Chaim Potok - the Chosen

In Chaim Potok’s novel The Chosen, the audience is able to witness a sense of growth in maturity in Reuven Malter’s character as he realizes that it is important to listen to people when they want to talk. Although he is continuously reminded of this theme from figures like his father, Reuven is faces with the challenge of consistently applying this idea into his own life.

When Reuven violates this concept, he closes himself off from the rest of the world and, as a result, is perceived as ignorant by the people around him. All the negative preconceptions that Reuven has of others hinder his judgment, and he finds himself incapable of interacting with people in a fair manner. An example of this takes place in chapter three when Danny desperately tries to make amends with Reuven during his visit to the hospital. At this point, Reuven has already developed a bias against Hasidic Jews and has shown a strong dislike towards Danny for injuring his eye. So, when Danny tries to talk to him, Reuven immediately insults him and sends him off in despair. He even startles himself at the way that he has spoken to Danny: “I lay back on my own pillow, trembling a little and frightened over my own anger and hate” (page 63). In this situation, not only did he hurt Danny, but Reuven also found himself in total regret over what had just happened. This shows that when he doesn’t listen, he still holds on to certain prejudices that may limit the may he interacts with the people around him.

However, when Reuven does listen, he becomes more aware of the opinions of others. In spite of Reuven’s initial reaction to his apology, Danny was still persistent in clearing the air between the two. When Reuven told his father of Danny’s visit, he, too, encouraged him to give Danny a chance: “If a person comes to apologize for having hurt you, you must listen and forgive him” (page 64). As a result of listening to what Danny had to say the second time around, they were able to address the issue and resolve the problem. Furthermore, a lifelong friendship was established, which consequently proved beneficial to both lives. If Reuven had not accepted Danny’s apology, they ultimately would not have had a chance to experience the powerful friendship that they’ve