The Chocolate War

Cormier, Robert.  1974.  The Chocolate War.  New York: Bantam Doubleday.  ISBN 9780440944597

Jerry Renault, a freshman at Trinity, has lost his mother and rarely sees his father. In his attempt to find comfort at school, he is exposed to an upper-classman gang known as “The Vigils,” who are responsible for intimidation and controlled mayhem. When Archie Costello, the intellectual leader of The Vigils, submits Jerry’s name for an “assignment” that will disrupt a long-time tradition at Trinity, the balance of power and influence in the school begins to shift. The gang, encouraged by a greedy and sinister interim headmaster, attempts to force Jerry into conformity with taunts, threats and violence.

Set in a New England Boys’ Catholic school, the reader is taken into a world of emerging men. Fighting to be accepted in the present and to overcome the past, the young protagonist is pitted against self, man and society. The in-text prompt “Do I dare disturb the universe?” is the thematic high of this novel. Cormier’s acclaimed novel explores male adolescence alongside struggles with grief and conviction. Many of the characters, Archie and Brother Leon, for instance, are less dynamic than one may expect to find, but they are effective in their antagonistic roles. Still, other characters are well-rounded and believable, and it is around these characters, capable of change, internal or external, that the themes of the story truly develop.

The characters are isolated in action and in thought. Cormier’s writing style allows for the individual exploration of characters’ thoughts without delving too deeply into their motivation, but this only intensifies the feelings of seclusion and wonder. The introduction of many minor characters throughout propels the plot but denies the intimate knowledge of any single person.

Listed as one of the most challenged books of the past decade, and the decade before that, The Chocolate War, explores sexual, religious and anti-government ideologies; this novel is perfectly situated to help young adults begin to explore their stance on many issues.

“…the action is well crafted, well timed, suspenseful…” (The New York Times Book Review)

“…This novel [is] unique in its uncompromising portrait of human cruelty and conformity.” (School Library Journal -- Starred Review)

“Robert Cormier has written a brilliant novel.” (Children's Book Review Service)

Possible Discussion Questions:
1) Do you relate to any particular character?
2) Do you think it's possible that the whole school would rally against Jerry?
3) Do you think this book is really about chocolates? If not, then what?
4) Have you ever witnessed or experienced social conformity on this or any level?  When/where?
5) Would you have given in and sold the chocolates?
6) What would you say to Brother Leon or Archie if given the chance?