The Chocolate War (Pages 172-216)

Title: The Chocolate War
Author: Robert Cormier
Pages: 172-216
Chapters: 25-32

SUMMARY: The Vigils surrounded Jerry as they asked him why he wasn't selling chocolates anymore. Archie tried to intimidate Jerry by calling out random Vigils asking them how many they sold. The numbers were great but it was just a lie to frighten Jerry that there is no secret in the Vigils. The great Archie Costello had to "ask" Jerry to take the assignment. He had never "asked" anyone. Obie was extremely elated inside to see Archie Costello fall down for the first time. A skinny freshman kid has challenged the great Archie Costello. Archie kept cool so he let things pass by. Jerry constantly received prank calls at home. Next day, someone raided his locker and messed up his sneakers. Jerry was in awe that this activity was so immature. He was also attacked in the football field but he didn't know who it was. Brian was the student who kept records of the chocolate sale. Carter bullied him into giving credit to Vigil's members who didn't even sell chocolates. Fifteen thousand chocolates had been sold and Brother Leon was jovial. During roll call, Darcy asked Leon why Jerry wasn't selling any chocolates then the Great Debate occurred and the class went back and forth about Jerry's decision. Surprisingly, Goober stopped selling chocolates as well. He sided up with Jerry's existentialism but his sales record said he sold his fifty boxes. Goober was flabbergasted. Emile Janza and some six kids attacked Jerry until he vomited. They wanted him to sell chocolates but beating wasn't enough to stop Jerry Renault.

QUOTATION: "Blood stung Archie's cheeks and a pulse throbbed dangerously in his temple. No one had ever talked to him that way before" (Cormier 187).

REACTION: While reading this quote, my blood was rushing up and down. To see the great Archie Costello fall down was the ultimate scene. I had a feeling that Jerry's action will stir up the Vigils. People began to question Archie about Jerry, freshman kid who challenged the vigils. Carter had to take action and beat up to guys who asked those questions. Suddenly, Carter became in charge and the guys applauded for him. Archie faded in darkness for a while. Even Carter challenged him that if Archie doesn't do anything about this chocolate sale and Jerry, he is going to collapse. It was the moment of success for Obie to see Archie under pressure but Archie soon took control of the Vigils because he worked faster when he was under pressure. This part was the most intensifying scene so far.