The Chosen takes place in 1940's Brooklyn, in a world that has just finished perhaps one of the most horrifying and devastating wars of its history, World War II. As a result, there is much confusion and anger among the American people, primarily the Jewish Americans. There is difference of opinion amongst the Jewish community, which in turn develops much conflict. Some support the need to change and mold to the standards of American society. Others fiercely stress the need to live their culture and preserve their history.
             The main characters of this story are Danny Saunders and Reuven "Robert" Malter. Danny, son of Hasidic tzaddik Reb Saunders, is a tenacious, tall boy of blond hair and ear locks. He is a virtual genius, for he is gifted with a photogenic mind, being able to look at a page of text once and then remembering it fully and exactly from memory. Religiously, Danny is a very strict Jew, mostly due to the strong pressure and force of his father. Throughout the book, he proceeds to question the traditions of his religion, and becomes increasingly more independent. He is a rather quiet person, both in childhood and adulthood, and mostly only confides his thoughts to his friend Reuven.
             Reuven, on the other hand, has a very close relationship with his father and shares his feelings much more freely than Danny. In many ways, he is for the exact opposite of Danny, physically with his dark hair, and religiously with his more "modern" Judaism. Yet, he is also extremely intelligent, although he does not posses the Danny's gift.
             Reuven's father, Mr. Malter, is an extremely kind, caring man, whom is both a great listener and advisor. He is continually worrying about his son's welfare, and therefore puts his own health at stake many times. His mentality can be basically summed up by the words To Each, his own. He believes that every person is entitled to their own opinions and ...