Bullying has been a problem for a while now. Around the 1960’s parents wouldn't even bother to help their kids with their problems so they would become independent, Nowadays parents or adults are more involved in their kid’s problems. In the book, The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier, Jerry Renault, the main character, shows independence and defiance by the way he handles being bullied at school and the pressure of not selling chocolates.
Jerry is a normal boy at Trinity school, at the beginning of the book, jerry is quiet for being the main character, but later on the book, he develops as a new person and speaks up. Jerry’s denial to sell the chocolates showed rebellion against the Vigils and Brother Leon, However,Jerry noticed the poster which was “the lonely man on the beach standing alone and fearless, ready at the time to be heard and known in the world, the universe." Cormier, 196. However, his denial had a punishment. Through the book we see Jerry beaten up and picked on. Jerry was “the lonely man standing on the beach”. Jerry goes through all this punishment without seeking for help to his dad or someone who could help him.
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In has always been a strong tradition for boys at trinity school to sell the chocolates. Robert Cormier smartly chooses to make the chocolates a sign rebellion against society, in this case, against boys at trinity school. Robert Cormier chose the poster as a symbol of inspiration to Jerry. Jerry’s mentality after reading the poster was to “disturb the universe”. Jerry’s way to disturb the universe was to not the chocolates, even though it seems not a big deal, It was a big deal since it was unusual for a boy at trinity school not to sell chocolates. Jerry’s denial to sell the chocolates brings him both, rewards and