The Chocolate War

Chapters 1 - 10

Chapter One

1. What is interesting about the opening line of the book? How does it set the tone for
the story to follow?
2. Where is this chapter set?
3. Who is the main character, and what is he doing in this chapter?
4. How does the chapter end, and why does it end that way?
5. Language techniques: Identify two metaphors that are used to describe Jerry’s
feeling in the closing paragraphs of the chapter.

Chapter Two

1. Which characters are we introduced to in this chapter? What is their relationship?

2. What important element of the narrative are we introduced to in this chapter? What
is their purpose?
3. What two things do we learn about Jerry in this chapter?
4. Describe the symbolism used on the final page of this chapter. What do you think it
is symbolic of?

Chapter Three

1. Why is Jerry’s encounter with the hippies important?

Chapter Four

1. Where is this chapter set?

2. What do we learn about the chocolate sale?
3. How is Brother Leon described on pages 18 and 19? Is the reader supposed to like
him?
4. What does Archie offer?
5. Identify the two similes used on page 22.
Chapter Five

1. Describe the events of Chapter five.

2. What unexpected requirement must Archie meet at the end of the chapter? Discuss
it in detail, and explain why it is important.

Chapter Six

1. Identify the simile that is used to describe Bailey on page 33.

2. What is the silence in the classroom compared to?
3. Describe the cruelty of Brother Leon in this chapter, both towards Bailey, and the
rest of the class.

Chapter Seven

1. Describe the character Emile Janza.

2. How is Archie blackmailing Emile?
3. What do Emile and Archie think of each other?

Chapter Eight

1. What 3 metaphors are used to describe Goober when he runs?

2. What is Goober doing in this chapter? What does it suggest about The Vigil
assignments?

Chapter Nine

1. What do we learn about Jerry’s family in this chapter?

2. Describe in detail how Jerry felt about the death of his mother.
3. Describe the interaction between Jerry and his father in this chapter.
4. What bothers Jerry about his father’s life?
5. What decisions does Jerry make at the end of Chapter 8?

Chapter 10

1. Describe the events of Chapter 10.

2. How does Archie intend to participate in the chocolate sale?