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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The Impact of Friendship
The Chosen by Chaim Potok is about two boys with a very strong connection, but
with many differences. Reuven is a traditional Orthodox Jew who lives with his father
with whom he is very close. His friend Danny is a brilliant boy with a photographic
memory, who studied Freud at an age of fifteen. Danny is expected to inherit the
position of Reb Saunders, his father, as leader of his community. In contrast to
Reuven, he and his father do not talk because “this is the only way to raise a tzaddik”
(p. 109, Potok, 1967). Danny struggles with the fact that he wants to study
psychology and at the same time does not want to
disappoint his father. This essay will discuss the impact of friendship through the
story of two opposite Jewish friends. Their friendship allows them both to follow free
themselves of their father’s expectations.
First of all, Danny’s friendship with Reuven allows him discover psychology. Danny’s
interest in psychology begins by reading other books than the Talmud. Reuven's
father recommends books to Danny, which they discuss in secret. Danny develops
his interest and knowledge of psychology because of Danny’s father. When Danny
and -
Reuven become closer he will not only discuss the books in meetings, but also when
he meets Reuven. This leads to an increased interest and knowledge on psychology.
He already started studying difficult theories of Freud at the age of fifteen. David was
impressed and “shook his head gloomily” when his son told him that Danny is
studying Freud’s theories by learning German (p. 160, Potok, 1967). This emphasize
that Danny is smarter than other kids of his age. As the friendship between Reuven
and Danny develops, so does Danny’s passion for psychology. He dreams of
studying psychology instead of becoming his father’s successor.
“‘You’re going to become an experimentalist?’ ‘I don’t think so. I want to work
with people, not with rats and mazes. I talked to Appleman about it. He
suggested I go into clinical psychology’” (p. 256, Potok, 1967)
Towards the end of the story Danny often talks with his teacher Appleman. First
about Freud’s theories, and later they have more personal conversations about
Danny’s future. Danny shows that he is really motivated to study psychology, as he
already picked his field of interest and knows where he wants to go study. Without
Reuven, Danny would not have gone to Appleman in the first place to discuss Freud
and Danny’s dream would have
maybe never become reality. This shows how a friendship can influence one’s life.
Second of all, Danny has another perspective of life. This is because he has a
completely
different relationship with his father in comparison to Reuven. Reuven’s father David
supports Reuven’s decision and lets him choose his study. Danny, in the contrary,
has
nothing to choose. His life is planned by his father, who wants him to become the
new
Rabbi. When Danny discovers the relationship between Reuven and his father, he
sees how different it is from the one he shares with his father. Danny is being raised
in silence with his father, whereas Reuven has deep conversations with his dad
about everything.
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