Robert Cormier's The Chocolate War

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

during the 1960s and 70s. In the novel it says,
Looking wistfully at the poster, he pondered the damaging words: Do I dare disturb the universe? The usual corridor pandemonium surrounded him, slammed locker doors, wild yells and whistles, pounding feet as the guys hurried to the after school activities, football, boxing, debating. Do I dare disturb the universe? Yes I do. I do. I think. (Cormier 196).
Jerry went against the grain.

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

to take part in the fundraiser, Jerry Renault chose not to participate in the chocolate sale because he didn’t believe everyone needed to be apart of it and knew you didn’t have to be. It is not necessary to follow in another’s footsteps, it is good to be original.
Jerry Renault is a brave and unknowingly confident boy. Although he stands up to Brother Leon when announcing he isn’t going to sell the chocolate, he still believes that he is cowardly. In the book it says,
Looking up, he called ‘Renault.’ The pause. The damn pause. ‘No!’ The Goober felt as if his eyes were the lens for a television camera in one of those documentaries. He swung around in Jerry’s direction and saw his friend’s face, white, mouth half-open, his arms dangling at his sides. And then he swiveled to look at Brother Leon and saw the shock on the teacher’s face, his mouth forming an oval of astonishment. (Cormier 118).
Everyone was astounded by what they have heard. It was no longer a Vigil assignment, but Jerry’s unconscious decision. After Jerry neglected the fundraiser, other classmates followed in his footsteps. Everyone started ditching the idea of the fundraiser and Brother Leon was getting mad. They would never reach the goal if only a handful of students participated. This is very similar to,
The widely accepted assertion that anti-war opinion was held only among the young is a myth, but enormous war protests consisting of thousands of mostly younger people in every major US city effectively united millions against the war, and against the war policy that prevailed under five congresses and during two presidential administrations. (“Counterculture in the 1960s” 3).
These two quotes compare because people were against the Vietnam War like Jerry was against the chocolate sale. When anti-war citizens spoke out and spread their opinion it caused rambunctious actions and major change in society. That reflects to Jerry Renault because once he refused to sell the chocolate, other students were either on his side or harshly bullied him. Eventually, Jerry was so frustrated because all of the backlash, he said, “Screw the chocolates. Screw the Vigils,” (Cormier 183). He was ridiculed by so many peers. People that were against the Vietnam War, were also against the production and use of nuclear weapons. In an article it says,
In the early 1970s, there were large protests about a proposed nuclear power plant in Wyhl, Germany. The project was cancelled in 1975 and anti-nuclear success at Wyhl inspired opposition to nuclear power in other parts of Europe and North America. Nuclear power became an issue of major public protest in the 1970s. (“Counterculture in the 1960s” 4).
Students were against the selling of the chocolate in Trinity High School, just like American citizens were against nuclear weapons in the 1960s. Everyone has their own opinion, but no one deserves to be punished
Throughout the book, Archie Costello does a lot of mischievous things.

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.

This
relates to the real world because not all criminals get tried in court, some do get away.
Overall, the plot of The Chocolate War reflects history. The book portrays Jerry Renault as counterculturists and Archie Costello as President Richard Nixon. Jerry Renault is a counterculturist because he was against conformity in his school. Archie Costello represented Richard Nixon when Archie got away with a crime, just like President Richard Nixon. The only way to stand out was to create so much chaos that a person didn’t have any choice, but to keep a deep impression of you with them forever.