The Chosen

The Chosen Summary | Chapter 1 Summary

Chapter 1 introduces Reuven Malter and Danny Saunders. The novel is written in first person through the eyes of Reuven Malter. Reuven Malter is a 15-year-old Orthodox Jewish boy that attends a Yeshiva, or Jewish Parochial school, in Brooklyn. His father is a teacher at his Yeshiva. His school teaches Jewish as well as English subjects. Lessons are taught in Hebrew instead of Yiddish. The focus of Jewish study is the study of the Talmud or Jewish Law.

Danny Saunders is a 15-year-old Hasidic Jew of Russian heritage. He lives only five blocks away from Reuven. Danny wears the traditional Hasidic Jew garb of white shirts, dark pants, white sweaters and black skullcaps. He has curled ringlets of hair near his ears known as ear locks. There is a brief mention of Danny's father, Reb Saunders, who is the leader of the Hasidic sect.

The first scene involves a baseball game between Reuven and Danny's Yeshiva baseball teams. The baseball game takes place at Reuven's home field. Reuven's team is dressed in comfortable clothing while Danny's team plays in traditional Hasidic clothing. His gym teacher, Mr. Galanter, coaches Reuven's baseball team while Danny's baseball team is coached by one of his Yeshiva's Rabbis.

Danny's baseball team is known as "murderers." Danny's team arrives and demands to have a warm up period on the field. They warm up and appear to not be too talented with a baseball. However, looks can be deceiving. The baseball game gets underway and Danny's team takes a big lead. Danny's team plays "hard" baseball by hitting balls that make Reuven's teammates cringe in pain. Reuven hurts his wrist on a catch, but continues to play because his team finally regains the lead.

During the game, Danny's team is out for blood. Danny ruffles Reuven's tail feathers when he brings his Hasidic beliefs into the game. Towards the end of the game, Reuven is asked to be the pitcher. He accepts the challenge even though his wrist aches. He is angry at Danny's comments and wants to win the game.

Reuven pitches to Danny and he hits the baseball straight at Reuven as hard as he possibly can. Reuven does not duck in time and the ball smashes into his glasses and knocks him out. Reuven sits on the bench until the end of the game. His team loses 7-8. His eye is piercing with pain and his coach, Mr. Galanter, finally realizes the urgency of the situation. He calls a cab and takes Reuven to the hospital.