The Holocaust

Stingo is the outsider in the conflict between the embattered Jewish community and the Nazis. By placing a Southern man, like Stingo, in the story, the author is able to incorporate a unique viewpoint on the Holocaust, as Stingo compares and contrasts it with the evils of Southern slavery. He is only two generations removed from the slave-owners in his family and never forgets that he is currently living off the proceeds of a human being sold into hard labor and probable death. Stingo condemns the Nazis, while secretly feeling he is no better; he carries a level of guilt, which later helps him empathize with Sophie's guilt at the end of the story when she confesses to him. Nathan is able to use both Stingo's and Sophie's guilt against them throughout the novel and often serves as a counterpoint to both of their views on the...