es place in New York City during World War II, and being Jewish, the stage is set for a turbulent time. However there is something to be said about how an environment can alter ones actions. As we studied in Webb, and Anthology, the environment of the learning area is a big influence on the quality of education one will receive. It is interesting that the two boys are sons of prominent Jewish teachers, during WWII, as well as in New York City. If you think about it they are actually worse off than regular Jews in the area at the time. This is a time that they are learning a lot from their parents, and their parents are plagued with leading their people into comfort, with so much violence directed at their people. While Reuven is in the hospital, Danny comes to visit him, and at first Reuven is still mad at him, and he gives him the cold shoulder. When he tells his father of his encounter with Danny Saunders, his father scolds him, and tells him to make friends with him. Surprised, Reuven decides to give it a chance, and the next time Danny decides to visit, Reuven discovers that Danny is actually a nice-intelligent guy. As time passes, he discovers that Danny has been meeting Reuvens’ father in the library, and reading books that he was suggesting. That is interesting because Danny is supposed to be devoted to his religion and takes his fathers place when he gets older, however, he has been reading books about evolution. It is hard, as I am finding out right now, to follow your heart when your parents, and others are telling you what to do. Danny’s father, Reb Saunders, is a peculiar man who is not a good teacher, in terms of what Danny is interested in. One method that he uses is not to talk to his son, as he feels that it will teach him compassion, and help him understand pain. David Malter, Reuven’s father is a journalist who is quite the opposite of Reb Saunders. He gives Reuven a lot of help in his quest for a goo...
