocaust.
Themes
There are those who argue that because Karl did not injure Simon himself, Simon could forgive him with more ease. These people miss the point of general absolution. Balíc states that he feels bound to summon up compassion for every sufferer, but that atonement for a sin is something that must be settled between the perpetrator and the victim.
As Balić states at the beginning of his response, his beliefs echo Simon’s own actions. He does not feel that Simon had the right to forgive, but would have been as compassionate as possible regardless, just as Simon was.
Themes
Balić finishes by highlighting The Sunflower’s other themes, recognizing that those who tolerate acts of torture, humiliation, and murder, are guilty even if they appear uninvolved in the actual crimes. The story also examines prejudices and stereotypes, with which the world must continue to come to terms. The Sunflower, he states, provides a good education on this legacy and how to move forward.
