How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
"Maybe I ought to assign someone to the store, make life interesting for your boss." (2.24)
Much of Archie's power comes from his ability to devise schemes and his lack of fear. If he wants to torment Obie's boss, he'll think of a way. Threatening to do so, is his way of keeping power over Obie.
Quote #2
He shivered with dread, realizing how awesome Archie's power really was. (2.27)
If Obie wasn't so in awe of Archie, Archie wouldn't have so much power over him. Obie doesn't realize that his own perceptions of Archie contribute greatly to Archie's power.
Quote #3
The Vigils kept things under control. Without The Vigils, Trinity might have been torn apart like other schools had been, by demonstrations, protests, all that crap. (4.23)
The school uses The Vigils to disempower students, to keep them from organizing and possibly drawing public attention to the nasty things going on there. As such, students are stopped from being able to make positive changes to their school environment.
Quote #4
Archie believed in always doing the smart thing. Not the thing you ached to do, not the impulsive act, but that thing that would pay off later. (4.39)
Archie's restraint gives him power. He spends lots of time thinking and planning and he doesn't act until he's fairly sure what the effects of his actions will be.
Quote #5
"I'm not giving anything more to Trinity. Not football, not running, not anything." (23.41)
The Goober is trying to get back the power that's being drained from him at Trinity. Saying "No," refusing to participate, is a form of non-violent resistance to the oppressive leadership.
Quote #6
"I'm convinced, Archie, that he's become a symbol of to those who would like to see the sale defeated. The malingerers, malcontents – they always rally around a rebel. Renault must sell the chocolates." (24.26)
Brother Leon realizes how powerful Jerry's "No" is. To a bunch of kids who've never seriously considered challenging the authority of Leon and The Vigils, it's a huge eye opener. Leon wants to force him into submission to show everybody that nobody can successfully resist at Trinity.