Do You See What I See

'Do you see what I see?' When the novel "The Chosen" is read, the reader sees the story from out of Reuven's eyes (or in one case 'eye'); but if that same book was read from Danny's perspective then it would become a whole new story; for that is what life is. One person lives the story of their own life while their best friend, though he lives through the same events, lives his own defined story. In The Chosen there are many times when Reuven just cannot understand why Danny has to or can't do something. The book covers Reuven's view very well, but what about Danny? What might the author be trying to point out? Perspective is everything in one's interpretation of any situation.

In the story Reuven sees Danny's situation, first as smaller than Danny makes it out to be and keeps asking Danny why he can't just talk to his father. Eventually Danny says, "I can't! Don't you listen to what I'm saying," and Reuven realizes that Danny's situation is really to big for his to understand. But what might Danny be feeling about it? In one instance he admits that he feels trapped. This can be connected to the struggling fly caught on the spider's web that Reuven saves in chapter nine. Danny is that fly, and though Reuven doesn't understand what Danny is going through, because the web seems so weak and easily broken. Danny seems to feel hopeless, depressed and afraid. He is afraid of his father whom he respects. (transition to next)

Reuven however does not respect Reb Saunders like Danny does, the very one who is under his rein of silence. How could this be? Maybe Danny sees the strength his father possesses, the gift of leadership that he has, and needs, to lead his people, the Hasidic Jews. Reuven on the other hand just sees a tyrant. Danny said that he respected his father, and would always respect him no matter what he did.