Questions for Simon Wiesenthal’s The Sunflower, pp. 1-98

1) What does the Sunflower mean to Wiesenthal? Is there anything ironic about its symbolism for him?

2) What does the dying SS officer, Karl, ask of Wiesenthal? Do you think this is an understandable request? Why?

3) What is Wiesenthal’s response to the officer’s request?

4) What does Wiesenthal think of as he listens to the officer? How does this affect his response to the officer?

5) What does Bolek think of Wiesenthal’s response? Do you agree with him or Wiesenthal? Why?

6) Why does Wiesenthal visit Karl’s parents? What story does he tell them and why?

7) What do you think is meant by Wiesenthal’s comment that there are different kinds of silence? Describe at least two different kinds of silence in your own words.

8) How would you answer the final question of Wiesenthal’s story?

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