Bibliographic data
Cromier, Robert. THE CHOCOLATE WAR. New York: Random House, 2004.ISBN 9781439518755
Critical analysis
Characterization -Jerry Renault’s character is the protagonist in this novel. He is a very quiet young man that uses his actions instead of speaking out against conforming to sell the chocolates in school. Harassment, beatings, and other traumatizing events ensues the protagonist. Renault gains readers’ sympathy with his determination to make a statement, stoically. Renault stands up for what he believes is right, which is admirable with readers, especially other teenagers facing similar issues in their own school.
Plot –
This plot follows the self vs. society conflict. Renault goes against the norm and stands solid for what he believes in. The Vigils are used to making the rules up in school and students are to always follow these rules. Renault causes quite a stir with his refusal to do what The Vigils tell him to do. They are not prepared to handle what to do when Renault refuses to do as they say. Fear plays an important role in THE CHOCOLATE WAR. Everyone seems to be afraid of Archie. Archie frightened boys to do anything he asked them to do. Jerry Renault plays an important role when faced with bullies such as Archie. He is understandably frightened but he never lets it show. The chocolate roll call is always a heart-stopping moment for readers and is chock-full of tension. The roll call creates the “self vs. society” conflict. Everyone else is selling their chocolates but Renault. It creates him as being an outcast.
Setting –
This third-person narrative is set in an all boys school called Trinity for most of the novel. There is another setting at Jerry Renault’s home as well, but most of the novel is set at and around the school.
Theme –
The Self vs. Society conflict is a common theme within the Young Adult genre of literature. Teenagers do feel the need to make a stand against something, speak their minds, question authority, and find their own voice in the world. This sometimes creates a conflict situation that will have to be worked out in some way throughout the novel. Manipulation is also a very important theme throughout the novel, which is followed by corruption.
Review excerpts
School Library Journal
Cromier, Robert. THE CHOCOLATE WAR. New York: Random House, 2004.ISBN 9781439518755
Critical analysis
Characterization -Jerry Renault’s character is the protagonist in this novel. He is a very quiet young man that uses his actions instead of speaking out against conforming to sell the chocolates in school. Harassment, beatings, and other traumatizing events ensues the protagonist. Renault gains readers’ sympathy with his determination to make a statement, stoically. Renault stands up for what he believes is right, which is admirable with readers, especially other teenagers facing similar issues in their own school.
Plot –
This plot follows the self vs. society conflict. Renault goes against the norm and stands solid for what he believes in. The Vigils are used to making the rules up in school and students are to always follow these rules. Renault causes quite a stir with his refusal to do what The Vigils tell him to do. They are not prepared to handle what to do when Renault refuses to do as they say. Fear plays an important role in THE CHOCOLATE WAR. Everyone seems to be afraid of Archie. Archie frightened boys to do anything he asked them to do. Jerry Renault plays an important role when faced with bullies such as Archie. He is understandably frightened but he never lets it show. The chocolate roll call is always a heart-stopping moment for readers and is chock-full of tension. The roll call creates the “self vs. society” conflict. Everyone else is selling their chocolates but Renault. It creates him as being an outcast.
Setting –
This third-person narrative is set in an all boys school called Trinity for most of the novel. There is another setting at Jerry Renault’s home as well, but most of the novel is set at and around the school.
Theme –
The Self vs. Society conflict is a common theme within the Young Adult genre of literature. Teenagers do feel the need to make a stand against something, speak their minds, question authority, and find their own voice in the world. This sometimes creates a conflict situation that will have to be worked out in some way throughout the novel. Manipulation is also a very important theme throughout the novel, which is followed by corruption.
Review excerpts
School Library Journal
"The characterizations of all the boys are superb... This novel [is] unique in its uncompromising portrait of human cruelty and conformity."
New York Times Book Review
New York Times Book Review
"The Chocolate War is masterfully structured and rich in theme; the action is well crafted, well timed, suspenseful; complex ideas develop and unfold with clarity."
Connections
An ALA Best Books for Young AdultsA School Library Journal Best Books of the YearA Kirkus Reviews ChoiceA New York Times Outstanding Books of the Year
Compare/Contrast the novel to the movie.
Compare public school community to the private catholic school community.
Discuss “Would I dare disturb the universe?” quotation.
Connections
An ALA Best Books for Young AdultsA School Library Journal Best Books of the YearA Kirkus Reviews ChoiceA New York Times Outstanding Books of the Year
Compare/Contrast the novel to the movie.
Compare public school community to the private catholic school community.
Discuss “Would I dare disturb the universe?” quotation.
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