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The Chosen By Chaim Potok: Character Analysis

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Character traits are all aspects of a person’s behavior and attitude that make up that person’s personality. Throughout The Chosen, the author, Chaim Potok gives his characters countless positive traits including Mr. Malter. First, Mr. Malter displays great intelligence as he teaches the Talmud a confusing Jewish book. Next, he expresses skill in articulation as he explains complex subjects easily and thoroughly. Finally, he demonstrates insight by predicting the outcome of some events and preparing accordingly. Clearly, Mr. Malter acts knowledgeable, articulate, and insightful. Highly intelligent, Mr. Malter demonstrates his fantastic knowledge frequently. In part, he shows his vast knowledge because of his ability to discuss intelligently a multitude of topics. First, he teaches Talmud, the most complex Jewish subject. Only a person with superior intellect can understand the history, ethics, law and philosophy of the Talmud. Thus, Mr. Malter, who understands such a book well enough to teach it exemplifies great intelligence. Second, he readily possesses a long list of books to …show more content…

Malter articulates well. Effortlessly, he uses language to express ideas easily. Initially, he explains a large part of Jewish history to his son Reuven in a way that he can understand. In this explanation, he leaves nothing out and answers all questions before asked them. “I could see that he was arranging it in his mind, so that it would be carefully organized. When he finally spoke, his voice was soft, and the words came out slowly.”(100) Another example of his articulation occurred during his explaining the role the American Jews must take at the end of WWII. Claiming they must rebuild, he felt that they could not wait for God anymore and that the time for action has come. With his articulate discourse, he nearly persuades Reuven to his side with his explanation alone. Mr. Malter has shown articulation in both examples and exceeds at explaining

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