The Chosen By Chaim Potok Character Analysis

The definition of compassion: sympathetic pity and concern for the sufferings or misfortunes of others. As this definition shows compassion shows concern for other that every person would love to have. In The Chosen written by Chaim Potok, Mr. Potok really presents compassion in his book. Not only does he display compassion in one of his character but in every single one he gives them compassion that is expressed in different ways. He goes into detail example of compassion with each of his characters and really emphasizes the true meaning of compassion. Three main character that he shows compassion through in different ways are, Reuven, Mr. Malter and Reb Sanders.

To begin with, Reuven shows great companion for other, even in his teenage years. He demonstrates throughout the book that he really cares for others and that he takes their burden upon himself. He shows how he actually suffers with others with their hardships and he never only thinks about himself. For example, when Reuven learns that his little friend Billy did not get his eye sight back, the book says, “I felt myself break out into cold sweat. The hand holding the phone began to tremble and I had to push the phone against my face to keep it steady.” (173) These two sentences completely show how Reuven really wanted Billy to get his eye sight back and when he learned

Malter also shows compassion for others in the Chosen. In many occasions when something for the worst happens to the people around, Mr. Malter becomes so worried that his health goes down. He starts to worry so much for other and their problems that he forgets his own. In the beginning of the book, when Reuven gets hit in the baseball he remarks while in the hospital, “My Father came in looking very pale and worn.” (63) Then later on in the book when Reuven gets better Mr. Malter’s health coms back to him and he starts acting normal again. Showing these scenes Chaim Potok really captured Mr. Malter’s