The Chocolate War

Throughout the novel, the dynamics of power and control form the arc and tension of the plot as well as providing characterization. At Trinity, power and control are maintained through psychological manipulation, social pressure, and physical threats. These dynamics are wielded by the novel’s antagonists against its protagonist and are connected to another theme, The Consequences of Challenging Institutional Authority.

The dynamic of psychological manipulation is made explicit through the machinations of Archie Costello and Brother Leon; both use their position within the social institution of Trinity Catholic High School to assert control and do so knowingly. When giving The Goober his assignment for The Vigils, Archie demonstrates his self-aware and purposeful manipulation when he wonders what makes him enjoy “these performances—toying with kids, leading them on, humiliating them, finally” (31). However, Archie knows why he enjoys them: because it allows him to show everyone else just how much smarter and quicker than them he is, to stay in control of the situation through his position of perceived power. The only threat to Archie’s perception of power is symbolized by the Black Box, a form of psychological manipulation invented by the Vigils to keep him under control.