ctice. When other characters wrong him, Reuven begrudges them and struggles with mercy. Reb Saunders only knew what was around him and what he had been taught. His worldview didnt search for conclusions about matters bigger than his own circle. In the beginning of the book, both Reuven's and Danny's rival schools play baseball against each other. Near the end of the game, Reuven gets hit in the eye with a ball Danny hits. As a piece of glass gets wedged in his eye, Reuven requires surgery and a stay in the hospital. Here he meets Billy and Tony, his first Gentile contacts. This accident actually brings Reuven and Danny together and the two begin spending a lot of time with each other. Reuven begins to learn about the struggles Danny is facing with his father and the restrictions of his religion. Danny is destined to inherit his fathers job as a tzaddik, although he could have a bright future elsewhere. For this reason, Danny does not want to follow in his fathers footsteps, desiring to become a psychologist instead. He knows that he couldnt live if he were confined into the ways of his father all his life, but he dreads telling his father about his choice. Because of his respect of his father, he doesnt want to disappoint him. Yet, he doesnt want to discard his religion either. Although his father wants to raise him as he himself was raised, he realizes that he cant expect to keep such a genius in the cage. Reb finds out about Dannys plans for the future, and although they contradict the way he would have wanted Danny to continue with his life, he agrees to let Danny decide for himself. Satisfied as a father, Reb says, I had to make certain his soul would be the soul of a tzaddik no matter what he did with his life. Once Reb has given his son freedom, Danny remains faithful to his religion and, although he is not as devout, goes out into the world.Throughout this novel, there is an underlying force of prejudice. The two...
