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Paradox In The Chosen

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Human is a paradox existence. In the novel The Chosen by Chaim Potok, a vivid example of the paradox was presented, as the conflict between old-world values and new-world values. Reb Saunders, an extremely complex, self-restraining character, represented the struggle of being a conservative orthodox of a parent in an evolving and liberal world. As the least understood person by the narrator, Reb’s image was filtered by the harsh judgement of Reuven, under the caring heart for his dear friend Danny. Thus for most of the novel, Reb Saunders appeared to be an extraordinarily limited character, who embodied the stereotypes of an intolerant religious fanatic and of a controlling and overprotecting father. But was he more than just a domineering father who suppressed his son’s pursue of knowledge? As the story progressed, readers can see that under the overt appearance of a …show more content…

Some readers might brush him off as a religious fanatic and a cruel, domineering father; others might identify with his struggle to raise his son how he thinks best. Some might be moved by Reb Saunders’s tears of apology; others might think that he abused Danny and that his apology could not possibly make up for it. Like Reuven, nobody is quite sure just how to feel about Reb Saunders by the end of the novel, which is actually a good thing in a different angle. It meant that The Chosen had accomplished a big goal. It enabled the readers to see beyond the surface of things and people, into deeper meanings. In the end, even through the rather judgmental filtration of the narrator’s view, Reb Saunders was presented as a very complex, conflicted, and multifaceted character. He represented the dangers of fanaticism and harmful isolationist behavior, but he also showed a profound, painful love for Danny and a deeply human sense of the importance of empathy and

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In the novel The Chosen by Chaim Potok, there are three important events that significantly put turns on Danny and Reuven’s friendship. The first important event occurs when Danny Saunders and Reuven Malter first meet each other at the baseball game. While playing the heated game, Reuven gets hit in the eye with a baseball that Danny has hit. The second event that is important is that, Reb Saunders, Danny’s father, puts a ban on Danny’s friendship with Reuven. The ban consists of Danny not being able to speak, see, or be within three feet of Reuven.

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Characters exemplify great depth and dimensions through the course of their actions and choices. In the novel, The Chosen, Chaim Potok exhibits crucial messages and significant teachings through the intimate friendship between two boys from similar, yet different worlds. He utilizes David Malter, Reuven’s father, as a mentor who provides reasoning and patience. David Malter delivers sincere characteristics to portray his morals and virtues. David Malter’s judgments allow him to observe and rationalize situations.

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Danny even defended his dad’s style of teaching in front of his best friend, Reuven. Family loyalty is obvious in how Danny treats his dad, how Reuven confides in his father, and how Reb Saunders loves his son despite all his faults. Firstly, although his dad, Reb Saunders, did not give Danny many reasons to like him, Danny still loved him and defended his dad. At times, Danny might seem to despise Reb Saunders, but at the end of the day, he still loves him. For instance, after Reuven met Reb Saunders for the first time and got intimidated by him, Danny stood up for his dad.

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