How we cite our quotes: Citations follow this format: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
[…] I walked slowly through the apartment. I had lived in it my entire life, but I never really saw it until I went through it that Friday afternoon. (5.10)
Living in the eye ward for that week gives Reuven a renewed appreciation for the comfort of his home, and he basks in it with his newfound vision.
Quote #2
That night, as we sat at the kitchen table, with the Shabbat meal over, […] my father answered some of my questions about Danny Saunders. (104.1)
When we see Reuven and David like this, we can understand why Reuven can’t understand Danny and the Reb aren’t talking.
Quote #3
"You live in this house?"
"We have the upper two floors. It’s a fine arrangement." (7.88)
We find this passage interesting because it shows that, for the Reb, there is very little difference between his immediate family and the family of his congregation. The passage also highlights the differences in Danny’s and Reuven’s family homes.
Quote #4
"How would I feel if someone gave you books to read which I believed might be harmful to you?" (8.78)
David is afraid he’s violating the sanctity of the Reb’s home by usurping the Reb’s role as Danny’s father. Do you think he did the right thing?
Quote #5
He introduced me to his mother and sister. (8.88)
Why doesn’t Reuven ever tell us these women’s names? Does it have anything to do with the fact that, after his mother passed away, there are no women in his life besides his housekeeper? Is Reuven afraid of them? Does he find them unimportant? The question is, does the novel give us enough information to figure this out? Check out the women’s "Character Analysis" for more on this issue.
Quote #6
"Silence? What do you mean, Danny is being brought up in silence?"
"They never talk, abba, except when they study Talmud." (8.157)
Initially, David is shocked by the Reb’s idea of how to raise a son, but he later understands it, even if he doesn’t agree. Does the Reb’s way better prepare Danny for his transition to his own home, in the larger world? Or, has he damaged his son’s idea of home irrevocably?
Quote #7
On the first day of July, I packed a bag and took a cab to Reb Saunders’s house. I moved into Danny’s room. (11.160)
In this moment, we see Reuven’s idea of home turned upside down. At the beginning of the novel, Danny’s home is completely alien to Reuven. Now, it’s his home, too.
Quote #8
I lived alone. (14.27)
Reuven's idea of home is shattered, at least for a while. A house without David and Danny turns Reuven’s home into an empty shell.
Quote #9
"Forgive me…for everything…I have done…A─ a wiser father…may have done differently. I am not…wise." (18.49)
What a moment! The Reb does everything he can to repair the damage he did to his home in imposing the silent treatment on Danny. He’s afraid that he’s done the wrong thing, which is what starts the healing process. So long as he is convinced that his actions were right, there is no possibility for dialogue.