The main characters in Chain Potok's The Chosen begin their relationship by only seeing their differences. By the end of the book they find their common ground. The change and growth the characters experience is a process of particular interest. Throughout the book, there are many changes in the main character, Danny. One of the most important is that he comes to realize that non-Hasidic people are just as good as Hasidic Jews. The same could be said of any two groups of people.
At first Danny thinks all non Hasidic Jews are bad. For example, during the baseball game Davey said, after talking to Danny: "[Danny] said they were going to kill us Apikorsim"(19). Danny really doesn't understand that Reuven is just as good a worshiper as he is and isn't an Apikorsim. During the baseball game Danny, or some one from Danny's team yells: "Burn in hell you Apikorsim"(24).
Danny Carrying Crystals To The Van
DANNY BARAKAT
DANNY BARAKATIt is not only Danny who thinks this way but the people around him as well, so Danny could be heavily influenced by his school and friends. In addition, his lack of knowledge of Hasidism contributed to the problem.
Danny starts to see that non-Hasidic Jews aren't always bad. The first time Danny comes to visit Reuven he says: "I am sorry"(62). He says something that a Hasid would normally never say to a non-Hasid showing that Danny starts to accept and understand Reuven's beliefs. The second time Danny visits Reuven in the hospital, he reflects back on the baseball game and says:
"Do you know what I don't understand about that baseball game? I don't understand why I wanted to kill you"(66). When Danny thinks about how he felt and what he knows and understands now, he sees how ignorant he was. He just can't...