Danny is having difficulties understanding Freud written in its original German. How does he solve his problems with the writings? In what ways might studying Freud contribute to Danny's reluctance to be his father's replacement?

Danny's study of Freud also takes on a different dimension; Freud becomes a metaphor for religion for Danny, who approaches his study of psychoanalysis just as he studies the Talmud. Psychoanalysis thus becomes a religion for Danny, replacing his Hasidic studies as the intellectual endeavor of priority.