The world needs more people like Reuven Malter. Reuven Malter portrays persistence and dedication to his studies and friendships, intelligence in his daily lifestyle, and compassion towards the people he is around. Chaim Potok introduces readers to Reuven immediately in the first chapter of The Chosen in the setting of a baseball game. Right off the bat, people realize his sportsmanship and likeable character. Danny Saunders, who Chaim Potok characterizes as a rival baseball player, and Reuven actually befriended one another in the first few chapters. Though Danny seems kind and thoughtful, he still has somewhat a temper and can be difficult. Contrastingly, Reuven intelligently pursues mathematical logic with passion. Throughout the book, Mr. …show more content…
He works hard at his daily homework assignments to try and succeed as best he can. Friendship with Danny Malter has it’s difficulties; however, Reuven displays patience and consistency with meeting Danny throughout the week when able. Readers also see Reuven’s dedication to his baseball team and coach, “Mr. Galanter was taking no chances and told me to pitch”(27). Moreover, the daily studies with his father, either with the Talmud or following the war with maps and the home radio, shows his discipline as well. Young men Reuven’s age should strive to pursue things as strongly as Reuven demonstrates in the …show more content…
When his father contracted a horrible case of pneumonia, Reuven seemed concerned at all times. Likewise, when his father had a heart attack, Reuven went into a panic because he worried so much. Another example, while Danny Saunders studied Freud, even while Reuven reprimanded Danny somewhat about the content, he still showed kindness and love toward Danny. Also, Danny and his father’s lack of intimacy with one another concerned Reuven in a different way. Reuven could not even imagine the situation until he met Reb Saunders one Shabbat, “One minute he’s a tyrant, the next minute he’s kind and gentle”(142). Empathy towards others grows relationships, as Reuven