The Nazi’s deathbed plea for forgiveness forms the central theme on which The Sunflower focuses. Wiesenthal’s persistent question, which he passes on to the reader, is “What would I have done?” (98). The many respondents reveal forgiveness to be a complex notion, some viewing it as an unthinkable option, others as a virtue, and others as a moral imperative.

Some respondents suggest that forgiveness is the means by which the victim may recover wholeness after being victimized. Furthermore, some suggest that it is the means by which society, and the universe as a whole, is restored to health and balance. At the other end of the spectrum, some respondents say that forgiveness in this situation was not possible, for it was not for Wiesenthal to forgive on behalf of the dead victims. Many suggest that forgiveness is merely a means of perpetuating evil by setting up a system whereby people may commit crimes and then be forgiven for them after the damage is done.

Some respondents make forgiveness conditional, based on the nature of the crime or the sincerity of the criminal’s repentance. Other respondents believe that it is in the very nature of forgiveness that it be unconditional, that forgiveness is never deserved but that it can nonetheless be conferred.