The Chocolate War

Brother Leon cheerfully calls roll, and each student accepts their allotted 50 boxes of chocolate to sell. The Goober, meanwhile, feels depressed over his role in the destruction of Brother Eugene’s room. Rumors have made him an underground hero, but Brother Eugene has not returned to school and The Goober feels like the other boys are keeping their distance. Archie has warned him not to say a word if he gets interrogated by Brother Leon, intensifying his general feeling of unease.

Leon calls The Goober’s name and interrupts his reflections. He impresses the significance of the chocolate sale upon Goober. He emphasizes that each student has the right to turn down his quota and that the school “merely administers the project. It’s your sale, your project” (80). Goober accepts his boxes and roll call continues as he lapses back into morose reflection on the impacts of his assignment.

When Jerry’s name is called, he says “no” to taking the chocolates, and silence falls over the classroom. Students laugh awkwardly, and Leon repeats that the sale is voluntary, but points out every other student has accepted his responsibility. Jerry repeats his “no.” Leon moves on to other students and dismisses the class.