The Chosen By Chaim Potok Character Analysis

Sometimes, life appears backwards. Loving, caring people have terrible things happen to them, while others practice wickedness and seem to get away with it. In his novel The Chosen, Chaim Potok provides such a character: a sweet, innocent boy named Billy who has a sad story. Throughout his small part in the book, Billy demonstrates joy in the midst of blindness and a rough family situation. While recovering from his injury in the hospital, the young boy makes a lasting impression on Reuven, the main character, with his kind heart and sunny personality. Even though he could choose to turn angry or bitter over the sad events of his life, Billy decides to display kindness, optimism, and innocence during his stay in the hospital.

Though Billy displays many positive character traits, his kindness to those around him stands out the most. He exudes genuine care and concern for those around him, especially for Reuven, who shares a similar ailment. Despite only knowing him for a little while, he remarks to his new friend, “We were all very worried about you” (49). Later, he demonstrates kindness to Mr. Savo by encouraging him about his injury, and the hospital staff by not complaining about the food, even though others did. Potok does not write much about Billy in the story, but even the smallest of actions give
Despite his mother’s death and his recent blindness, he remains in good spirits his entire time in the hospital. He uses his cheerful attitude to encourage others as well. “You’ll be alright again,” he tells Mr. Savo (50). Instead of dwelling on the bad things in his life, he recognizes the good and through his example teaches those around him to do the same. His optimism, coupled with his kind and compassionate heart, makes him a likable character and imprints himself on the hearts of the other characters in the