How is silence used in The Chosen?
How is silence used in The Chosen?
Silence is present throughout the novel, although its importance is obscure until the novel’s resolution. Potok often inserts the word “silence” in the text, leaving us to figure out its meaning. For example, in Chapter 4, Reuven notes that a “warm silence, … not in the least bit awkward” passes between him and Danny.
What are some themes in The Chosen?
The Chosen Themes
- Judaism and Tradition. The Chosen takes place in an Orthodox community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn that is shaped by Jewish faith and customs.
- Choosing and Being Chosen. The title, The Chosen, introduces this theme immediately into the novel.
- Fathers, Sons, and Rebellion.
- Friendship.
- World War II and War.
What is the purpose of Reuven narrating The Chosen?
Reuven works well as a narrator because we share his position as a curious outsider looking in on the unfamiliar, secret world of Hasidism. Reuven is a more accessible character than Danny; it is more difficult for us to relate to Danny’s unique genius and his Hasidic lifestyle.
What is the meaning of The Chosen by Chaim Potok?
The novel’s title refers to the idea that the Jews are God’s chosen people and therefore hold special privileges and responsibilities. Both Danny and Reuven fulfill their duty by studying Jewish liturgy, and they derive great pleasure from Jewish traditions.
Why does Reb Saunders raise Danny in silence?
Reb Saunders reveals that the silence he imposed upon Danny was a way to teach him compassion, to teach him to feel the suffering of others. His own father raised him that way. He says that bearing this burden of suffering is a fundamental part of being a tzaddik.
What is the moral of The Chosen?
The Chosen by Chaim Potok thrusts the reader into the lives of two boys who are trying to maintain a friendship in spite of differing views on Judaism. We’ll explore the themes of father-son relationships, the conflict between the religious and secular way of life, and the pursuit of the American dream.
Why was Rev Saunders able to accept the fact that Danny was choosing to study to become a psychologist?
However, by the end of the novel, he is able to find a balance between the religious and secular worlds, which is why his father can release him from his obligation to become a rabbi and accept his becoming a psychologist.
Who is the antagonist in The Chosen?
Danny’s father, Rabbi Isaac Saunders, is the antagonist in The Chosen.
Why did Reb Saunders not talk to Danny’s childhood?
He explains that only knowledge of the immense suffering in the world can redeem one’s soul. Reb Saunders reveals that the silence he imposed upon Danny was a way to teach him compassion, to teach him to feel the suffering of others. His own father raised him that way.
What is the mood of The Chosen?
By Chaim Potok Such intense questioning often leads to intense frustration. Nobody said deep insight was easy. Yet, all that frustration can also lead to moments of beautiful clarity, like when Danny learns to hear silence.
What is Danny Saunders studying in the library?
Danny says he has been studying German so that he can read Freud, and Reuven is astonished, thinking about the parallels between Danny and Solomon Maimon. In Danny’s absence, Reb Saunders reveals to Reuven that he knows about his son’s secret reading at the library and studying with Reuven’s father.
Who is the protagonist in the chosen?
Danny Saunders
It’s easy to identify Danny Saunders as our protagonist, the hero of our story, though it probably isn’t evident right away.
What does the symbol of silence mean in the chosen?
The space left by silence is a powerful tool in The Chosen, leaving room for thought, pain, instruction and communion. The The Chosen quotes below all refer to the symbol of Silence. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one: ).
What are the chosen quotes in the chosen?
The Chosen Quotes Quote 1: “For the first fifteen years of our lives, Danny and I lived within five blocks of each other and neither of us knew of the other’s existence.” Chapter 1, p.11 Quote 2: “There were fifteen of them, and they were dressed alike in white shirts, dark pants, white sweaters, and small black skullcaps.
What does Chaim Potok say in the chosen?
The Chosen Quotes Showing 1-30 of 33 “I’ve begun to realize that you can listen to silence and learn from it. It has a quality and a dimension all its own.” ― Chaim Potok, The Chosen
What does silence mean in the chosen by Reb Saunders?
This points to the fact that silence in The Chosen represents introspection and self-knowledge. At the same time silence can also represent great connection and understanding between two people. Reb Saunders wishes that everyone could communicate without words.
