Who Is Tony Savo In Chaim Potok's The Chosen

“He was sitting up in the bed, playing a game of cards with himself and smiling broadly.” (39) Tony Savo sits there in his hospital bed for nearly the entirety of his appearance in The Chosen, by Chaim Potok. Reuven Malter, the main character, gets a bed right next to Tony’s and gets an in-depth look at Tony’s character. Tony Savo brings some much-needed comic relief to a situation and atmosphere of injury and suspense. This is accomplished through his carefree manner, and his slang vocabulary that makes the reader think about what exactly he means. But Mr. Savo is certainly not pure and flawless, for he does show an example of reading a book by its cover in the case of Danny Saunders. Mr. Savo brings much needed relief to a painful scenario by the light air that surrounds him and his informal speech, but he also demonstrates an inaccurate and insensitive way of judging people.

First off, Mr. Savo’s informal conversational manner gives relief to those around him and eases the mind. Reuven Malter’s softball injury to the eye puts him the bed next to Mr. Savo, and Reuven engages in many enjoyable conversations with him. Mr. Savo greets Reuven right away with an amiable hello and question: “Hello, there” … “How’s the old punching bag?” (39). And despite Reuven’s comparable silence, Mr. Savo continues to make conversation
with the hurting boy. Even the nurses and orderlies’ stressful days can be enlightened by Mr. Savo’s witty remarks and carefree air. Mr. Savo gives many character’s in The Chosen long-needed relief and laughter by his meandering and friendly conversations.

Also, the words and phrases Mr. Savo uses make his conversions even more interesting to listen to and take part in. In Mr. Savo’s first words to Reuven, it takes him three tries to find the most understandable word for “head”. He tries the terms “punching bag” and “noggin” before hitting on the most appropriate term. (39) His odd vocabulary is also exhibited through other terms, such as the nickname “Bobby boy”, “ring post”, and his most favorite of all, “clopper”. These expressions of Mr. Savo’s give him more depth of character and one more dimension. Mr. Savo’s unusual vocabulary and puzzling terms add to his character in a comic way.

While Mr.
Savo’s presence generally brings a light and carefree air, he demonstrates another trait: misjudgment. After Mr. Savo sees Danny when he came to visit Reuven, Mr. Savo gives Reuven a warning. “So I’m telling you, watch out for those fanatics. They’re the worse cloppers around.” (76) The only “evidence” Mr. Savo has to back this up is the way Danny dresses. This has utterly nothing to do with whether Danny is a clopper, as Mr. Savo puts it. Mr. Savo’s tendency to judge quickly could easily get him into hot water later, and could keep people away from him. Mr. Savo judges a book by its cover in the case of Danny
Saunders.

The character of Mr. Savo in The Chosen displays many different traits, though he, just like all of us, does not have a pure and driven heart. Reuven Malter is gifted with an entertaining and friendly roommate in the hospital when he meets Mr. Savo, who continues to converse with Reuven and shows concern for him. He does so with strange and often humorous vocabulary. But Mr. Savo’s personality does not have a perfect personality of course—he also demonstrates reading a book by its cover when he sees the peculiar garb of Danny Saunders. As far as the book goes, Mr. Savo shows no regret or guilt in this sinful action. While he certainly has many other admirable traits, this does not excuse his wrong behavior. This situation can come to anyone, and it must be addressed with concern and a desire to change.