Danny And Reuven Character Analysis

In the novel, The Chosen, written by Chaim Potok, you learn how important a relationship between a father and a son really is. Both of the main characters, Danny and Reuven, are deeply influenced by their fathers. Both of their relationships are based on education, but they differ in every other way. One relationship is caring and compassionate, while people believe the other is cruel and harsh. Danny was raised by his father Reb Saunders. The only time Saunders speaks with his son is when they are studying the Talmud together. This is of Hasidic tradition and Saunders believes it's a way to teach his son compassion and overall strength. This is how Reb Saunders was raised by his own father. The belief of raising a child in silence is trying to teach the
Mr. Malter also taught Reuven how to read the Talmud. Reuven has always been greatly influenced by his father, and eventually proves his intellectual maturity in his class. David Malter also extends this teaching to other parts of life, encouraging Reuven to become friends with Danny, and to take care of their friendship once he has it. “When a person comes to talk to you, you should be patient and listen. Especially if he has hurt you in any way.” (Potok) Danny turns to Mr. Malter for guidance when he cannot seek it from his own father. Although Danny being raised in silence caused him a lot of pain, he was only doing it because he loved his son. Raising Danny in silence may of made him want to rebel, however the goal Saunders was trying to meet was achieved. At the end of the novel, Malter asks Danny if he would raise his son in silence, and Danny replies that he would if he couldn't find no other way. This answer shows the reader that although being raised this way hurt, it was a good method. It also shows how Danny thinks his father could of went about it in a different