Social – Postwar America in the mid and late twentieth century was the age of social change ranging from equal rights to popular music. World War II has allowed has allowed America to finally break free from the Great Depression. There was much focus on the industry part of society and America was kept well busy. What was almost hidden behind this era was those who lived in poverty. There seemed to be a large gap between the rich and the poor at this time. The wealthy were a big part of the ever growing business industry whereas the poor were made complete outcasts, consisting of minorities and unskilled workers. The big number of those who lived in poverty finally sought for the need to change. This has allowed for the rise of protests, rallies
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He grew up in a very conservative and religious family and decided he would carry his religion with him. His first novel is The Chosen, which was written in 1967. This book is known to encompass his own personal experiences and thus gives it a more realistic taste. His books seem to reflect his actual experiences as they tend to focus on the Jewish and their search for belonging and identity. Potok separates the modernized Jewish culture in America from what he thinks is the true and original Jewish culture. This mirrors his life as an American Jew born and raised in the New York. Potok values the relationship of family in his books, especially between father and son, as the father would pass on their culture down to the son so that it can be passed for many more generations to come. There is also great emphasis on teachers in Potok’s books. As Potok has enrolled in religious schools, he most likely saw the teachers as a figure of great influence. Overall, Potok places great emphasis on the spiritual life and how that brings together people, forming deep bonds; but during his time, the minorities were still fighting for their rights, so it often times the communities were scattered. There were still many Jews from other counties that did not have anywhere near the same freedom as those who lived in a country like America; and thus, the move for equality was an awakening for Jewish activists to help their other Jewish communities in other parts of the world
He grew up in a very conservative and religious family and decided he would carry his religion with him. His first novel is The Chosen, which was written in 1967. This book is known to encompass his own personal experiences and thus gives it a more realistic taste. His books seem to reflect his actual experiences as they tend to focus on the Jewish and their search for belonging and identity. Potok separates the modernized Jewish culture in America from what he thinks is the true and original Jewish culture. This mirrors his life as an American Jew born and raised in the New York. Potok values the relationship of family in his books, especially between father and son, as the father would pass on their culture down to the son so that it can be passed for many more generations to come. There is also great emphasis on teachers in Potok’s books. As Potok has enrolled in religious schools, he most likely saw the teachers as a figure of great influence. Overall, Potok places great emphasis on the spiritual life and how that brings together people, forming deep bonds; but during his time, the minorities were still fighting for their rights, so it often times the communities were scattered. There were still many Jews from other counties that did not have anywhere near the same freedom as those who lived in a country like America; and thus, the move for equality was an awakening for Jewish activists to help their other Jewish communities in other parts of the world