The Chosen Identity Quotes

You probably remember this passage from the beginning of the novel. The boys play baseball in order to be identified as loyal Americans. As we know if we remember McCarthyism, this kind of identification can be dangerous. As the boys grow, they learn that being a loyal American is as personal a thing as religion, and that it doesn’t have much to do with baseball.

Danny and his teammates took the baseball-war metaphor that we see in the early parts of the novel to extreme. Some of this is complicated play, but part of it speaks directly to Danny’s identity at that time. He is so lonely, frustrated, and trapped, that he really does feel like killing somebody.

Reuven takes on kind of a dual identity in this moment, or, rather, his identity fragments. His name becomes a symbol of his difference from the people around him, and he chooses to neutralize this difference by changing his name to something neutral. Many of you probably have "unusual" names. Have you ever modified it when speaking to a stranger? Or maybe you think your name is too plain and boring, or that it doesn’t express who you are. Or maybe you just don’t like your name and decide to make all your friends call you something of your own choosing. Since our names are given to us by others, they are an interesting factor in identity.

Reuven begins to understand that appearances are not always a good measure of identity. It’s a good thing his glasses broke when they did.

As a result of meeting Danny, Reuven’s identity is shifting and changing more rapidly than it was before. As he rises to meet his new identity, every thing becomes new and exciting.

When Danny reads a book of so-called history that speaks disparagingly of the Hasidim, even to the point of slander, he feels a massive confusion. Even though he has nothing to do with the people written about in the book, he looks like them, dresses like them, and lives like them. He feels like the whole idea he’s had of himself all along is a lie. Everyone tells him not to pay attention to what he’s just read, but it sticks to him nonetheless, and intensifies his desire to be free from the identity he was born into.

Imprisoned by his own hair! Not fun. Of course, there are plenty of guys that feel very comfortable with their beards and earlocks, like our friend Matisyahu. Danny might, too, one day. All he wants is the choice.

We see that the Reb mirrors his father in child-rearing techniques, as well as how one important aspect of his identity was formed. A big part of his identity is sadness. He considers this sadness a gift, and one that should be passed on. What do you think of this?

Danny’s face looks pale because it’s just now seeing the light of day. But, also, probably because he’s been through a battle to get the freedom to use a razor. Sometimes we take the little things for granted.