The Chosen

Essay by PaperNerd ContributorHigh School, 10th grade August 2001

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1. What is the name of the book and author? What are the names of the main characters? Chaim Potok is the author of the novel, The Chosen. The main characters of the novel are; Reuven Malter, Danny Saunders, Reb Saunders, David Malter, Levi Saunders, Rev Gershenson, and Mr. Galanter.

2. What major events happened in the story? Think of the reasons for the events that happened. Explain how the events affected the main characters.

The first main even that occurred, was at the after-school baseball game between the Danny and Reuven's baseball teams. The game starts as intense "holy war", but when Danny hits Reuven in the eye [with a line drive], it becomes the start of a new friendship. One of the next major events is when Danny decides he does not want to follow his father's footsteps as religious leader, but yet he would rather study Freudian psychoanalysis.

After the end of World War II, Reuven and Danny are both at Samson Raphael Hirsch Seminary and College. While at college Danny's father refuse to let him speak to Reuven because of the fact that his father is a diehard supporter of Zionism. At the end of the novel, Danny's father accepts the fact that his son does not want to take control of the dynasty, but would rather study philosophy.

3. How did the characters solve their problems? Think of the main problems again.

The characters solved their problems mainly by pursuing what they found to be right in their hearts. They listened to their fathers to some extent, but in the end they did what they wanted to do, and eventually their families accepted it.

4. What would you have done to solve the problems? Have you ever encountered similar problems in your own life? I personally liked the approach that the boys took, and if I were ever in their position I would most likely follow their methods of tackling a problem.

5. Would you recommend this book? Explain why or why not.

I found this book to be very enjoyable, and easy to read. It was a book that I could really get into and comprehend. I would defiantly recommend this book to a friend.