The Bar Vs The Box Analysis
The Bar Versus the Box There will always be conflict between the individual and society. Society attempts to conform the masses into an ideologically homogenous group which alienates those who do not share the same ideas, while the individual struggles to stay true to his values yet still be a member of the community around him. In a utopian world there would be a middle ground where society allows the individual to be himself and where society can conform everyone to allow there to be peace while not trying to suppress personal rights. However, in the real world and the community described in The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier, this utopia does not exist. Jerry Renault, the protagonist, quickly finds out that when an individual defies
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Like a cult stopping members from leaving, The Vigils attempt to use violence, and Jerry promptly figures this out as he is getting jumped by the notorious school bully Emile Janza and six of his friends (Cormier, The Chocolate War: A Novel 203). This was a swift attack to demoralize Jerry into giving up on his one man crusade. Physical violence is not just used on Jerry but also on anyone that follows in his footsteps. For example, Frankie Rollo, who taunts The Vigil’s leaders, is beaten up and made an example of what happens when someone go against The Vigils. In a final attempt to end Jerry Renault once and for all, The Vigils offer Jerry an “opportunity to get even” with Emile by fighting him in an unorthodox boxing match where defending is not permitted and where punches are thrown by raffle ticket system. However, this fight goes astray when Emile beats up an unresponsive Jerry as the crowd chants “kill him,” similar to the mob brutality in Lord of the Flies. After this brawl Jerry realizes that “They don't want you to do your thing, not unless it happens to be their thing, too… Just remember what I told you. It's important. Otherwise, they murder you” (Cormier, The Chocolate War: A Novel 248). Although the book ends with Jerry getting knocked out and the raffle ticket proceeds covering the cost of the chocolates Jerry refused to sell, Jerry stood up to the established order and stayed firm in his ideals. This demonstration of courage by a typical high school student with ordinary skills and talents is inspiring to the
Like a cult stopping members from leaving, The Vigils attempt to use violence, and Jerry promptly figures this out as he is getting jumped by the notorious school bully Emile Janza and six of his friends (Cormier, The Chocolate War: A Novel 203). This was a swift attack to demoralize Jerry into giving up on his one man crusade. Physical violence is not just used on Jerry but also on anyone that follows in his footsteps. For example, Frankie Rollo, who taunts The Vigil’s leaders, is beaten up and made an example of what happens when someone go against The Vigils. In a final attempt to end Jerry Renault once and for all, The Vigils offer Jerry an “opportunity to get even” with Emile by fighting him in an unorthodox boxing match where defending is not permitted and where punches are thrown by raffle ticket system. However, this fight goes astray when Emile beats up an unresponsive Jerry as the crowd chants “kill him,” similar to the mob brutality in Lord of the Flies. After this brawl Jerry realizes that “They don't want you to do your thing, not unless it happens to be their thing, too… Just remember what I told you. It's important. Otherwise, they murder you” (Cormier, The Chocolate War: A Novel 248). Although the book ends with Jerry getting knocked out and the raffle ticket proceeds covering the cost of the chocolates Jerry refused to sell, Jerry stood up to the established order and stayed firm in his ideals. This demonstration of courage by a typical high school student with ordinary skills and talents is inspiring to the