Why Is Danny Saunders In The Chosen

As one of the main characters in Chaim Potok’s The Chosen, Danny Saunders plays an extensive and fascinating part in the book. One day he will replace his esteemed father, Reb Saunders, as tzaddik in the Hasidic Jewish community. He possesses a highly developed intellect and easily deciphers complex ideas. Curious about the world, he reads in secret to try to gain a better understanding. Danny is also conflicted about his future and feels trapped. His developed intellect, secular curiosity, and conflicted feelings all make him an intriguing character.

One of Danny’s main character traits is his superior intellect. Even as a fifteen year old, he understands difficult concepts with ease. His photographic mind allows him to memorize pages and even entire books with little …show more content…
Danny’s father expects him to become the tzaddik and rule their Hasidic community. But Danny desires to be a psychologist and explore the world. These conflicting feelings leave Danny feeling trapped into becoming something he does not want to be. Danny discusses these feelings with his friend Reuven. “I have no choice. It’s like a dynasty… I can’t just walk out on them. I’m-I’m a little trapped. (82)” Danny wants to talk to his father about his dilemma, but his father refuses speak to him.

Chaim Potok has created in Danny Saunders a fascinating and complex character. His intellect throughout the book adds depth and intrigue. No one else his age can match his mental abilities. His capacity for knowledge increases his curiosity. This curiosity to know more creates questions in Danny’s worldview and deepens the plot. Danny is left torn between becoming a psychologist and embracing the world, or fulfilling his father’s expectations and rejecting the world. His intellectual depth, worldly curiosity, and conflicted thoughts all make the book an exceptional