The Chocolate War by Robert CormierRobert Cormier writes novels for teenagers. In his books he uses violence, power and other characteristics that usually use the teenage age group. Many people are disturbed by the way he uses violence at the end of the novel. Cormier wrote The Chocolate War in the 1970s, during the hippie era. The story takes place at a higher level of intelligence than most of the outside world. Jerry Renault, the novel's main character, has lived a difficult life, especially in the last year or so. He mostly keeps to himself and doesn't speak out due to his mother's death. At the bus stop a hippie tells Jerry something that makes him think. Jerry then soon participates in a Vigil stunt where he doesn't participate in a chocolate sale taking place at Trinity, which is a school tradition and helps pay for several material things at Trinity. Once his assignment is over, he continues to refuse to sell chocolate. Jerry is then portrayed as a rebel, so refusing to sell the chocolates helps build Jerry's character identity. The Chocolate War is a novel where social status and acceptance play key [themes] throughout the story. The story is set in a private boys' school. Cormier shows how important social acceptance is by the secret club known as the "Vigils". The Vigils is a club that is an honor to be a part of and if you are a senior or upperclassman you are not considered "cool". The time period in which the novel is set is also important to the outcome of the novel. The novel is set in the 1960s, the same time "hippies" existed. This period of time helps Jerry make the decision that will cause him to become [not normal]. There are a couple of different [things] that push Jerry to become true to himself. His mother's death is one of the reasons why Jerry wants to be more of an individual. He feels confused and thinks he should do something because of his mother's death. There is also the hippie man on the bus who criticizes Jerry for going to school every day and taking orders from everyone, he tells Jerry to be himself and not be such a follower anymore..