Archie, the master-mind behind the Vigils, savors his unbridled power in manipulating people and events like a puppeteer. His lust for control goes beyond the bounds of sanity, and ultimately has disastrous consequences for one unfortunate boy who falls prey to his cruel game.
The book has a smart, well-crafted plot with enough twists and turns to keep the reader hooked. It is told from an omniscient viewpoint, with the reader being privy to the thoughts of all the characters. Archie�s increasingly diabolical games, and his callous ability to detach himself from human suffering, are skillfully and believably conceived by Cormier. The intensity of the climax is unsettling, in spite of the foreshadowing of Jerry�s eventual �crucifixion� in the stadium: �The shadows of the goal posts definitely resembled a network of crosses, empty crucifixes.� (p. 17)
The characters are complex and unpredictable, with archetypal qualities. Jerry is a hero archetype. In spite of his slight build, he possesses a single-minded determination to fight, both physically and morally. Even after the savaging he suffers on the football field in the opening scene of the book, he doggedly refuses to be deterred. �He knew he�d been massacred by the oncoming players, capsized and dumped humiliatingly on the ground. But he�d survived � he�d gotten to his feet.� (p. 9)
Archie, on the other hand, is all villain. He is not only heartless, but sadistic, delighting in his power to make others squirm and suffer. �Archie was always puzzled about whatever there was inside of him that enjoyed these performances � toying with kids, leading them on, humiliating them, finally.� (p. 28)
The book deals with the universal theme of �man�s inhumanity to man,� acted out in the microcosm of school society. Most teens have, at some point, had to run the gauntlet of the schoolyard, suffering indignity and mortification at the hands of their peers and even their teachers. Readers may recognize someone they�ve known in Archie, Janza, Brother Leon, or some other character in the book. Teens will also identify with Jerry�s struggles for acceptance, dignity, and independence.
The New York Times described the book as �masterfully structured and rich in theme; the action is well crafted, well timed, suspenseful.� Originally written for adults, this book has found an audience with teens who appreciate the book for its honesty and candor. The book will not be appreciated by youngsters who are squeamish about violence and sexual matter, or who require happy endings. The book frankly portrays the darker side of humanity, with which all too many teens are familiar.
Awards for The Chocolate War
ALA Best Books for Young Adults
School Library Journal Best of the Best Books
Kirkus Reviews Choice
New York Times Outstanding Book of the Year
Lewis Carroll Award
Relevant Sites
Interviews with Robert Cormier:
http://www.teenreads.com/authors/au-cormier-robert.asp
http://www.achuka.co.uk/special/cormier01.htm
Sources
Books in Print [database online]. Available from http://www.booksinprint.com. Accessed 23 September 2004.
SparkNotes, LLC. 2004. The chocolate war. Available from http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/chocolatewar/context.html. Accessed 23 September 2004.
School of Library and Information Studies
TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY