Grade Ten: Theology
Course: Sacred Scripture
Text: The Chosen
Author: Chaim Potak
Summer Reading Primer
Main Characters
Rueven Malter
Danny Sanders
David Malter
Reb Saunders
Levi Saunders
Mr. Galanter
Rev Gershenson
Tony Savo
Billy Merrit
Roger Merritt
Mickey
Davey Cantor
Solomon Maimon
Professor Appleman
Key Themes
- Silence as a Path to the Soul
- The Conflict between Tradition and Modernity
- Choosing vs. Being Chosen
- Father-Son Relationships
- Perception
- Suffering
Summary Questions
1.
How did Danny and Reuven come to know each other?
2.
What did World War II have to do with the story?
3.
Discuss the “accident” on the mound.
4.
What do you know about Mr. Galanter?
5. Explain the meaning of the following quote: “About three or four such Hasidic sects
populated the area in which Danny and I grew up.”
6.
Why do you think Reuven treated Billy so nicely?
7.
Explain Reuven’s change of heart towards Danny after the accident.
8.
How would you describe Danny’s relationship with his father?
9.
What is the connection between Reuven’s father and Danny?
10.
Who were the “murderers” and why were they known by that name?
11.
Explain the meaning of the terms “Zionists” and “anti-Zionists.”
12.
What is Danny’s connection to Sigmund Freud?
13.
What were the main courses of study at the Yeshiva schools?
14.
What did Danny want to do for a living?
15.
Towards the end of the book, why did Reb Saunders want to speak with Reuven?
16.
Why do you suppose the title, The Chosen, was chosen?
What did his father think about this?