Answer:
The toast in which Oskar Schindler thanks Itzhak Stern is a significant moment in the movie "Schindler's List." In this scene, Schindler, a German industrialist who saved over a thousand Jews during the Holocaust, expresses his gratitude to Stern, his Jewish accountant and right-hand man, for his invaluable assistance in running his factory and protecting the workers.
Stern's reaction to the toast is complex and multifaceted. There are a few possible reasons for his behavior:
1. Emotional Burden: Stern carries the weight of the Holocaust and the suffering of his people. Despite Schindler's efforts to save many lives, Stern is acutely aware of the immense loss and devastation inflicted upon the Jewish community. The toast might remind him of the countless others who were not as fortunate as those saved by Schindler. Stern's somber response could reflect his inability to fully celebrate in the face of such overwhelming tragedy.
2. Survivor's Guilt: Stern may experience survivor's guilt, a common psychological response among those who have survived traumatic events while others did not. He might feel a sense of guilt for having been saved by Schindler while many others perished. Stern's refusal to drink with Schindler could be a manifestation of this guilt, as he may feel it would be inappropriate to partake in a joyful moment when so many others suffered and died.
3. Symbolic Separation: By abstaining from drinking with Schindler, Stern maintains a symbolic separation between himself as a Jew and Schindler as a non-Jew. The act of sharing a drink often carries a sense of camaraderie and equality. Stern's refusal to do so could be a way of preserving a distinction between their identities and acknowledging the historical divisions and prejudices that have plagued Jewish communities.
It's important to note that the movie is a fictionalized account based on true events, and the portrayal of Stern's character may not perfectly align with historical reality. However, the film effectively conveys the emotional complexity and moral dilemmas faced by individuals during the Holocaust.