The Sunflower pg.52: Pity

"He sought my pity, but had he any right to pity?"

Yes, I believe the soldier had the right to persue Simon's pity. In a since the soldier felt sorry for what was happening to the Jews after what he had seen and felt the need to tell Simon his story whle asking for forgiveness.

"Did a man of his kind deserve anybody's pity?"

Yes, because he was doing as he was told by his commanding officer. Like the bible says, "Love your neighbor as yourself." The Soldier is the neighbor to Simon and Simon should forgive him for what he did even though it was really bad.



Forgiveness

    A soldier obeying their commanders order's to shoot an unarmed mother and child should not be forgiven. They should not be forgiven because "the order is unlawful" and everyone knows that you're not supposed to shoot any unarmed person no matter what the circumstance. As The Army Values states, "Integrity: Do what’s right, legally and morally. Integrity is a quality you develop by adhering to moral principles. It requires that you do and say nothing that deceives others. As your integrity grows, so does the trust others place in you. The more choices you make based on integrity, the more this highly prized value will affect your relationships with family and friends, and, finally, the fundamental acceptance of yourself." This is why I believe that the solider should not be forgiven for shooting an unarmed mother and child by his commanders orders. Both of these people have broken their important values as a military personnel.

Sources:

1. Sgt. David Darnell (My Dad)
2. http://www.army.mil/values/index.html