There will always be the conflict between society and the individual. 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 themselves and their values yet still be a member of the community around them. In a utopian world there would be middle ground where the individual is allowed to be themselves 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 in community described in The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier this utopian is not the case as Jerry Renault quickly finds out that when an individual defies the norm in society he
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This conflict is parallel to the theme of “The struggle of the individual against an evil system” (Mazzeno The Chocolate War Critical Overview - Essay). Jerry’s refusal to sell chocolates seems trivial however it starts a chain reaction making the other students not feel the need to participate in the fundraiser, and this year’s sale had not only Brother Leon’s position but also the school finances on the line. At the early part of the single man boycott Jerry was viewed as a hero by many because of his ability to stand up to Brother Leon and the fundraiser which no other student had attempted before; “The vast majority, however, would drop out if they could. Ultimately, they carry on not out of respect for the school, or fear of Brother Leon, but because they do not have the courage to stand up to Archie and the Vigils.” ("Themes and Construction: The Chocolate War"). The result of this individual rebellion created a sharp decline in sales of chocolates which infuriated Brother Leon. As a byproduct result the powerful image of The Vigils was tainted, “If Renault can get away with defying us, other people are gonna try” (Cormier, The Chocolate War: A Novel 174). This is the way the individual has power over the group. If the individual gets away with not following then what stop anyone else from doing the same which cause the structure of the group to fall
This conflict is parallel to the theme of “The struggle of the individual against an evil system” (Mazzeno The Chocolate War Critical Overview - Essay). Jerry’s refusal to sell chocolates seems trivial however it starts a chain reaction making the other students not feel the need to participate in the fundraiser, and this year’s sale had not only Brother Leon’s position but also the school finances on the line. At the early part of the single man boycott Jerry was viewed as a hero by many because of his ability to stand up to Brother Leon and the fundraiser which no other student had attempted before; “The vast majority, however, would drop out if they could. Ultimately, they carry on not out of respect for the school, or fear of Brother Leon, but because they do not have the courage to stand up to Archie and the Vigils.” ("Themes and Construction: The Chocolate War"). The result of this individual rebellion created a sharp decline in sales of chocolates which infuriated Brother Leon. As a byproduct result the powerful image of The Vigils was tainted, “If Renault can get away with defying us, other people are gonna try” (Cormier, The Chocolate War: A Novel 174). This is the way the individual has power over the group. If the individual gets away with not following then what stop anyone else from doing the same which cause the structure of the group to fall