The Power Of Danny Saunders In The Chosen

Knowledge is Power

“If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you.” This quote by author and speaker “Zig” Ziglar suggests, with the right motivation and perseverance, no obstacles can interfere with learning. This perfectly describes Danny Saunders and his quest for learning about the world around him. In The Chosen by Chaim Potok, Danny’s pursuit of knowledge was sparked by his compulsive curiosity, and carried on by his undying determination. His intellect increases exponentially through every book or article he reads. Although Danny’s method of obtaining all of these books may raise questions, it fuels his intelligence, which compensates for his controversial conduct. Danny Saunders often displays his brilliance, curiosity, and

No one can dispute the fact he is one of the smartest people in the entire book. His incredible photographic memory allows him to instantly memorize everything he reads. Danny’s assigned reading includes two blatt of Talmud per day, or about four pages, in addition to all of the books he reads on his own time (68). Because he reads so much, and as a result memorizes so much, he can accomplish mind-blowing feats. “Danny nodded, immediately identified the tractate and the page, then coldly and mechanically repeated the passage word for word... and quoting at the same time the interpretations of a number of medieval commentators” (123). Even elders in Reb Saunders’ church look to Danny for help, showing just how highly they think of his opinion. Danny’s intelligence is one of his greatest assets, and will carry him far in

After hitting Reuven in the eye with a baseball, sending him to the hospital, Danny felt guilty for his actions. He went to ask for forgiveness, however Reuven completely rebuffed both Danny and his apology (62). But Danny showed his persistence, and went back to the hospital for a second attempt, succeeding in apologizing and making a new friend. Danny also displayed his determination while trying to read Freud. He quickly became exasperated at his lack of progress with the book, and his annoyance leaked into his everyday life. “Danny was tense and edgy, his face still masked by frustration... He’s probably eating himself alive over Freud, I thought” (179). Nevertheless, Danny did not give up and eventually figured out Freud must be studied, and not read (180). This realization opened up a new door, and now Danny could explore Freud’s discoveries on psychoanalysis and the unconscious mind. Danny’s perseverance provides him with several opportunities to learn and make