“The Chosen” by Chaim Potok is a novel that explores themes of friendship, religion, and identity. The story follows two Jewish boys, Reuven Malter and Danny Saunders, as they navigate their lives in Brooklyn at the end of World War II. Reuven and Danny come from different Jewish sects, with Reuven being a traditional Orthodox Jew and Danny being a Hasidic Jew. Despite their differences, the boys form a strong bond through their shared experiences and struggles.
One of the most notable aspects of “The Chosen” is its use of allegory. Throughout the novel, Potok uses symbolism and metaphor to convey deeper meanings and themes. For example, Danny’s silence during his father’s lectures represents the tension between tradition and modernity in the Jewish community. Similarly, the baseball game between Reuven’s team and Danny’s team represents the clash between different Jewish sects and their beliefs. By using allegory, Potok creates a rich and complex story that resonates with readers of all backgrounds.
Context of ‘The Chosen’
Chaim Potok’s novel, ‘The Chosen,’ is a coming-of-age story set in Brooklyn, New York, during the 1940s. The novel explores the world of Orthodox Judaism and the conflicts that arise when two boys from different sects of Judaism become friends.
Potok himself was a Jewish American author and rabbi, born in New York City in 1929. He received a religious and secular education at Yeshiva University and later went on to earn a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Pennsylvania.
‘The Chosen’ was published in 1967 and quickly became a bestseller, winning critical acclaim for its portrayal of Jewish life and culture. The novel has been praised for its realistic depiction of the tensions between tradition and modernity, as well as its exploration of the complexities of father-son relationships.
The novel is set against the backdrop of World War II and the Holocaust, which had a profound impact on the Jewish community. The characters in the novel are grappling with the aftermath of these events and the role of Judaism in a changing world.
Overview of Allegory in Literature
Allegory is a literary device that uses symbolic figures, actions, and settings to convey a deeper meaning. It is often used to explore complex ideas or themes in a more accessible way. In literature, allegory can take many forms, including fables, parables, and extended metaphors.
One of the most famous examples of allegory is George Orwell’s Animal Farm, in which a group of farm animals overthrow their human owner and attempt to create a utopian society. The novel uses the animals and their actions to comment on the Russian Revolution and the rise of Stalinism.
Another well-known example is John Bunyan’s The Pilgrim’s Progress, which tells the story of a man named Christian and his journey to the Celestial City. The novel uses Christian’s journey as a metaphor for the spiritual journey of a Christian believer.
Allegory can be a powerful tool for exploring complex themes and ideas in literature. It allows writers to create a rich and layered narrative that can be interpreted in many different ways. Whether used to comment on political events, explore religious beliefs, or simply tell a compelling story, allegory remains a popular and effective literary device.
Main Allegories in ‘The Chosen’
In “The Chosen,” Chaim Potok uses various allegories to convey his message. One of the main allegories in the book is the conflict between tradition and modernity. Reuven represents the modern world, while Danny represents the traditional world. Their friendship represents a bridge between the two worlds, and their fathers’ relationship represents the possibility of reconciliation between the two.
Another allegory in the book is the idea of silence. Reb Saunders, Danny’s father, believes in the power of silence as a form of communication. He uses silence to teach Danny empathy and understanding for others. Silence also represents the distance between Danny and his father, as Reb Saunders refuses to speak to his son directly.
The baseball game that opens the book is also an allegory. It represents the conflict between the two worlds of Reuven and Danny. Reuven’s team represents the modern world, while Danny’s team represents the traditional world. The game also represents the possibility of reconciliation between the two worlds, as Reuven and Danny become friends after the game.
Potok also uses the allegory of the Talmud to convey his message. The Talmud represents the search for truth and wisdom. The characters in the book use the Talmud to find answers to their questions and to understand the world around them. The Talmud also represents the importance of tradition and the continuity of Jewish culture.
Reuven Malter’s Journey
Father-Son Relationships
Reuven Malter’s relationship with his father, David Malter, is a significant aspect of his journey in “The Chosen.” David Malter is a devoted scholar and humanitarian who instills values of critical thinking and social responsibility in his son. Reuven’s respect for his father’s intellect and character is evident in his decision to follow in his footsteps and become a scholar.
On the other hand, Danny Saunders, Reuven’s friend and the novel’s other protagonist, has a strained relationship with his father, Reb Saunders. Reb Saunders is a Hasidic tzaddik who believes in raising his son in silence, forcing Danny to rely on his own intuition and intellect to interpret the world around him. Reuven’s relationship with David serves as a foil to Danny’s relationship with Reb, highlighting the importance of communication and emotional connection between parent and child.
Eye Injury and Insight
Reuven’s journey also involves a physical injury that leads to a deeper understanding of himself and his relationship with the world. After being hit in the eye with a baseball during a game against Danny’s team, Reuven is forced to confront his own mortality and the fragility of the human body. This experience leads him to question his own beliefs and assumptions, ultimately leading to a greater sense of empathy and understanding for those around him.
Reuven’s injury also serves as a metaphor for the larger themes of the novel, particularly the idea of seeing and being seen. Through his injury, Reuven gains a new perspective on the world around him, recognizing the limitations of his own vision and the importance of understanding others’ perspectives. This insight allows him to bridge the gap between his own Orthodox Jewish community and Danny’s Hasidic community, ultimately leading to a greater sense of unity and understanding between the two groups.
Danny Saunders’ Struggle
Hasidic Tradition vs. Secular Knowledge
Danny Saunders’ struggle in The Chosen centers around his desire to reconcile his Hasidic upbringing with his love of secular knowledge. As the son of a Hasidic tzaddik, Danny is expected to follow in his father’s footsteps and become a religious leader. However, Danny’s passion for learning extends beyond the traditional Jewish texts he is expected to study. He is particularly drawn to psychology, a subject that is considered taboo in his community.
Danny’s struggle to reconcile his love of secular knowledge with his Hasidic upbringing is a common theme in the novel. It highlights the tension between tradition and modernity that many young people experience. Danny’s journey also highlights the importance of finding a balance between one’s cultural heritage and personal interests.
Silence and Communication
Another aspect of Danny’s struggle is his strained relationship with his father, Reb Saunders. Reb Saunders is a devout Hasidic leader who believes in raising his son in silence. He believes that silence is the key to understanding the suffering of others, and he uses this technique to teach Danny empathy.
However, Danny’s silence leads to a breakdown in communication between him and his father. Danny feels isolated and alone, unable to express his thoughts and emotions. This lack of communication leads to a strained relationship between father and son.
Danny’s struggle to find his voice and communicate with his father is a powerful metaphor for the difficulties many young people face when trying to connect with their parents. It highlights the importance of open communication and the dangers of isolation and silence.
Symbols and Motifs
Baseball as a Metaphor
In “The Chosen” by Chaim Potok, baseball is used as a metaphor for war. The game is portrayed as a battle between good and bad Jews, with Danny’s team representing the former and Reuven’s team representing the latter. This symbol alludes to World War II and the ongoing conflict between the Jews and the Nazis. Reuven’s comment, “They turned the game into a war,” highlights the intensity and seriousness of the situation. This motif is used to convey the message that even seemingly harmless activities can be transformed into something much more significant.
The Library
The library is a prominent symbol in “The Chosen,” representing the power of knowledge and the search for truth. It is here that Reuven and Danny first meet, and it is also where they spend much of their time studying and discussing their ideas. The library is a place of refuge for both boys, providing them with a safe space to explore their interests and develop their intellects. It symbolizes the importance of education and the pursuit of knowledge, and serves as a reminder that learning can take place in many different contexts.
Religious and Historical References
Zionism and the Jewish State
Chaim Potok’s novel, “The Chosen,” is set during World War II, a time of great turmoil for the Jewish people. The novel chronicles the fight for and founding of the Jewish state of Israel. The character Reb Saunders is a strong supporter of Zionism and the idea of a Jewish homeland. His son Danny, on the other hand, struggles with his own beliefs and the idea of leaving his community to live in Israel.
The Talmudic Studies
Judaism plays a central role in “The Chosen,” and Potok highlights the influence of religion on his characters by filling his novel with references to and quotes from the Talmud and the Torah. The Talmudic studies are a significant part of the education of the two main characters, Reuven and Danny. The Talmud is a book of Jewish laws and lessons that teaches the importance of tradition and the study of Jewish texts. The novel explores the tension between faith and scholarship and suggests Judaism’s need to create a new philosophy for the modern world.
Character Analysis and Allegorical Roles
Reb Saunders
Reb Saunders is portrayed as a strict and authoritarian Hasidic Rabbi who raises his son Danny in silence. The silence is a form of communication that Reb Saunders uses to teach Danny empathy and understanding. Reb Saunders’ role in the novel is allegorical, representing the traditional and conservative Jewish community. His strict adherence to tradition and his reluctance to engage with the secular world is a reflection of the larger Jewish community’s struggle to adapt to modernity.
David Malter
David Malter is a liberal and progressive Zionist who raises his son Reuven to be open-minded and critical of tradition. David Malter’s role in the novel is allegorical, representing the progressive and secular Jewish community. His willingness to engage with the secular world and his support for the founding of the Jewish state of Israel is a reflection of the larger Jewish community’s struggle to adapt to modernity.
The contrast between Reb Saunders and David Malter highlights the tension between tradition and modernity within the Jewish community. Potok uses these characters to explore the complexities of Jewish identity and the challenges of adapting to a changing world. The characters’ allegorical roles provide insight into the broader cultural and historical context of the novel, making it a powerful exploration of Jewish identity and tradition.