The Chocolate War - Book Review
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The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier is a classic in young adult literature, published in 1974, and is widely regarded as one of the most provocative and controversial books for teens. The novel explores themes of power, control, rebellion, and the often brutal dynamics of high school society, as well as the darker side of conformity and resistance. Through its protagonist, Jerry Renault, and the complex relationships he encounters, Cormier challenges readers to consider the implications of standing up against oppressive forces, even at great personal cost.
The story takes place at Trinity High School, an all-boys Catholic school where annual chocolate sales are not just a fundraiser but an established tradition. The plot is set in motion when Jerry, a freshman who recently lost his mother, refuses to participate in the sale. This simple act of defiance spirals into a conflict that encompasses not only Jerry but also the entire school, especially when he finds himself targeted by the Vigils, a powerful and secretive student organization that exerts control over the students with a blend of intimidation and psychological manipulation.
At the beginning of the novel, readers meet Jerry Renault, a quiet, introspective freshman who has recently joined the football team. Jerry is grappling with the recent death of his mother and is struggling to find his place both in school and in life. One day, he receives an assignment from the Vigils, a shadowy group led by the charismatic but manipulative Archie Costello. The Vigils wield an almost cult-like power over the student body, enforcing their own set of rules through intimidation, coercion, and psychological games. One of their tactics is to give students “assignments” meant to humiliate or psychologically challenge them.
Archie, who orchestrates these assignments, is introduced as a Machiavellian figure. He enjoys manipulating others and devising schemes that push people to their limits. His goal is to maintain control and instil fear, making sure that students understand the Vigils’ power. When the annual chocolate sale begins, Archie sees an opportunity to further assert the Vigils’ influence. This year, however, the school’s headmaster, Brother Leon, has overestimated the amount of chocolate the school can sell, and he becomes desperate to offload the large quantity of chocolate bars. Brother Leon, while technically an authority figure, has a morally dubious character and shows little concern for the students’ well-being. Instead, he seeks power and control, enlisting Archie and the Vigils to help meet his sales goals.
Archie assigns Jerry the task of refusing to participate in the chocolate sale for ten days, expecting that Jerry will comply and that this brief rebellion will add drama and intrigue to the school environment. However, when the ten days are up, Jerry decides to continue his refusal, taking a stand against the Vigils and the administration’s pressures. His decision is not a calculated act of rebellion but rather a personal expression of his discomfort with the superficial, oppressive atmosphere of Trinity. Jerry’s decision to “disturb the universe” – a phrase derived from T.S. Eliot’s poetry, which he sees on a poster in his locker – becomes a central motif in the novel.
As Jerry continues to refuse participation, he draws the ire not only of Brother Leon, who sees the success of the chocolate sale as a reflection of his authority but also of the Vigils. Initially, some students admire Jerry’s courage, but as the Vigils escalate their campaign against him, he becomes isolated. Archie masterminds a campaign of bullying, harassment, and ostracism that gradually turns the entire student body against Jerry. He is subjected to both psychological and physical abuse, culminating in a public showdown orchestrated by the Vigils.
The novel’s climax occurs during a “boxing match” organized by the Vigils, in which Jerry is pitted against another student, Emile Janza, known for his cruelty and lack of conscience. The match is a brutal, sadistic spectacle, with the Vigils and other students watching and cheering as Jerry is beaten down. At this moment, Jerry realizes the overwhelming power of the forces against him and the futility of his stand. The story ends with Jerry, battered and defeated, warning his friend Goober not to “disturb the universe” as he did, suggesting that resistance is ultimately pointless in a world where those in power control the rules.
One of the most prominent themes in
The Chocolate War is the corrupting influence of power. Cormier explores how authority figures and organizations can use their power to manipulate, control, and harm others. Brother Leon, although a teacher and a representative of the church, is more interested in maintaining his authority and achieving his goals than in the moral or spiritual well-being of his students. His alliance with Archie and the Vigils demonstrates how institutional authority can be as corrupt as any student-run organization, revealing a hypocrisy that undermines the supposed values of the school.
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Similarly, the Vigils, under Archie’s leadership, represent a form of power that operates outside the formal structures of authority but is equally effective in its ability to influence behaviour and maintain control. Archie’s enjoyment of manipulation, and his disdain for those who do not conform, illustrate the dangers of unchecked authority. Through the Vigils, Cormier depicts how power structures often use fear, intimidation, and groupthink to suppress individuality and dissent.
Jerry’s refusal to participate in the chocolate sale is a declaration of his individuality and a refusal to conform to the expectations of the school and its power structures. His actions raise questions about the cost of maintaining one’s integrity in a society that values conformity and obedience. Jerry’s decision to “disturb the universe” reflects his desire to assert his sense of self, even though he knows it will come at a cost. His struggle symbolizes the broader conflict between individual identity and societal pressure to conform.
The novel illustrates how difficult it is for individuals to resist the pull of conformity, especially when faced with pressure from peers and authority figures. Many students at Trinity are complicit in the Vigils’ activities, either because they are afraid of becoming targets themselves or because they crave acceptance within the group. Even Goober, Jerry’s friend and one of the few sympathetic characters, eventually succumbs to the pressure, choosing to withdraw rather than support Jerry’s stand. Cormier’s portrayal of high school society serves as a microcosm for the larger societal pressures that discourage individuals from challenging the status quo.
Through Jerry’s experience,
The Chocolate War presents a pessimistic view of rebellion and resistance. Jerry’s stand against the Vigils and the chocolate sale initially seems like a courageous act, but it ultimately leads to his isolation, suffering, and defeat. The novel suggests that in certain environments—especially ones controlled by corrupt or authoritarian forces—resistance may be not only futile but also dangerous. Jerry’s warning to Goober at the end underscores this theme, as he has come to believe that fighting against the system only leads to suffering.
Cormier’s bleak portrayal of resistance reflects a world in which those who seek to challenge authority are often crushed by the power structures they oppose. This theme has made
The Chocolate War a controversial book, as it offers no clear message of hope or redemption for its protagonist. Instead, it presents a stark vision of a world in which the powerful prevail, and those who refuse to conform are punished.
Another significant theme in
The Chocolate War is the role of bystanders in perpetuating cruelty and injustice. Most of the students at Trinity choose not to intervene in Jerry’s ordeal, either because they fear becoming targets themselves or because they derive a sense of satisfaction from watching him suffer. Cormier suggests that apathy and complicity can be as damaging as active cruelty, as those who stand by and do nothing enable the perpetrators to continue their actions. This theme serves as a critique of social complacency, highlighting how individuals can contribute to oppression simply by choosing not to act.
Cormier’s writing style in
The Chocolate War is direct and unflinching, mirroring the harsh realities faced by its characters. The novel shifts between the perspectives of different characters, allowing readers to understand the motivations and thoughts of individuals like Archie, Brother Leon, and Jerry. This multi-perspective approach adds depth to the story, as readers gain insight into the moral complexities and inner conflicts of each character. The prose is often stark and unsentimental, reflecting the novel’s dark themes and the brutal environment of Trinity High School.
The structure of the novel builds tension through a series of escalating confrontations, leading to the climactic showdown between Jerry and Emile. Cormier’s pacing is deliberate, as he gradually reveals the depths of the corruption and cruelty within the school. The novel’s ending, which provides no resolution or redemption for Jerry, leaves readers with a sense of unresolved tension and invites reflection on the broader societal implications of the story.
The Chocolate War is a powerful and unsettling exploration of power, conformity, and the high cost of individuality. Cormier’s portrayal of high school as a battleground for control and dominance challenges readers to consider the moral implications of resistance and complicity in the face of oppression. Through Jerry’s tragic journey, the novel raises difficult questions about the nature of authority, the consequences of nonconformity, and the societal pressures that shape individual behaviour.
Since its publication,
The Chocolate War has remained a seminal work in young adult literature, praised for its willingness to address complex themes with honesty and depth. At the same time, its bleak depiction of high school life and its unrelenting portrayal of injustice have made it a frequent target of censorship and debate. Cormier’s novel continues to resonate with readers, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the moral challenges faced by individuals in a society that often values conformity over integrity.
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301533 - 2025-01-20 06:17:08