Reb Saunders Character Analysis

As Reuven develops a closer relationship with Danny he learns that although not all traditions make sense, he must learn to acknowledge the traditions that differ from his own. Reuven’s inability to look past Danny’s father son interaction affects their friendship and understanding of one another. As Reuven becomes more present in the family’s home he begins to notice a number of differences in which he cannot comprehend. When Reb Saunders tests Danny in front of the public during a lunch service Reuven becomes furious over his view of embarrassment aimed toward Danny. Reuven views this act to be hurtful and he doesn’t know “what to think. One minute he’s a tyrant, the next minute he’s kind and gentle. It would scare me sick. Some game! (145).

Instead Reuven immediately jumps to the conclusion that something is bad when intended to be fun and enjoyable because of the unfamiliarity. This theme continues to occur when Reuven learns that Danny’s father, Reb Saunders, only speaks to Danny in silence and while studying the Talmud, he does not understand. This issue affects Reuven’s view of Reb Saunders by the way in which he chooses to raise his son. As Reuven learns that Danny does not quite understand the silence either, Reuven chooses not to accept silence as the way things must be. Reuven is in close relationship with his father and believes that Danny should be among the same environment. In this case Reuven believes he can fix the problem to restore his views of the Saunders tradition. When Reuven takes matters into his own hands, he encourages Danny to talk to his father so that he can have a strong father son relationship similar to his own life. Reuven’s lack of acknowledgment and attempt to change traditions to one he can relate to results in Danny and Reuven arguing. Danny tries to explain to Reuven that “I