Summary:
Analyzes the novel, the Chosen. Provides a character analysis of Danny. Describes his struggle to survive and details how he succeeds.
As people mature they begin to realize what the destination of their lives will be, but the also remember those who helped them to get there. In "The Chosen" Danny is a faithful religious young man. When he meets Reuven he becomes interested in many other fascinating things. Without Reuven, Danny was a lost soul. He found his vocation with the help of friendship and psychoanalysis.
Danny was a vicious young man at the beginning of this book. He did not like apikorsim jews, but was scheduled to play a baseball game against them; against a team who included Reuven. Danny played with aggression and swung with power at every pitch in attempt to somehow injure his opponents. When Reuven caught Danny's first hit, it left Danny feeling dejected and mad at Reuven, which would cause tension later in the baseball game. Another example of viciousness on Danny's part is when he say to Reuven, "I told my whole team that we're going to kill you apikorsim." Leaving Reuven with a lump in his throat, this quote really demonstrates the hostility of the hasid jews. The apposing team is overcome with fear and try to avoid being murdered by the hasids for the rest of the game. Later in the game Danny steps up for another turn at bat, and still with a grudging attitude tries to hit Reuven, who is the pitcher at this time. Danny is successful in his venture and manages to hit Reuven square in the eye. He does not feel any sympathy for Reuven, instead chuckles at his misfortune.
Danny begins to Repent what he had done to Reuven and offers his friendship. Danny goes to the hospital and tells Reuven that he was miserable and that he was sorry for what he had done. Reuven decides not to accept this apology and Danny walks away. Danny does not give up and persists on being Reuvens friend, simply because they are of the same intellect. Another example of Danny trying to develop this friendship is when he invites Reuven to the Library where they read novels and discuss their interests. Danny is grateful when Reuven gives him the appropriate books to read, and he often reads the book at the library until it is finished so he comment on it with Reuven. Danny also invites Reuven to his Synagogue. At first Reuven is greeted with queer looks from other members of the synagogue, but Danny reassures him and tells the members that they are friends. Danny involves Reuven in Talmud debates with his father and helps Reuven to learn more things about his religion, illustrating their close relationship.
Danny becomes comfortable around Reuven and becomes more and more curious in things that go against the teaching on his religion. Danny reveals that he had always been a fan of psychology and starts to read Freud and his theories of psychoanalysis. Danny struggles to grasp the concepts of Freud's theories and often becomes offended when Freud contradicts his religion, even though Reuven explains how Freud could be worng. Danny becomes so involved with Freud's theories that he begins to change his way of thinking. He becomes even more curious about his religion as he doubts the validness of the Talmud. This is an astonishing discovery for Reuven because Danny is the next in line to become the tzaddik of his community. Danny still interacts in Talmud but the energy and enthusiasm that he once had is visually lost. Danny becomes confused and curious when mathematics is introduced in the teaching of psychology at his college. He refuses to accept the usefulness of experimental psychology. When Reuven helps him with the mathematics Danny realizes its importance and shows his professor his real potential. Danny ultimately decides to go to Columbia University to study to become a Psychologist. He showed many, including his good friend Reuven that he could be independent from the family tradition.
Danny showed perseverance through struggle and confusion. He proved his ability to solve complicated problems by breaking everything into simple stages. He became an independent young man, relinquishing himself to the real world and all its glory. His story has taught many to follow their dreams by staying focused on the passions and skills.
This is the complete article, containing 709 words
(approx. 2 pages at 300 words per page).
