Chaim Potok's book

Essay by Anonymous UserHigh School, 10th gradeA+, November 1996

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Released in 1967, The Chosen became a bestseller. Author Dr. Chaim Potok's knowledge

of Jewish culture and his knowledge of philosophy greatly influenced this piece of

literature helping him to create a realistic setting with a believable scenario.

Centered around Brooklyn, two teens, Reuven Maulters and Danny Saunders become

best friends. Because of the fact that their fathers are leaders of different Jewish beliefs,

hatred clashed between them when they first met. This hatred lead to the injury of

Reuven, but was the key that opened their long lasting friendship and eventually, the key

that made it possible for Danny's father to have the courage to talk to Danny.

The critics agree that all the main characters in this novel were all unique. One of these

characters is Danny. Danny was a person who was very smart, a person of his caliber

was born once in a few lifetimes.

"In many of the books I have read, there is always at

least one person who has a superabnormal characteristic." (Toguchi, Mark). Reuven is a

likable person who is also smart, but nowhere close to Danny. Reb Saunders, Danny's

father, is inconsistent at many times. "He had mood swings often, but I think this was

made intentionally to show how much he is affected by the silent relationship with his

son." (Merkin, Daphne). Mr. Malters, Reuven's father, is an adult who constantly gives

advice and takes charge of all situations. "To me, he seems a little unreal because he is

always right and has a solution to everything." (Toguchi, Mark).

"In dialogue, I thought Reb Saunders was the most effective person. Whenever he talked

to people, it made the reader want to listen to him. Whenever he was furious, I was

blown away by the intensity. Danny's dialogue showed how...