Chaim Potok’s classic novel The Chosen explores the friendship between two boys from different Jewish sects in 1940s Brooklyn. This coming-of-age story delves into themes of tradition, faith, and personal identity as the characters navigate their relationships with their families and communities.
In this summary of The Chosen, we will closely examine the main characters, the plot, and the underlying messages the author conveys. By examining the novel’s key elements, readers will gain a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play in this compelling story.
List of Characters
Reuven Malter
The protagonist of The Chosen is Reuven Malter, a young Jewish boy living in Brooklyn in the 1940s. He is intelligent, compassionate, and deeply committed to his faith. The novel’s central relationship is Reuven’s friendship with Danny Saunders, a Hasidic Jew from a different sect.
Danny Saunders
Danny Saunders is a brilliant Hasidic boy being groomed to become his father’s successor as the leader of their sect. He is clever and introspective but struggles with his father’s and his community’s strict expectations. Danny’s friendship with Reuven challenges his beliefs and ultimately leads to personal growth and self-discovery.
David Malter
David Malter is Reuven’s father and a respected Jewish scholar. He is a progressive thinker who encourages Reuven to question and explore his beliefs, even if it means challenging tradition. David’s teachings profoundly impact Reuven and Danny, shaping their understanding of faith and the world around them.
Reb Saunders
Reb Saunders is Danny’s father and the revered leader of their Hasidic sect. He is a strict and traditional man who believes in the power of silence as a form of communication and discipline. Reb Saunders’ relationship with Danny is complex and, at times, strained as he struggles to balance his love for his son with his duty to uphold their religious traditions.
Summary of The Chosen
1. Meeting Danny Saunders
In The Chosen, we meet Danny Saunders and Reuven Malter, two teenage boys from different Jewish sects in Brooklyn. They first encounter each other during a heated baseball game that ends in injury for Reuven.
2. A Surprising Friendship
Despite their initial clash, Danny and Reuven form an unlikely friendship. They bond over their shared love of books and intellectual pursuits, setting the stage for a deep connection.
3. The Tensions of Tradition
Danny’s father, Reb Saunders, is their Hasidic sect’s strict and revered leader. He imposes strict rules on Danny, who struggles to balance his obedience to his father with his desire for independence.
4. Reuven’s Worldview
Reuven’s father, David Malter, is a progressive and open-minded teacher who encourages Reuven to think for himself. Reuven’s exposure to different perspectives gives him a broader worldview than Danny’s insular community.
5. The Silence of Danny
Danny shocks Reuven by revealing that he is being groomed to take over his father’s position as leader of their sect. Danny’s intense study and silence during prayer leave Reuven wondering about his friend’s inner turmoil.
6. The Power of Communication
Reuven helps Danny break his silence by encouraging him to discuss his struggles and doubts. Through their conversations, Danny begins questioning the strict traditions and beliefs that have defined his life.
7. A Test of Friendship
When Reuven and Danny’s friendship is tested by a disagreement over the creation of the state of Israel, they must confront their differences and find a way to reconcile their conflicting beliefs.
8. An Unexpected Revelation
Danny shocks Reuven by revealing the valid reason for his silence – his desire to pursue a career in psychology rather than follow in his father’s footsteps. This revelation forces Danny to confront his father and assert his own identity.
9. The Healing Power of Forgiveness
After estrangement, Danny and Reuven reconcile and reaffirm their friendship. They can overcome their differences and strengthen their bond through forgiveness and understanding.
10. The Chosen Path
Ultimately, Danny chooses to follow his passion for psychology, breaking free from the expectations of his community. Reuven continues his studies and reflects on the transformative power of friendship and the importance of forging one’s path in life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Chosen by Chaim Potok is a timeless coming-of-age story that explores themes of friendship, faith, and tradition. Through the friendship between Danny and Reuven, readers are invited to reflect on the complexities of identity and the importance of questioning one’s beliefs.
Overall, The Chosen is a thought-provoking novel that challenges readers to consider the impact of their choices on their relationships and the world around them. With its rich character development and powerful storytelling, this novel resonates with readers of all ages.
Further Study
Chaim Potok Titles on Memory Wizards
The Chosen AudioBook on YouTube