The Chosen
The Chosen, a fiction novel written in 1967 by Chaim Potok, is about two young Jewish boys and their friendship. It takes us along with them on their journey from adolescence to adulthood. They face many conflicts, and through those trials the author makes his readers think more deeply into life's true meanings. The novel was set in New York during the Second World War. Since the main characters are Jews, this period of time is very significant. Not only were the Jews persecuted during WWII, but New York was also close to a military base, which made it a prime target for bombing. Even the setting has an underlying sense of tension. One of the protagonists in The Chosen is Reuven Malter. Reuven is an orthodox Jewish boy. He is a very smart and diligent student. His father, David Malter raises Reuven alone in Brooklyn, New York as his mother has already passed away. Reuven has glasses, brown hair and eyes, and dresses in the typical orthodox manner. A plain boy, he has a bright mind and a very caring soul. The other protagonist in the novel is Danny Saunders. Danny is the son of a very devoted Hasidic Jewish tzaddik. However, Danny is not a very enthusiastic Hasid. He has earlocks, grows a beard, and wears the traditional Hasidic ou
His worldview didn't search for conclusions about matters bigger than his own circle. Each of the main characters have obvious flaws. His religion forbids him to read literature from the outside world, so he struggles with his thirst for knowledge and the restraints that have been put on him by both his father and his religion. It is hard work to fill one's life with meaning," Mr. Here he meets Billy and Tony, his first Gentile contacts. Reuven begins to learn about the struggles Danny is facing with his father and the restrictions of his religion. Their religious views are also very opposite. Reb finds out about Danny's plans for the future, and although they contradict the way he would have wanted Danny to continue with his life, he agrees to let Danny decide for himself. A lot of figurative language helps develop analogies and insights, as well. Reuven is very bright and relates well to people, but he finds forgiveness difficult in practice. The Zionist and anti-Zionist movements were prejudiced toward each other and many of these examples are found in the novel. This accident actually brings Reuven and Danny together and the two begin spending a lot of time with each other.
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