Creation of Identity in Chaim Potok’s The Chosen :: Potok Chosen Essays

Creation of Identity in The Chosen Many forces can powerfully change the identity of a person. In the novel, The Chosen, a few of these forces are religion, family, and friends. Religion is one of the main points in anyones identity and much of the book is based around the fact that the main characters, Reuven and Danny, are Jewish. In Danny's case religion changes the entire way he was raised, as his father puts it, "I did not want to drive my son away from God, but I did not want him to grow up a mind without a soul." (Potok pg. 266) During Reb Saunders explanation of why he raised his son in silence he reveals that both God and a soul were key factors, these being both religious. Another example of religion playing a part on ones identity is when the fathers of the boys catch themselves in a battle over Zionism, Reb says "I'll tell you who says it! True Jews do not say such a thing." (Potok pg. 188) Reb Saunders words in response to David Malter's opinion take a shot at Reuven's identity. By challenging Reuven's beliefs it is hitting his identity quite hard, the issue is so touchy the boys stop talking over it. Family is another big chunk of one's identity. Reb Saunders identity is changed through many experiences of his brother. This not only affects him but affects Danny as well, seeing as he was raised on his uncle's mistakes, "Reuven, I did not want my Daniel to become like my brother." His brothers mistakes challenged Reb to step up and follow in his fathers legacy, and when his son is caught in the same position it affects how he was treated. Family is also what you are taught by and things can be both beneficial and non. When first meeting Reb Saunders, Reb asks Reuven, "And you know Hebrew. A son of David Malter surely knows Hebrew." (Potok pg. 121) A normal child may not understand Hebrew, but in Reuven's case because his father is very religious he does. Your knowledge of the world is very much part of your identity and your family definitely affects that.