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

Creation of Identity in The Chosen     Many forces can strongly 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 found around the fact that the main characters, Reuven and Danny, are Jewish. In Dannys case religion changes the entire way he was raised, as his father puts it, I did not motive 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 wherefore he raised his son in silence he reveals that both God and a soul were key factors, these being both religious. Another object lesson of religion playing a part on ones identity is when the fathers of the boys catch themselves in a battle over Zionism, Reb says Ill tell you who says it True Jews do not say such a thing. (Potok pg. 188) Reb Saunders words in response to David Malters opinion take a shot at Reuvens identity. By gainsay Reuvens 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 ones identity. Reb Saunders identity is changed by many experiences of his brother. This not only affects him but affects Danny as well, seeing as he was raised on his uncles mistakes, Reuven, I did not want my Daniel to become handle 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 Reuvens case because his father is very religious he does. Your knowledge of the world is very much part o f your identity and your family decidedly affects that.