Essay topics for The Chosen
World Religions
Dr. Korfhage
Your paper for this unit will be on The Chosen. It will be due on November 13th, by 3
pm. The paper should be at least 600 words. Write an essay which responds to one of
the following topics:
1. Discuss the relationship between faith and reason as presented by Potok in The
Chosen. Does Potok suggest they can be reconciled? In what way are the various views
of faith and reason described in the book “Jewish” (i.e., typical of Jewish thought and
belief as we have studied it in this class)?
2. Do the characters in The Chosen find meaning in suffering, and if so, how? Are their
reactions “Jewish” (i.e., typical of Jewish thought and belief as we have studied it in this
class)?
3. As always, you are free to develop your own topic. Just clear it with me in advance—
no later than November 10th. It should respond to The Chosen in some way, while also
connecting with our broader study of Judaism.