It is difficult to read two young adult novels without finding a common theme that exists between them. Among the various themes in young adult literature, one major theme in particular is seen quite frequently – power. In Robert Cormier’s The Chocolate War, Jerry goes to a school where the students are controlled and manipulated by Brother Leon and The Vigils. Defying The Vigils is to defy something huge, which Jerry essentially does. In Susan Vaught’s Going Underground, Del’s entire life and future is basically in the hands of the law. He has to decide whether to accept that he is not in control of his life or to stand up for himself and make a change. Power is something that most young adults struggle to obtain. Conforming to rules and obedience
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“He wanted life to be normal again” and he had felt “isolated” (54) because of his assignment. However, inspired by the poster in his locker that reads: “Do I dare disturb the universe?” this is what Jerry does. Interestingly, he inspires other students to refuse to sell their chocolates as well. Brother Leon is now challenged by more than one student, and he says that these students have become infected by a disease called “apathy.” The fact that the students are said to have been infected because they were being disobedient shows that they had been controlled and manipulated all along. This is also shown when Jerry is called a “misfit” and a “strange stubborn kid” because he does not conform to the rules, which no one had ever done before. As Kitts states in her article, “The Chocolate War is about choosing defiance or conformity. Jerry chooses defiance, refusing to participate in the candy sale. The other students and Brother Jacques, by contrast, know of the Vigils but do nothing to stop or disband them.” Jerry knows that he is standing up for what he feels is right, but he never knew how much of a struggle it would be to do so. His punishment for going against The Vigils is serious. He gets beat up, his privacy is disturbed, his home life is disrupted, his locker is trashed, and his homework is stolen. The Vigils take away everything he has, except his …show more content…
“I really can’t believe I answered them in front of God, everybody, and my parents” (307). Del grew from his experience, especially by learning about the law and its consequences, and by realizing his true potential. Smith states in his article that “a boy will define his identity by looking at himself and seeing what he does or what he has accomplished.” Through his actions, Del was finally able to recognize who he is as a person, feel proud of himself and his decision, and find some contentment in his life. While Jerry’s decision to participate in the fight results in a sad ending, Del’s decision to take a stand and testify results in a positive ending. Because he was brave enough to finally stand up for himself after his long struggle, Del can finally begin to live a normal life. The Romeo and Juliet Law passed, he is a grave owner, and now he can go to Community college. At first, like Jerry, Del accepts that he is not in control of his own universe. However, in the end, Del’s character demonstrates that defending oneself against those in power can lead to positive
“He wanted life to be normal again” and he had felt “isolated” (54) because of his assignment. However, inspired by the poster in his locker that reads: “Do I dare disturb the universe?” this is what Jerry does. Interestingly, he inspires other students to refuse to sell their chocolates as well. Brother Leon is now challenged by more than one student, and he says that these students have become infected by a disease called “apathy.” The fact that the students are said to have been infected because they were being disobedient shows that they had been controlled and manipulated all along. This is also shown when Jerry is called a “misfit” and a “strange stubborn kid” because he does not conform to the rules, which no one had ever done before. As Kitts states in her article, “The Chocolate War is about choosing defiance or conformity. Jerry chooses defiance, refusing to participate in the candy sale. The other students and Brother Jacques, by contrast, know of the Vigils but do nothing to stop or disband them.” Jerry knows that he is standing up for what he feels is right, but he never knew how much of a struggle it would be to do so. His punishment for going against The Vigils is serious. He gets beat up, his privacy is disturbed, his home life is disrupted, his locker is trashed, and his homework is stolen. The Vigils take away everything he has, except his …show more content…
“I really can’t believe I answered them in front of God, everybody, and my parents” (307). Del grew from his experience, especially by learning about the law and its consequences, and by realizing his true potential. Smith states in his article that “a boy will define his identity by looking at himself and seeing what he does or what he has accomplished.” Through his actions, Del was finally able to recognize who he is as a person, feel proud of himself and his decision, and find some contentment in his life. While Jerry’s decision to participate in the fight results in a sad ending, Del’s decision to take a stand and testify results in a positive ending. Because he was brave enough to finally stand up for himself after his long struggle, Del can finally begin to live a normal life. The Romeo and Juliet Law passed, he is a grave owner, and now he can go to Community college. At first, like Jerry, Del accepts that he is not in control of his own universe. However, in the end, Del’s character demonstrates that defending oneself against those in power can lead to positive