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About the Book       The Chocolate War

The Chocolate War centers around Jerry Renault, a freshman at Trinity High School, a Catholic boys' school. The story begins with Jerry's struggle to fit in at his new school while dealing with the recent death of his mother. The school's environment is dominated by the secret society known as The Vigils, led by the manipulative Archie Costello. The Vigils exert control over the student body through psychological intimidation and coercion.

The plot thickens when Brother Leon, the acting headmaster, enlists the help of The Vigils to ensure the success of the school's annual chocolate sale, which he has significantly expanded to boost the school's finances. Archie assigns Jerry the task of refusing to sell chocolates for ten days, as part of a hazing ritual. However, Jerry decides to continue his refusal even after the assignment ends, making a stand against the corrupt system.

Jerry's defiance sets off a chain of events that lead to increased bullying and isolation. The Vigils, along with Brother Leon, intensify their efforts to break Jerry's spirit and force him to conform. The story culminates in a brutal boxing match organized by The Vigils, where Jerry is savagely beaten, symbolizing the crushing power of the establishment over individual rebellion.

Themes in the book The Chocolate War

Power and Control: The novel explores the dynamics of power and control within the confines of a high school. The Vigils and Brother Leon represent authoritarian figures who manipulate and dominate the students. Jerry's refusal to sell chocolates becomes a symbol of resistance against this oppressive system. The book raises important questions about the abuse of power and the cost of defiance.

Conformity vs. Individualism: Jerry's struggle highlights the tension between conformity and individualism. The pressure to conform is immense, and those who resist face severe consequences. Cormier delves into the psychological impact of peer pressure and the courage it takes to stand alone against the majority.

Moral Ambiguity: The Chocolate War does not offer clear-cut heroes or villains. Characters like Archie and Brother Leon are complex, embodying both charm and cruelty. This moral ambiguity challenges readers to grapple with the complexities of human behavior and ethical decision-making.

Bullying and Intimidation: Bullying is a central theme in the novel, depicted through the actions of The Vigils and Brother Leon. The psychological and physical torment Jerry endures showcases the devastating effects of bullying and the lengths to which individuals will go to maintain control.

The Cost of Courage: Jerry's journey illustrates the high cost of courage. His stand against the chocolate sale brings personal suffering and isolation. The novel prompts readers to reflect on the sacrifices required to uphold one's principles and the resilience needed to face adversity.

Activity Ideas    for the book The Chocolate War

Character Analysis: Encourage students to analyze the motivations and development of key characters such as Jerry Renault, Archie Costello, and Brother Leon. Discuss how their actions drive the plot and reflect the novel's themes. Have students create character charts to track changes and pivotal moments throughout the story.

Debates and Discussions: Organize classroom debates on the ethical dilemmas presented in the novel. Topics could include the justification of Jerry's defiance, the role of The Vigils, and the responsibilities of authority figures. These debates encourage students to articulate their viewpoints and engage in respectful discourse.

Comparative Analysis: Compare The Chocolate War with other literature that addresses similar themes, such as George Orwell's 1984 or William Golding's Lord of the Flies. Have students analyze the parallels and differences in how each author tackles issues of power, control, and resistance.

Literary Devices and Techniques: Examine Cormier's use of literary devices such as symbolism, foreshadowing, and irony. Assign students to identify examples of these techniques in the text and discuss how they contribute to the overall impact of the story. This analysis enhances students' appreciation of the craft of writing.