The Chocolate War Questions

Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.

  1. Is Jerry courageous? Who's the most courageous character in the book? Explain your answer.
  2. Could any of the novel's villains transform into good guys? If not, why not? If so, which ones, and why?
  3. If you were to make a soundtrack for The Chocolate War which songs would you choose, and why?
  4. If you were Jerry, would you do things differently? If so, what? If not, why not?
  5. Is The Chocolate War realistic? Why or why not?
  6. Is this novel, written over forty years ago, relevant to your life? Why or why not?
  7. In the film version of the novel, Jerry wants to be a Vigil. Does this fundamentally change the story? Why or why not? What is lost or gained by the choice?
  8. Is this book pessimistic? Is it hopeful?
  9. Is there something like The Vigils at your school? Is there a Brother Leon?