How does The Chosen demonstrate that suffering Essay Example
How does The Chosen demonstrate that suffering Essay Example

How does The Chosen demonstrate that suffering Essay Example

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  • Pages: 3 (636 words)
  • Published: July 28, 2017
  • Type: Analysis
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Suffering is inherently difficult and evil to endure, but it has the potential to bring forth positive outcomes. At some point in our lives, we will encounter suffering, whether it manifests physically or mentally. It is a universally accepted truth that no individual willingly desires to experience suffering, as it is an undesirable state. In The Chosen, Potok skillfully showcases the ability of suffering to yield beneficial results. Instances of suffering are prevalent throughout the novel, as Potok explores this theme extensively.

Most characters in The Chosen experience some form of suffering which may elicit sympathy. However, it is important to note that their suffering ultimately brings about positive change and well-being. Potok effectively portrays this theme throughout the novel. One example of suffering is depicted through the war. Danny's father, Reb Saunders, along w

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ith several other Jewish families, migrated from war-stricken Russia to America. Despite the horrors of war and the loss of many Jewish lives, there is a silver lining amidst all the suffering.

Reb Saunders guided his Hasidic followers to America, a place where they discovered tranquility far from their native land, bringing an end to their hardship. This clearly illustrates the existence of benevolence. A separate example of adversity is presented early in the novel, during a softball game between Reuven and Danny. The match creates a harmonious encounter between non-Hasidic Jews and Hasidic Jews. It's within this contest that Danny strikes a softball at Reuven's left eye, causing his spectacles to break and inflicting injury on his eye.

Reuven is hurriedly taken to the hospital for a surgical operation on his eye, which was injured by broken glass. He experiences severe pain and

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is terrified that he might remain semi-blind permanently. During his stay in the hospital, Reuven meets two visually impaired individuals: a boy named Billy and an older gentleman called Mr. Savo. Even with their sight issues, they assist Reuven in viewing the world from a fresh angle. Notably, Billy stands out due to his internal resilience and positive attitude.

Contrarily, Reuven is engulfed with animosity and rage because of the softball match, positioning him starkly different from Billy. Nevertheless, an injury to his eye causing intense agony leads Reuven to the hospital and this painful experience proves beneficial for him. It helps him see life differently and overhaul his world view completely. During his stay in the hospital, he meets both Billy and Mr. Savo who further aid in shaping this change.

Before the mishap, Reuven was a self-centered individual with poor eyesight, which hindered his ability to distinguish among the Hasidic players. These fifteen players all wore similar attire - white shirts, dark trousers, white jumpers and tiny black yarmulkes. The glasses that Reuven wore contributed to his distorted perception of his environment by symbolically obscuring his sight and hindering him from discerning things clearly. It is during his hospital stay that he gains empathy from Billy and Mr. Savo, enabling him to shift focus from himself and becoming more conscious about the world around him. His intrigue about war indicates an interest beyond merely focusing on himself.

Upon Reuven's discharge from the hospital, he undergoes a complete transformation. Interestingly enough, he cultivates a deep bond with Danny Saunders, an individual he didn't anticipate forming such a relationship with. Consequently, despite all the pain and hardship endured

during his hospital stay, it turned out to be significantly beneficial and greatly influenced his psychological well-being positively. "My perspective on life became clearer, everything seemed vibrant, renewed and pure. It was akin to experiencing an early morning sunray glistening through trees, accompanied by a feeling of novelty in every corner. There was this sensation as if I had been lost in darkness for ages but now have found my way back home into the sunlight."

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