Agency is a right and privilege that has been gifted to all mankind. Regardless of circumstance or condition, this freedom of choice cannot be taken away or denied, however, every choice has consequence, be it positive or negative. Chaim Potok’s, The Chosen, beautifully demonstrates this principle through the immaculate illustration of the struggles of modern assimilated Jew, Reuven Malter, and his Hasidic friend, Danny Saunders, with obtaining the courage to choose their own paths despite the negative consequences. Reuven and Danny both feared the consequence of choosing the life they wanted to live. A prevailing theme throughout The Chosen claims that one must choose their own religious, career, and political life despite the expectations
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If these political beliefs are acted upon, one’s life becomes more meaningful. In the novel, Danny expresses his frustration at the political restriction placed on him due to his father’s views when he privately told Reuven that he wanted to join his Zionist group (Zionism was a movement dedicated to the establishment of a Jewish homeland in the Holy Land after the end of the Second World War) but was unable due to his father’s views on the issue (Potok 327). Danny’s father placed a restriction on his followers’ political views because he disagreed with them. He maintained this standard by verbally exploding at any instance of Zionist ideas being mentioned in his presence (Potok 286). Reb Saunders’ explosions served two purposes: they were an attempt to control the views of those outside his realm of control, and also his method of instilling his anti-Zionist ideas into his congregation. Danny’s father’s ideas were forced upon him, and he was not willing to exercise his agency and disagree with his father for fear of the consequences. Another example the novel offers of this idea of political fulfillment would be David Malter’s efforts to make the dream of a Jewish homeland a reality. “I want to be worthy of rest when I am no longer here…” (Potok 312). David believes that his efforts to promote Zionism make his life meaningful. His efforts to live his political beliefs enhance the lives of those closest to him and those across an ocean, therefore his life is more meaningful. Political beliefs, if acted upon, make one’s life more worthwhile, while letting them be decided for them adds no substance to one’s
If these political beliefs are acted upon, one’s life becomes more meaningful. In the novel, Danny expresses his frustration at the political restriction placed on him due to his father’s views when he privately told Reuven that he wanted to join his Zionist group (Zionism was a movement dedicated to the establishment of a Jewish homeland in the Holy Land after the end of the Second World War) but was unable due to his father’s views on the issue (Potok 327). Danny’s father placed a restriction on his followers’ political views because he disagreed with them. He maintained this standard by verbally exploding at any instance of Zionist ideas being mentioned in his presence (Potok 286). Reb Saunders’ explosions served two purposes: they were an attempt to control the views of those outside his realm of control, and also his method of instilling his anti-Zionist ideas into his congregation. Danny’s father’s ideas were forced upon him, and he was not willing to exercise his agency and disagree with his father for fear of the consequences. Another example the novel offers of this idea of political fulfillment would be David Malter’s efforts to make the dream of a Jewish homeland a reality. “I want to be worthy of rest when I am no longer here…” (Potok 312). David believes that his efforts to promote Zionism make his life meaningful. His efforts to live his political beliefs enhance the lives of those closest to him and those across an ocean, therefore his life is more meaningful. Political beliefs, if acted upon, make one’s life more worthwhile, while letting them be decided for them adds no substance to one’s