Critical analysis essay over The Chosen by Chaim Potok
2 views 0 purchase
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
All for this textbook (2)
Written for
Secondary school
VWO / Gymnasium
Engels
5
All documents for this subject (923)
Seller
Follow
Sosa01
Reviews received
Content preview
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.
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card or Stuvia-credit for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller Sosa01. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for $5.69. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
