Robert Cormier's The Chocolate War

1277 Words3 Pages

The 1960s and 1970s is one of the most iconic periods of time. Everyone was latching off of their roots and becoming themselves. People were unleashing their true identities and normality as they knew it was gone. Historical events and details from the 1960s-70s were reflected a book where students had to sell chocolate for the school. A student in particular went against morals of Trinity High School and refused to sell the chocolate. In the book The Chocolate War, written by Robert Cormier, characters in the book portray important political roles during the 1960s; Archie reflects President Richard Nixon, and Jerry Renault represents counterculturists during the 1960s and 70s. In the story, Jerry Renault connects with countercultural people …show more content…

Everyone in school was following what all the other students were doing. In the 1960s and 1970s, people were experimenting and doing things that people during the time wouldn’t normally do. It says in the article, Within this totally jaded society the ‘individual’ had little chance. In fact, his only hope was to escape in some fashion, perhaps into the woods where a person could rediscover the fundamental truths that nature revealed, or into hallucinogenic drugs that pushed the mind past the limitations drilled into it by education and upbringing, or into a completely different lifestyle grounded on more humane and authentic values. (“Counterculture in the 1960s” 1). The article is about how everyone was the same and conformed. If someone (like Jerry) went against the norm, everyone judged them for it. Another article says, “These deeper philosophical aspects of the counterculture remind us that there was far more to it than clothes, hair and music.” (“Culture in the 1960s” 1). People wanted to make a change in the world. They didn’t enjoy looking at everything in black and white. In the book it says, “‘Renault,’ he said again, his voice like a whip. “No. I’m not going to sell the chocolates.’ Cities fell. Earth opened. Planets tilted. Stars plummeted. And the awful silence.” (Cormier 118). Saying “no” was showing people that they didn’t have to do everything that was habitual. Jerry did not refuse to sell the chocolate because he didn’t want …show more content…

At the end of the story, authority figures realize the truth that Archie was behind it all, but he is not punished for any of his awful actions. During the time period that this novel took place, the Watergate Scandal was the big talk of the town. Ford said, As a result of certain acts or omissions occurring before his resignation from the Office of President, Richard Nixon has become liable to possible indictment and trial for offenses against the United States. Whether or not he shall be so prosecuted depends on findings of the appropriate grand jury and on the discretion of the authorized prosecutor. Should an indictment ensue, the accused shall then be entitled to a fair trial by an impartial jury, as guaranteed to every individual by the Constitution. (Ford 1). President Richard Nixon was not convicted for the crime he committed. Nixon got away clean, he wasn’t punished for the scandal whatsoever. Similarly, in the story it says, “He turned to Archie and spoke more severely but not really angry. ‘You really didn’t use your best judgment tonight, Archie. But I realize you did it for the school. For Trinity.’” (Cormier 261). The two quotations connect because Archie got away with the fight between Jerry and Emile like Nixon got away with the Watergate Scandal. Archie nor Nixon was faced with any charges or any kind of punishment after committing crimes. Neither of the men had to suffer and type of consequence.

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