The Chocolate War

The chapter opens with exposition, which provides background about Jerry’s mother, how much Jerry and his father had admired her, and how painful it was to watch her decline and die. Jerry recalls his anger that they couldn’t save her, his sleepless nights, and how he and his father wept at the cemetery. Then, routine took over both of their lives and they buried their mutual pain in school and work. Jerry finds a sense of place on the football field, but he wonders if his father has that feeling anywhere.

Jerry’s father wakes from a nap and they exchange “fines” about their day. Jerry realizes their words are meaningless, and asks, “Don’t you have some great days? Or rotten days?” (60). His father shrugs off the question. He admits his days as a pharmacist are mostly routine, except for one time three years ago when someone held up the store to steal drugs. Jerry wonders whether this is all there is to life, the sameness of routine, nothing exciting, everything just fine.

As Jerry prepares for bed, he remembers his confrontation with the young man on the Common, then stares into the mirror and sees his father’s face superimposed over his own. He reflects that he wants to do something, be something, and suddenly thinks about Gregory Bailey, stoic throughout Brother Leon’s torments.

Archie resents Brother Leon’s dramatic announcement of the chocolate sale at a special assembly, which he believes puts himself and The Vigils on the spot. Leon uses pathos to appeal to the students; he emphasizes their sick Headmaster, their pride in Trinity, and their sense of determination that makes the school what it is. He emphasizes the greater pride each student will feel when he sees his quota of fifty boxes fulfilled.

Archie reflects on the skepticism expressed by The Vigils when he explains his promise that they would help Brother Leon get the chocolates sold and feels doubtful about Leon’s “Crusade.” Archie shifts his thinking to how he will get other students to sell his quota of boxes for him.

As a result of The Goober’s assignment, desks and chairs collapse as though exploding when students enter the classroom the next morning. Brother Eugene looks on in horror as the boys gleefully test each piece of furniture to see what they can make fall. Archie stands in the hallway and reflects on the triumph of his assignment. Brother Leon confronts him and accuses him of complicity. Brother Leon reminds Archie that things are supposed to run smoothly at the school. The priest shoves the boy against the wall to emphasize his authority. Embarrassed and outraged that Leon interrupted his pleasure at the chaos in Brother Eugene’s room, Archie thinks, “Screw Brother Leon” (72).

The freshman football team scrimmages against the varsity team, and upperclassmen tackle Jerry into the dirt. Jerry determines to make the next play work, to get around Carter, but the larger boy places him easily on the ground, gently as though to prove his superiority. This frustrates Jerry, but finally, Jerry’s pass makes it to The Goober, who scores. Carter gives Jerry a sign of approval, and the coach says he might just make a quarterback out of him yet. Jerry feels triumphant as he returns to school. He finds a note taped to his locker summoning him to a meeting with The Vigils.