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Respect In Chaim Potok's The Chosen

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The Importance of Respect

In Chaim Potok’s The Chosen, Reuven Malter, Danny, and Reb Saunders are three distinct characters that display their amazing, God-given characteristic of respect towards not only their family but also close friends. “Show respect even to those who don’t deserve it; not as a reflection of their character, but as a reflection of yours.” (Dave Willis) Derived from this quote is a good challenger and motivator to people of all religions to show respect and gratitude towards people who might not even deserve it. Reuven Malter displays respect toward his good friend, Danny Saunders, when he deeply studies the writings of psychoanalysis. Danny Saunders also treats not only his friend, Reuven Malter with respect of his religion, but also his father who normally strays away from speaking to his son. Reb Saunders, the father of Danny, has the job of a Jewish rabbi, and must constantly respect his son’s keen interest in topics other than religion. First, Reuven Malter’s respect will stand tested when his friend wants to discuss matters that do not have to do with religion.

Reuven Malter, also a son of a Jewish rabbi, constantly studies and tries to understand the history and meaning of his religion. When hit in the eye by a baseball, Reuven has the chance of losing sight in one of his eyes. Though Reuven feels terrible, he also receives a benefit of learning more about the boy who hit the baseball, Danny Saunders, and eventually befriending him. As

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