Danny Saunders Character Analysis

Danny Saunders is just like any other kid who feels forced into doing what his dad wants him to do. Throughout the book Danny is forced to study, learn, and reiterate knowledge of the Talmud to practice his Hasidic faith. His father, Reb Saunders, does not even speak to him unless it is about the Talmud or the study of it. Danny is conflicted with his traditional way of religion and his new found love for psychoanalytic. However with his love for psychology, he soon becomes more modernized with religion instead of his once traditional way of it. Throughout the book, the author, Chaim Potok, shows the transitions in numerous ways in the character Danny Saunders. In the beginning of the book, Danny’s softball team is described by Reuven, the main character, by the looks of their appearance. Reuven states that they are all uniform with their traditional ear locks and closely cropped hair. This appearance to Reuven makes him assume they are very traditional Jews. However as the game progresses, Danny’s softball team talked a lot of smacked to Reuven’s team …show more content…
While there he tries to study psychoanalytics, but soon becomes disappointed because the college does more experimental psychology. That is not what he wants to do. He then decides, with the help of Reuven, that he should discuss his interest in psychoanalysis with his professor. After his discussion he soon believes that experimental psychology is very useful in the field of psychology. This discussion is critical because it proves that Danny can be influenced. A traditional Jew would never change the way he feels about a subject, but a more modern one would. While attending the college, Danny is also being influenced by the world. After Danny is close to graduating he applies to a graduate school for psychology without letting his father know. This shows that Danny is rebelling against his father’s wishes in order to pursue his more modern