Character Analysis: The Chosen By Chaim Potok

“Knowledge comes from learning. Wisdom comes from living.” This quote from Anthony Douglas shows that as people go through life, they will gain wisdom. Many Jewish students study the book of Talmud, “for it was the automatic guarantee for brilliance” (4). No matter how brilliant people are, they will only gain wisdom by living out their life through the good, and through the bad. In “The Chosen” by Chaim Potok, several of the older characters such as Tony Savo, Mr. Malter, and Reb Saunders; all demonstrate their wisdom to the younger generation.

One of the first mature characters that impact Reuven's life is Tony Savo. He is a great guy, tough exterior, and a soft gentile heart. Although the circumstances under which they meet aren't great, Tony is still able to give Reuven some small advice which; he has learned the hard way over the years. This happens when he tells Reuven “Anyone clops you, he's got a thing going. Old Tony knows. You watch them real good you hear?” Even though what Danny did really was an accident, this is still something good for Reuven to remember. This may not be the best piece of wisdom that Reuven hears, but it is certianly something for Reuven to remember. Tony Savo is a great man who has gained his share of wisdom over the years and is definitely someone who Reuven will remember.

Malter) is another great character who has learned a lot over the years and he shares some of that wisdom and knowledge with his son. He shows Reuven not to be so quick to judge and make assumptions without all the facts. When Reuven assumes that Danny tried to kill or seriously injure him, Mr. Malter corrects him by saying “Things are always what they seem to be, Reuven? Since when?” (50) This is everyone's shortcoming, people tend to assume and make conclusions based on what they think, without knowing everything. Mr. Malter helps Reuven to understand this simple, yet very important