Role of the Fathers in Chaim Potok’s The Chosen Essay

Role of the Fathers in Chaim Potok’s The Chosen Chaim Potok’s The Chosen is the story of a lasting friendship that blossoms between two Jewish boys, Danny Saunders and Reuven Malter, during and after World War II. On a deeper level, much of the plot focuses on the character of their fathers–Reb Saunders and David Malter–whose beliefs and ideals are rooted in two separate worlds. Reb Saunders is a zealous Hasidic rabbi who wants to impart his knowledge of his religion upon Danny and expects his son to follow in his footsteps. David is a professor and single father who comes from a liberal Jewish background. As the friendship between Reuven and Danny grows, both fathers try to reconcile their views with their sons and with their own†¦show more content†¦For hours, no words are traded, with the exception of a discussion of a Talmudic passage. On the other hand, Reuven and David mutually support the notion that the lines of communication between them should always be open. Whenever Reuven struggles with a problem or simply a question, regardless the significance, he comes directly to his father for assistance. David listens intently and offers a few suggestions or delivers a thorough answer to his son’s query. For example, when Reuven wonders about Danny, David answers with a lengthy and detailed account. This demonstrates not only the comfort they bear in talking to each other but also the patience they’ve developed that has stemmed from their communication. Despite their lack of communication, Reb Saunders and his son share the same admiration, respect, and trust for each other that are consistent with Reuven’s and David’s relationship. Although Reb Saunders carries the overwhelming responsibility of being tzaddik and David Malter is often absorbed in his journalistic efforts, both fathers demonstrate through their actions the tremendous concern they possess for the well-being and overall happiness of their sons. At first, the caring nature of Reb Saunders is not apparent, especially considering his complete silence with Danny. However, toward the end, he reacts to Danny’s decision to become involved in the secular world not with rage but acceptance. ThisShow MoreRelatedChaim Potok s Most Prolific Work952 Words   |  4 PagesThe Chosen was Chaim Potok’s most prolific work. Written in the 1960’s, this novel analyzes and discusses the numerous branches of Judaism through the eyes of a young man, Reuven. The book chronicles the main character, Reuven’s friend Danny’s life from a young age at yeshivas through high school, into college and to graduate school. The Chosen is a most fitting title for this work because the novel focuses on the choices that Danny and Reuven make throughout his life. Choices pertainingRead MoreEssay on My Name Is Asher Lev2011 Words   |  9 PagesThe struggle to find ones identity is a universal theme that is especially prevalent in Chaim Potoks novel, My Name Is Asher Lev. As an Orthodox Jew, Ashers gift for art is looked upon very unfavorably. Despite the disapproval of his community and father and the pain his art causes those around him, he pursues his passion and must find a way to reconcile the conflict between his religious identity and his individual identity. Potok starts off with the main character delivering three short sentences