The Chocolate War is a young adult novel by Robert Cormier that was published in 1974. The book follows the story of Jerry Renault, a freshman at Trinity High School, as he navigates the treacherous social landscape of his Catholic high school. The novel deals with themes and motifs of violence, power, and masculinity, as well as coercion, groupthink, and societal oppression.
The Chocolate War is considered an allegory for the corrupt nature of power and the dangers of conformity. The novel’s plot revolves around a school-wide chocolate sale, in which the all-male student body of Trinity High is yearly made to sell chocolate. Through this sale, the school’s secret society, The Vigils, maintains their power and control over the student body. Jerry’s refusal to participate in the sale leads to a confrontation with the school’s administration and The Vigils, which ultimately leads to violence and tragedy.
Overview of Allegory in ‘The Chocolate War’
The Chocolate War is a novel written by Robert Cormier that explores the themes of power, conformity, and rebellion. The story takes place at a Catholic high school where a secret society called The Vigils holds power over the student body. The main character, Jerry Renault, refuses to participate in the annual chocolate sale, which sets off a chain of events that lead to a showdown between him and the school’s administration.
The novel uses allegory to convey its themes. An allegory is a story in which characters, events, and settings are symbolic of something else. In The Chocolate War, the characters and events are symbolic of the struggle between conformity and rebellion. The chocolate sale is a symbol of the school’s attempt to force conformity on its students. Jerry’s refusal to participate is a symbol of rebellion against this conformity.
The Vigils represent the corrupting influence of power. They use their power to manipulate and control the other students. Brother Leon, the school’s assistant headmaster, represents the corrupting influence of authority. He uses his authority to further his own interests, even if it means sacrificing the well-being of the students.
Overall, The Chocolate War is an allegory about the struggle between conformity and rebellion, and the corrupting influence of power and authority. The novel uses symbolism to convey its themes and to create a powerful and thought-provoking story.
Character Symbolism
Jerry Renault as the Individual
Jerry Renault is the protagonist of The Chocolate War and is portrayed as an individual who refuses to conform to the expectations of society. His refusal to sell chocolates, which are symbolic of conformity and obedience, is an act of rebellion against the corrupt authority of Brother Leon and the oppressive school system. Jerry’s character symbolizes the importance of individuality and the need for people to stand up for what they believe in, even if it means going against the norm.
Archie Costello as Manipulation
Archie Costello is the antagonist of the novel and is depicted as a manipulative figure who uses his power to control and manipulate others, particularly the members of the Vigils. His character symbolizes the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of allowing individuals with malicious intentions to hold positions of authority. Archie’s manipulation of the other characters in the novel highlights the importance of being aware of those who seek to control others for their own gain.
Brother Leon as Corrupt Authority
Brother Leon is the authority figure at Trinity High School and is portrayed as a corrupt and manipulative character who abuses his power for personal gain. His character symbolizes the dangers of unchecked authority and the need for accountability and transparency in positions of power. Brother Leon’s actions throughout the novel demonstrate the consequences of allowing individuals in positions of authority to act without oversight or accountability.
In conclusion, the characters in The Chocolate War serve as symbols for larger societal issues such as individuality, manipulation, and corrupt authority. By examining the symbolism in the novel, readers can gain a deeper understanding of these issues and the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs and holding those in power accountable.
Themes and Motifs
Conformity vs. Nonconformity
The Chocolate War explores the theme of conformity versus nonconformity. The protagonist, Jerry Renault, is faced with the decision to conform to the school’s chocolate sale or to stand up against it. This decision ultimately leads to a conflict between Jerry and the school’s administration. The novel highlights the pressure that individuals face to conform to societal norms, and the consequences of choosing to go against them.
Abuse of Power
Another prominent theme in The Chocolate War is the abuse of power. The Vigils, a secret society within the school, use their power to manipulate and control other students. The leader of The Vigils, Archie Costello, is particularly ruthless in his pursuit of power. He uses fear and intimidation to maintain his position, and his actions have serious consequences for those around him.
The Illusion of Choice
The novel also explores the theme of the illusion of choice. While the students at Trinity School are given the illusion of choice in the chocolate sale, they are ultimately forced to participate. This reflects the idea that in society, individuals may feel as though they have choices, but these choices are often limited by those in positions of power. The novel suggests that true freedom and choice can only be achieved through standing up against those who seek to control and manipulate others.
In summary, The Chocolate War delves into themes of conformity versus nonconformity, abuse of power, and the illusion of choice. These themes are explored through the experiences of the protagonist, Jerry Renault, and the various conflicts he faces throughout the novel. The novel highlights the pressures that individuals face to conform to societal norms, the consequences of choosing to go against them, and the importance of standing up against those who seek to control and manipulate others.
Setting as Allegory
The setting of Robert Cormier’s The Chocolate War is an essential element of the allegory. It is not just a backdrop but a reflection of the story’s themes and motifs. The following subsections explore how the setting serves as an allegory.
Trinity High School as a Microcosm
Trinity High School is a microcosm of the larger society. It is a closed system that mirrors the power dynamics and social structures of the world outside. The school’s administration represents the ruling class, while the students represent the oppressed masses. The school’s Gothic architecture and oppressive atmosphere symbolize the suffocating nature of authority and social norms. The students are trapped inside the school’s walls, unable to escape the oppressive system that governs their lives.
The Chocolate Sale as a Test
The chocolate sale is a test of the students’ willingness to conform to the school’s authority. It is a microcosm of the larger social system’s expectation that individuals must sacrifice their individuality and conform to the norms of society. The chocolate sale is not just a fundraiser; it is a means of social control. By participating in the sale, the students demonstrate their willingness to submit to authority and conform to the expectations of society. The students who rebel against the sale, like Jerry Renault, are punished for their non-conformity.
In conclusion, the setting of The Chocolate War serves as an allegory that reflects the larger social structures and power dynamics of the world outside. The school’s Gothic architecture, oppressive atmosphere, and the chocolate sale are all symbols that represent the suffocating nature of authority and social norms. By exploring these themes, the novel exposes the dangers of conformity and the importance of individuality.
Plot Events and Allegorical Significance
The Assignment
In “The Chocolate War,” the school administration assigns the students a fundraiser to sell chocolates. This fundraiser represents the pressure that society puts on individuals to conform to the norm and participate in the system. Jerry Renault, the protagonist, refuses to sell the chocolates, which leads to a conflict between him and the school administration. This conflict represents the struggle of individuals against societal norms and expectations.
The Vigils’ Role
The Vigils, a secret society led by Archie Costello, play a significant role in the novel. They use their power to manipulate and control the students, setting up the boxing match between Jerry and Emile Janza. The Vigils represent the corrupt and manipulative nature of those in power and how they use their power to control and oppress others.
The Boxing Match
The boxing match between Jerry and Emile Janza is the climax of the novel. It represents the struggle between the individual and the system. Jerry, who refuses to conform, fights against Emile, who represents the system and its expectations. The violent nature of the boxing match represents the brutality of the struggle against the system. Ultimately, Jerry loses the fight, but his refusal to conform inspires others to stand up against the system and fight for their individuality.
In conclusion, “The Chocolate War” is a powerful allegory that explores the struggle of individuals against societal norms and expectations. The plot events and characters in the novel represent the corrupt and manipulative nature of those in power and the struggle of individuals against the system. The novel’s allegorical significance makes it a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today.
Literary Devices Used to Convey Allegory
Symbolism
The Chocolate War makes use of symbolism to convey deeper meanings. For instance, the chocolate sale represents the corrupt system, while Archie’s black box symbolizes manipulation and control. Additionally, the poster with a man walking on the beach represents the individual’s isolation in a world that’s too big to comprehend. The symbolism in the novel is subtle yet powerful, and it helps to bring out the allegory that Cormier intended to convey.
Irony
Irony is another literary device used in The Chocolate War to convey the allegory. The irony in the novel is apparent in the fact that the students who are supposed to be learning about morality and ethics are the ones who are perpetrating the immoral acts. Moreover, the fact that Brother Leon, who is supposed to be a moral authority figure, is the one who is manipulating the students for his own gain is also ironic. The use of irony in the novel helps to highlight the corrupt system that Cormier was trying to expose.
Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is another literary device used in The Chocolate War to convey the allegory. Cormier uses foreshadowing to hint at the events that will occur later in the novel. For example, the scene where Jerry is being beaten up foreshadows the violent ending of the novel. Additionally, the scene where Brother Jacques is discussing the importance of obedience foreshadows the students’ blind obedience to the corrupt system. The use of foreshadowing in the novel helps to create a sense of tension and suspense, and it also helps to bring out the allegory that Cormier intended to convey.
Reception and Interpretations
The Chocolate War has been widely recognized as a masterpiece of young adult literature and has received both critical acclaim and controversy. The novel has been both praised for its exploration of themes such as conformity, power, and corruption, and criticized for its depictions of violence and sexual themes.
Many readers have interpreted The Chocolate War as an allegory for the struggle between individuality and conformity. The chocolate sale, which is the central event of the novel, represents the pressure to conform to social norms and expectations. The characters’ reactions to the sale, and the consequences of their actions, illustrate the dangers of blindly following authority and the importance of standing up for oneself.
The novel has also been interpreted as a commentary on power and corruption, particularly in the context of institutionalized authority. The character of Brother Leon, who is portrayed as manipulative and corrupt, is seen as a representation of the dangers of unchecked power and the abuse of authority.
Overall, The Chocolate War has been praised for its thought-provoking themes and its exploration of complex issues, but has also been criticized for its controversial content. Despite the controversy, the novel remains a powerful and thought-provoking work of young adult literature.
Comparisons to Historical Events
Totalitarian Regimes
The Chocolate War can be seen as an allegory for totalitarian regimes. The novel portrays a society in which those in power, such as Brother Leon and The Vigils, use fear and intimidation to control those beneath them. Similarly, totalitarian regimes throughout history, such as Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia, have used tactics such as propaganda and purges to maintain their power and suppress dissent.
In The Chocolate War, the students at Trinity School are forced to conform to the will of those in power, even if it goes against their own beliefs and values. This is similar to how citizens of totalitarian regimes are often forced to comply with the government’s wishes, regardless of their own opinions or desires.
Cults of Personality
Another historical comparison that can be made with The Chocolate War is the concept of cults of personality. Brother Leon and Archie Costello, the leaders of Trinity School and The Vigils respectively, are both portrayed as charismatic figures who are able to manipulate those around them.
Cults of personality have been a feature of many historical regimes, such as the cult of personality surrounding Joseph Stalin in the Soviet Union. In such regimes, a single individual is elevated to a position of extreme power and their followers are expected to obey them without question.
Similarly, in The Chocolate War, Brother Leon and Archie are both able to command the obedience of those around them through their charisma and ability to manipulate others. This can be seen as a warning against the dangers of blindly following charismatic leaders, without questioning their motives or actions.