Analysis Of The Chocolate War By Robert Cormier

In the novel The Chocolate War, written by Robert Cormier explores the idea of self worth and the struggles that adolescents meet. This idea is portrayed through the use of characterisation and various language techniques. Cormier illustrates that within the hierarchical high school ‘Trinity’ manipulation is a reoccurring theme, which is exemplified through the school brothers and underground group ‘The Vigils’. Due to The Vigils creating their own universe or system they must abide by, no one speaks the truth and stays silent out of fear. Moreover, Cormier appeals to psychological warfare as demonstrated the character Archie a powerful member of the vigils whose job is to set assignments for the students.

During adolescence, having authority at school either meant you were popular or feared by your peers. In the beginning of the book we’re introduced to the notorious group of Trinity ‘The Vigils’ who are essentially a powerful figure. Their power allows them to harass, bully and manipulate their victims without leaving a trace. Visual imagery is illustrated when Archie was giving an assignment to ‘The Goober’ which is evident in the line, “Goober white faced and frightened” which is reinforced with the metaphor “the place so quiet you could almost hear your own heartbeat.” This positions the audience to appreciate the difference in power between both characters as one is obviously overwhelmed. In addition, when Brother Leon accused Baily of cheating, he claims that the students were amused and enjoyed Baily getting taunted. Brother Leon then manipulates Baily by telling him “They cheated you today. They’re the ones who doubted you – I never did.” This demonstrates to the reader that Baily now has a bad impression of his classmates. Furthermore, being the school bully or the class nerd really decides if you’re the predator or prey.

As we know in the novel The Vigils have a system where they assign task for students to perform. In doing so they believe that they’ve created their own universe in the school and have alluded that ‘no’ is not an option. This highlights that the students are influenced to be under the control of The Vigils either due to pressure or because they don’t want to disturb the universe. This is distinct in the line, “I’m not a scared kid who pees his pants because the big bad Vigils call him to a meeting room – Franke Rollo” which is later accompanied by tactile imagery “his hand shot out and struck Rollo on the jaw. – Carter” This highlights that defying or disrespecting the Vigils will result in a consequence. In addition, this appeals to the audience’s sense of distress and sympathy as they worry for Rollo. Furthermore, the raffle ticket fight near the end of the book depicts that it was rigged, and people were biased due to paranoia. This is apparent in the line “Janza, Right to the jaw Jimmy Demers.” After seeing this line, the audience is most likely aware that the competition is going to be unfair which appeals to their sense of guilt. This indicates that during adolescence people can turn against you out of fear or influence from the authority figure.

Archie, one of the higher ranked members of The Vigils specializes in designing psychological assignments for students. This was because he believed that bruises heal too quickly and that harassing them mentally will be more enjoyable and effective. This is evident in the line “The Goober was depressed, thinking about school spirit. Ever since Room Nineteen had collapsed, he had lived in a state of shock.” This appeals to the audience’s sense of guilt and sympathy for the Goober as he’s left with the responsibility of destroying room nineteen. Moreover, after refusing to sell the chocolates several times, The Vigils aim is to make Jerry feel paranoid at all times, make him feel like someone’s always watching him. This is distinct in the line, “And he saw suddenly that he must answer. They didn’t want him to answer this time. They wanted him to think that he was incapacitated, injured, unable to make it to the phone.” This creates an uneasy atmosphere as the audience also feels like someone is taunting them. Additionally, the rule of three is used to emphasise the words, incapacitated, injured, unable to make it to the phone. During the time of adolescence physical harm can hurt but will heals over time. However, psychological pain will stick with you forever.

Overall, the question “During adolescence your world becomes more complex and challenging”. How does the author of the novel you have studied explore this idea?” has been reflected on the novel The Chocolate War which explore the idea of self-worth and the difficulties they meet. During adolescence it’s easy to believe in what everyone says, but that’s just you asking to get punished. In the book, Trinity students are manipulated to follow the system of the Vigils and brothers. Not to mention, adolescence are challenged to speak up and tell the truth as they worry about the consequences that come with it. Furthermore, adolescence is a time of stress and stress is like a ticking bomb. Anything that’s added to the bomb, the closer it is to blowing up. That’s why in the book, Jerry is continuously taunted and traumatised as the Vigils are always harassing him. This all contributes to the fight, which grants him an opportunity to get his revenge. He entered the fight because his emotions overwhelmed him.