Reuven And Danny's Relationship

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Have you ever had a conversation with someone who had completely different views and beliefs from your own? If you were open to hearing about their thoughts and ideas, did you find the conversation to be more engaging than most? In Chaim Potok’s The Chosen, he explores the relationship between two boys who found their differences to be quite intriguing. Reuven Malter, an Orthodox Jew living with his father, is a brilliant boy who excels in both mathematical and Talmud studies. Danny Saunders, a Hasidic Jew who is next in line to inherit his father’s dynasty, is also extremely gifted in Talmud studies. Danny struggles with math and logic, he prefers to read the ideas of others. The two boys grew quite close after establishing their differences. …show more content…

Reuven first noticed Danny in his Hasidic clothing when the two boys played each other in a local softball game. Because they were on opposing teams, they were immediately rivals. Their religious differences added to their rivalry. Reuven immediately sensed that Danny would be a threat, but gave him a compliment anyway. “’That was a nice shot,’ I offered.”(Potok 23). Danny’s answer surprised Reuven. “’I told my team we’re going to kill you apikorism this afternoon.’ He said it flatly, without a trace of expression in his voice.” (Potok 23). Danny’s religion insulting response to his genuine compliment sparked a stronger hatred in Reuven. From this point on the game became more than a competition between rival neighborhood teams. It was a sort of holy war between the two boys and their Jewish …show more content…

It is during these discussions that they begin to learn more about each other. "For the first fifteen years of our lives, Danny and I lived within five blocks of each other and neither of us knew of the other 's existence." (Potok 1). Danny tells Reuven about his secret reading in the library and the man that recommends books for him. The boys realize that the mysterious man is in Reuven’s father. They spend a majority of the rest of novel discussing their fathers and the different ways they were raised. Reuven is often very confused by the way Danny’s father treats him. “My father shook his head. ‘It is not terrible, Reuven. Not for Danny, not for his father, and not for the people who listened. It is an old Hasidic tradition, this kind of Talmudic discussion.’”(Potok 140). Reuven’s father helps him to understand Danny when Danny cannot explain it for himself. Danny’s father’s refusal to speak to his son other than to quiz him on Talmud teaches Reuven a lot about parenting styles. He appreciates his bond with his father a lot more. This relationship has the opposite affect on Danny. Danny decides he would most likely do the same to his

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