Father Son Relationships In The Chosen By Chaim Potok

The Chosen “The Chosen” is a novel by Chaim Potok following the friendship of two Jewish boys who grew up in Brooklyn nearing the end of World War II. Chaim Potok introduces many relationships throughout the book, this includes David Malter and Reb Saunders. Throughout the story, we begin recognizing the differences between the two fathers as well as the similarities. Reb Saunders raised Danny Saunders in silence, meaning that Reb does not speak to his own son unless they are studying the Talmud. Danny and Reb had not had an ordinary conversation with Danny since he was four years old because Reb Saunders wants to teach Danny “What it is to have a soul” (Potok, 265). Reb wanted his son to understand the meaning of pain so he shuts Danny out completely. David Malter and Reuven are constantly exchanging their views on life and have a very powerful father-son relationship based on their communication. Reuven …show more content…
When the topic of Zionism is brought up, Reb does not agree with Zionist activists and believes that “God will build the land, not Ben Gurion and his goyim” (Potok, 187). David Malter agrees with Zionism and is very blunt about it. Reuven’s own beliefs on Zionism corresponds with David’s, and Reb Saunders teaches Danny to have similar beliefs. Reuven and Danny’s contrasting beliefs on Zionism influenced a conflict between them. Both fathers are religious scholars, yet their perspective on Judaism are comprehensively different. David Malter raises Reuven to be a well-rounded person, unlike Reb Saunders, who taught his son in silence. Reb Saunders taught Danny in silence to teach him about compassion and to have cognition of others. “The Chosen” revolves around Reb Saunders and David Malter’s religious beliefs regarding Zionism. Throughout the novel, the author, Chaim Potok, portrays two different father and son