The Sunflower

Tzvetan Todorov begins by expressing his belief that no person can forgive on behalf of another and that, therefore, murder cannot be forgiven. He adds that, because he was not raised as a Christian, he has no belief in the theological concept of absolution.

He goes on to consider Karl specifically, to evaluate his sense of regret. Todorov points out that, historically, war criminals almost invariably fail to express remorse for their crimes. Based on this, he recognizes that Karl’s confession deserves “not absolution, of course, but recognition for embarking on that specifically human activity which consists of changing for the better” (265).

In conclusion, Todorov points out that, while it is difficult to answer Wiesenthal’s question fifty years later, the value lies in the recognition that evil does exist as part of the human condition. Therefore, it is important to remember this so that people remain aware of their dangerous potential.

Desmond Tutu responds from his position as head of South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission, established to expose crimes committed under the apartheid regime. He tells of stories he has heard of atrocities and of times when he has witnessed victims publicly express