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David Malter Depicted In Chaim Potok's The Chosen

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Of all the characters in The Chosen, by Chaim Potok, David Malter seems the most Christ-like. Mr. Malter has a son named Reuven Malter, who befriends a Hasidic boy named Danny Saunders. Throughout the story, Mr. Malter helps the two boys in the things they do. David Malter demonstrates the most Christ-like characteristics, because he shows correcting, encouraging, and teaching, which reflects Jesus’ traits.

Mr. Malter often shows his disapproval of ungodly behavior and corrects it when he sees it happening. When Reuven expresses his hatred towards Danny Saunders for hitting a baseball into Reuven’s left eye, Mr. Malter reprimands his son and quotes from Talmud: “If a person comes to apologize for having hurt you, you must listen and forgive him” (68). Another instance happened when Danny revealed to his father that he had drawn back from speaking to Reb Saunders for some time, and Mr. Malter becomes angry. He tells Reuven that when someone tries speaking to him, he must listen and let that person speak. In addition to correcting, Mr. Malter also encourages those around him.

Despite many conflicts, Mr. Malter supports and encourages Danny and Reuven throughout the story. Danny often went to the library to read secular books, where is also he meets Mr. Malter and asks him for book recommendations. Since Mr. Malter saw what an …show more content…

Mr. Malter also expresses these traits when he helped Reuven and Danny. He corrected Reuven several times in the story for his mistakes, such as his hatred and silence. Mr. Malter also encouraged the two boys in the things they did, whether it took place in the library or if it involved what Reuven dreamed of becoming. Lastly, Mr. Malter taught important lessons and gave valuable advice to Reuven and Danny during their arduous journey. Though Mr. Malter is not a perfect god, he does demonstrate several Christ-like characteristics throughout the

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