The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier is by far my favorite book of all time. It’s a story of being non-conformative and its consequences. If you want a new outlook on values, beliefs, and the real meaning of uniqueness, this is the book for you. Based on first impressions, you may think it’s just a dumb, edgy book; reading with an open mind and critical thinking will grant you a deeper meaning of the story. I will try my hardest to convince you to read this masterpiece and explain all of the amazing aspects of the story that make it my favorite classic YA novel.
It revolves around Jerry Renault, a freshman at Trinity High, who disobeys The Vigils, a secret society at the school, and the physical and mental torment he faces as a result. At Trinity High, the Vigils assign random students to pull cruel pranks or “assignments” on the students and faculty. This year, the leader of the Vigils, Archie, teams up with the acting headmaster (the real headmaster is sick), Brother Leon, to ensure the annual chocolate sale has double the success as usual so he can secure a position as the new headmaster. In exchange, Archie and The Vigils are free to do any of the assignments they please. Jerry receives an assignment not to sell chocolates for 10 days, but when he continues to refuse on the 11th day, the Vigils and Brother Leon manipulate the student body into hating him. I don’t want to give away too much of the story, but you won’t want to put this book down after this!
My favorite facet of the story is the dynamic between the antagonist, Archie, and his right-hand man, Obie. Archie is brilliant and is the leader, or assignor, of the Vigils. He’s cynical, manipulative, and likely a sociopath. Obie is the secretary of the Vigils, acting as Archie’s “stooge” and a helper with Archie’s assignments. However, he does have a conscience and feels guilty for his role in the Vigils. While Obie resents Archie for being so wicked, he’s also afraid of him and looks to him for approval. He’s also fascinated by Archie’s genius, so all of these emotions mixed actually lead him to attempt to murder Archie in the second book. But focusing on the first book, Obie’s only revenge is the Black Box; a box that the Vigils use before giving out an assignment. With 5 white marbles and 1 black marble, if Archie pulls the black marble, he is forced to perform the assignment instead of the assigned student. Obie prays that one day Archie pulls the black marble, to no avail. Archie’s view of Obie is a bit less obvious, but from my reading of the book, I believe Obie is the closest person in his life he can consider a friend. Archie behaves like a misanthropist, so he doesn’t consider other people as friends. However, Obie is the only person Archie touches (literally) and enjoys in his company. However, their relationship is still quite toxic, with Archie manipulating Obie by making him run errands and performing fake mood swings in front of him, creating a co-dependent relationship for Obie to keep him compliant.
Finally, another reason I love this book so much is because of its ending. SPOILER ALERT! Try not to read this section if you are planning on reading! The story ends with Archie and Virgil orchestrating a boxing match between Jerry and Emily Janza, an aggressive student in debt to Archie and the student who beat Jerry up earlier in the book. The students control this boxing match. They buy tickets that order a hit for either Jerry or Janza (e.g., right hook to Jerry). Due to the Vigils and Brother Leon instilling hatred into the student body toward Jerry, Jerry undergoes a violent beating by Janza as the crowd cheers it on. A teacher ends the fight by cutting the lights, leaving Jerry beaten in the middle of the field. When Goob, his only friend throughout the book, goes over to help him, Jerry tells him not to disturb the universe; quoting a poster in the halls he considered in the beginning of the book, “Do I disturb the universe?” This ending is depressing, showing the reality of having individuality. The ending boxing match represents mob mentality and the effects it has on the targeted individual. The final scene is Archie and Obie on the bleachers like in the opening scene, demonstrating how they faced no consequences for their actions. It’s a gruesome masterpiece!
The plot, the Archie and Obie dynamics, and the ending (among many other things) are what make me love The Chocolate War series so much. Robert Cormier is a genius writer, but he outdid himself with this 1974 classic. If you are open to reading, or even watching the movie (though I believe the book is superior), I urge you to choose The Chocolate War!
Jaide Banner – Carmel Catholic High School – DMSF Class of 2030
Photo Credit: Zarya Maxim – Adobe Stock