Managing Discontentment

A generational legacy, passed from father to oldest son, historically has been successful in maintaining power within a family. However, few stop to think about the feelings of the people involved, and whether or not they desire this inherited this position.An excellent example of this, illustrated in The Chosen, by Chaim Potok, gives insight into the life of an heir who does not necessarily desire his inheritance. Danny Saunders is the son of a well-known and well-respected rabbi named Reb Saunders, who brought his people to New York from a faraway country and continues the tradition of his forefathers in leadership and religion. Since birth, Danny's designated position, to lead his father's people, has been set in stone. Although resigned to his fate, Danny still possesses a rebellious nature. Main traits observable in Danny are intelligence, determination, and discontentment. …show more content…
In order to prepare for his inherited position, Danny reads religious and educative works. Able to read quickly, understand the literature, and memorize after reading it once, Danny obviously shows himself as smart. During his time with his father, he quotes passages by memory alone. "I have a photographic mind. My father says it's a gift from God."(69) Sneaking to the library becomes a common pastime for Danny, and he decides to read other, more difficult literature to satisfy his craving for knowledge. Danny possesses intelligence, a trait that helps him succeed in his work and in gaining understanding and