EVER FACED A “SOPHIE’S CHOICE?”

By Harvey Tobkes

Most of us are familiar with either the book or the movie, Sophie’s Choice. In a concentration camp with her 2 children, Sophie is told by one of the guards to choose as to which child she will keep with her; the other must go to the gas chamber.

Auschwitz

Hopefully, none of us will ever be confronted with a dilemma that traumatic, but many of us do encounter choices in our lives that are painful to make.

Some examples:

  • Do I become a caregiver to a sick parent even though it means neglecting my own family and is a financial burden as well?
  • Do I stay in an unhappy marriage with an intolerable spouse to protect the children?
  • Do I quit a job I can’t stand and escape my boss who is a tyrant, even though I may become unemployed for a while or have to accept a lower salary?

    • I’m sure each reader can think of many other perplexing questions that have arisen in their lives that challenge the mind. And there comes a time when we must choose between the lesser of 2 evils.

    Good and evil

    It is a matter of obligation verses conscience; which outweighs the other for you? If you make a convenient, less painful decision for yourself, can you bear living with the guilt?

    It becomes the metaphor of… Sophie’s Choice.

    About this entry

    You’re currently reading “EVER FACED A “SOPHIE’S CHOICE?”,” an entry on Harvey Tobkes.

    Published:
    06.11.12 0:18
    Category:
    Just My Opinion, Thoughts to Ponder