The Chocolate War

After reading an intricate novel containing many characters, it helps your understanding of the book to identify with the characters (how and why they do the things they do). In these cases it is always easier to compare the characters to something from everyday life. By separating them into categories of good and evil, the main characters in The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier can be compared to different levels of heaven and hell by their actions and roles in the story. The three good main characters Jerry, Goober, and Brother Jacques can be compared to the triad of angel hierarchies in heaven and the three evil main characters Archie, Brother Leon, and Emile can be compared to the three types of sin that exists in hell. The three good main characters in The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier are Jerry, Goober, and Brother Jacques. They can be compared to the three hierarchies that exist in heaven. The first level of heaven is the Highest Hierarchy. This hierarchy is composed of the scribe angels who sit closest to God and here devil angels tried to tempt Jesus to sin. There are two main scribes in this hierarchy. They are the Scribe of Knowledge and the Scribe of Righteousness. Both these scribes contain characteristi

The Supreme hierarchy is made up of a choir or helper angels that assist God. Goober is compared to this hierarchy because he retains characteristics similar to the Cheribum angels. The definition of knowledge is the act or state of knowing; clear perception of fact, truth, or duty; certain apprehension; familiar cognizance; cognition. Archie takes pleasure in the embarrassment and ruin of others. He is protecting Jerry from getting hurt and therefore is acting as his guardian angel. The definition of brutishness is the physical bullying of others; somewhat pertaining to, or resembling, a brute or brutes; unintelligent. (Cassavant)By examining the different levels of heaven and hell, the different levels of good and evil in "The Chocolate War" can be clearly seen. Emile is a bully who picks on the younger weaker students at Trinity. The definition of righteousness is the state of being right with God; justification; the work of Christ, which is the ground of justification. Jerry becomes righteous when he does the right thing by standing up to the Vigils and Brother Leon. Jerry faced a similar predicament when he was tempted by the Vigils and Brother Leon to sell chocolates. The destruction of room nineteen is the perfect example. (Kimba)The third hierarchy is the Middle Hierarchy. The reason for having the chocolate sale was to raise enough money and gain respect of the headmaster in order to someday take the place of the headmaster.