Critical analysis essay over The Chosen by Chaim Potok
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Course
Engels
Level
VWO / Gymnasium
Book
The Chosen
A very comprehensive analysis essay at VWO level that expands the book The Chosen by Chaim Potok and puts it in context by linking with the characters in the book, the writer, Judaism, the past and the described society. Includes reference list.
Critical analysis essay over The Chosen by Chaim Potok
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Guided literature analysis essay about The Chosen by Chaim Potok
Most friendships are based on sharing the same interests. Opposites between two people
make it harder for them to connect and stay connected. This is what makes the friendship
between Reuven Malter and Danny Saunders, in The Chosen, so special. Reuven comes from
a Modern Orthodox Jewish family and Danny comes from a Hasidic Jewish family, but
despite the strict dividing line between these two Jewish religious movements they become
best friends.
The contradictions within Judaism make the friendship between Reuven and Danny very
hard sometimes, but Judaism is not the only theme in the novel that contains big
opposites. In fact, every main theme in The Chosen contains a contradiction.
The first main theme in The Chosen is Judaism and it shows a great opposition. All the main
characters are Jewish which may not look like an opposition at first, but Reuven’s family is
part of a different movement within Judaism than Danny’s family. The Malters are Modern
Orthodox Jews, the less strict movement. The Saunders, on the other hand, are Hasidic
Jews, a stricter movement.
There are a lot of specific rules and habits between Modern Orthodox Judaism and Hasidic
Judaism. This emphasizes the differences between these movements and it makes is more
difficult for Reuven and Danny to be a part of each other’s lives. This becomes clear during
Reuven’s first visit to Danny’s neighbourhood.
We were almost halfway through the crowd now, walking slowly together, Danny’s
fingers on the part of my arm just over the elbow. I felt myself naked and fragile,
an intruder, and my eyes, searching for anything but the bearded faces to look at,
settled, finally, upon the sidewalk at my feet. Then, because I wanted something
other than the murmured greeting in Yiddish to listen to, I began to hear, distinctly
the tapping sounds of Danny’s metal-capped shoes against the cement pavement.
(p. 123, Potok, 1966)
People staring at Reuven and the bearded faces greeting each other in Yiddish everywhere
around him make Reuven feel naked and an intruder. He is really uncomfortable which does not
stimulate him to come back often. These opposites in community make the friendship between
Reuven and Danny kind of hard sometimes however it does not stop them.
The differences between Modern Orthodox Judaism and Hasidic Judaism show that beside
the fact they are both movements within Judaism they are complete opposites.
The second main theme in The Chosen is fatherhood and also this theme contains a lot of
contradictions. Reuven’s father, David Malter, is a schoolteacher who has a strong bond
with his son. Danny’s father, Rabbi Saunders, is a rabbi who does not have a strong bond
with his son.
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