In the book The Chosen, Danny is uncertain, lonely, and brilliant. Many of the other characters recognize Danny as the son of the famous Hassidic rabbi Reb Saunders. As the oldest son, his parents are raising him to take over his father's position. This requires much hard study and brims with high expectations. Danny seems uncertain about his faith and the world around him. Although he meets Reuven Malter early in the book Danny still feels lonely because of his lack of human contact. Finally, he showcases his brilliance through his many hard hours of study.
Once the book introduces Danny, it shows his brilliance. On top of all his school he reads 8 books per week. He finds this easy because of his photographic memory. Mr. Malter, Reuven’s father, says “But he is a phenomenon. Once in a generation is a mind like that born.”…show more content… Since he will take over the leadership of his synagogue, he seems set apart from the other characters. Even his father avoids speaking to him. Once he meets Reuven, the main character, he fills a portion of Danny's loneliness, but much remains. On page 110, Mr. Malter says just that. "Reb Saunder's son is a terribly torn and lonely boy. There is literally no one in the world he can talk to. He needs a friend." Mr. Malter tries to fill the other part of his loneliness, but what he needs is a true mentor, such as his father.
Several sections of the story show Danny's uncertainty. One of the spots comes from page 153. My father isn't like that at all." His voice was sad, and it trembled a little. He really worries about his people." Danny questions his faith here when he reads a book that condemns his religion as hypocritical. This and his desire to study psychology cause him to wish he didn't have to become the leader of the synagogue. In these situations Reuven attempts to fill his need for discussion, although Danny needs someone more
