In "The Promise" by Chaim Potok, the protagonist faces a dilemma where he feels pressured to align himself strictly with one side or the other. The weight of this ultimatum troubles him deeply, as he expresses his aversion to the idea of trading his critical thinking for acceptance or status, such as obtaining smicha, which is the rabbinical ordination. He values his intellectual independence too much to simply conform to demands that compromise his ability to question and analyze.

The protagonist's frustration illustrates the broader theme of conflict between tradition and personal belief, where the demand for loyalty often conflicts with individual thought. He feels trapped in a situation that forces him to abandon his beliefs for the sake of external approval. The narrative highlights the importance of maintaining one’s integrity and the struggle of navigating societal expectations while remaining true to oneself.