FREE ESSAY ON BEYOND THE CHOCOLATE WAR

BEYOND THE CHOCOLATE WAR

Beyond The Chocolate War, a novel written by Robert Cormier is the compelling sequel to
The Chocolate War. Robert Cormier is a successful writer who pictures the typical lives
of everyday people with extraordinary talent. He is also the author of After The First
Death the set novel for year 10 this year. As the names suggest, these books revolve
around the same classification: conflict however these are not your common books about
pure physical war and battle but it adresses the other side of conflict - the thoughts
racing though the characters minds. He very carefully nurtures the plot and story through
not only the actions but the thinking of people to build up to a complex climax.
The genre of Beyond The Chocolate War is a psychological thriller that deals with the
darker side side of human nature. The novel considers real life situations exaggerated
for more effect is a very psychological manner. The dilemmas and predicaments experienced
by the many characters in the story are expressed via the battle with their own mind,
their decisions and the outcomes of their decisions afterwards. 
There are many themes in Beyond The Chocolate War that all contribute to the composition
on the story. Relationships, sexual desires, fighting, revenge, murder, rape, assault,
anxiety/distress/trouble (very much so), rebellion, suicide, school values, secret
societies and authority. The were numerous examples of relationships and sexual desires
with the main character (Obie) having a girlfriend and other people lusting after her.
Fighting was not used much - like brain over brawn although there were some fights
involving physical violence and injury between students. The strong jocks and students
who had built stature's were made to be in a lesser class, easily manipulated and dopey
despite their physique. The plot of the story was also largely based on revenge with many
of the characters devising devious plans as vengeance against one of the other main
characters (Archie Costello). These plans included the usage of attempted assaults, rapes
and murders. Many of the characters in this novel were disturbed and had trouble within
their life - which drove them to the creation of the plans. Most of the people in the
story blamed it on the dictatorship of Archie Costello which led to rebellion. There was
also a sad case of a boy who committed suicide. It was made known throughout the book
that he obviously needed help from his family, teachers and peers alike but did not
receive it. The most important factor of the book was a secret society called the Vigils
within a Catholic school called Trinity High School. The authority of the leader of the
Vigils (Archie Costello) was enormous, he controlled practically everyone in the school
except Brother Leon the Head Master. Most of the people in the school hated these two
characters both very shrewd, smart and cruel. Both also experienced students trying to
take their life. 
Beyond The Chocolate War continues and shows the aftermath of The Chocolate War. Unlike
other novels with pre-quels, Beyond The Chocolate War does not give readers a
disadvantage and unfulfilling plot if they have not read the pre-quel. It may have been
easier however to know the background of some of the characters that were carried over
from the previous book but this novel but this novel has a fine stand alone story. The
basic plot of the story of starts off with the return of Jerry Renault a boy was severely
injured during a fight in the Chocolate War in the previous novel. He is still in shock
and the book refers to some of his feelings about the confrontation with the boy who beat
him up Emile 
Janza - a supposedly stupid person with muscles bulging everywhere. Over 3/4 of the story
is from the eyes of the main character Obie who vows revenge on Archie Costello who
ruined his life. Obie used to be Archie's 'right hand man' and his best friend even
though Archie was using Obie. Now he has become Archie's arch rival and aches to get out
of the secret society: the Vigils. This group is responsible for pranks/practical jokes
(known as assignments to the Vigils) around the school and has caused much disruption in
the school and even some deaths. The leader or assigner gives out the pranks to be
carried to its members and no-one dares to defy the assigner. Without any choice, the
members must complete the pranks which have caused depression and anxiety to many
students and even teachers. The guilty conscience haunts them forever, knowing that they
have caused so much harm. The assigner does not do any of the assignments to avoid risk
to himself. Obie abhors his role in the inclusion to the senseless pranks but after an
assignment placed upon Obie and his girlfriend that involved an attempted rape without
his knowing, he plans for the destruction of Archie Costello. They touched me Obie! She
yelped as Obie comforted her.....he knew it was the work of the Vigils and now the fire
had been lit The suspense and climax is not just provided from Obie's but from an
impending suicide of David Caroni who is driven to his decision by the corruption of
teachers in the school (especially Brother Leon). The chapters that describes David's
thoughts are like a time bomb waiting to go off, keeping the reader on the edge of their
seat. 
The title is significant as it refers to the happenings beyond/after The Chocolate War,
other than that the title does not show some other deeper meaning. 
The writer employs a very descriptive style, which utilises both first and third person
perspective's (predominantly third person). Besides the descriptions taken from the
characters minds, there is much dialogue which some sort contrast/similarities to their
thoughts. This is a very real aspect of everyday life. There are some uses of
personification, similes and expressive words to add meaning and interest (even though
some of these words were beyond my comprehension). ....his voice an agonising whisper He
also made use of single word sentences to add depth and emphasise the meaning further.
....he had seen Tubs name in only two sales. Preposterous. To make it even more realistic
he includes various swear words and profane language in the students dialogues. 
Because there are many characters and parallel plots which converge, the story is
exciting and 'a real page turner'. The author evidently never runs out of words and
ideas. While I was reading it, I did not at one point think that it was boring, the cover
was boring enough and the small print and fine words would have turned me away from it.
If I didn't read some excerpts from it, even from a small excerpt where action could
already be sensed I probably would not have borrowed it. Beyond The Chocolate War touches
on the darker side of teenage life-real life situations with a twist. It is very
successful in captivating me and even involves me in it. The characters are easy to keep
track of as they have a distinct role which is not too confusing at all. The characters
are very well chosen as their personalities are extremely original and typical for the
distorted youths in the story. 
The story is very entertaining and offers a new outlook in bullying and ways to combat
it. There are many things to learn from this book and if the message sent across by the
reader is successful (that teenagers must be nurtured by their parents, peers and
teachers and bullying, discrimination and unfairness stamped out), many suicides and
teenage depressions could be prevented. A great read. 5 stars!