Differences And Similarities Between The Chocolate War And Dna

In both “The Chocolate War” and “DNA” the bullies are presented as mischievous and threatening characters throughout. In the play “DNA” we have a psychotic gang leader called Phil who dictates to the rest of the gang members with his iron fist. However in “The Chocolate war”, we have Archie Costello who rules through manipulation and the tradition of the vigils and the box of marbles. Both “The Chocolate War” and “DNA” contain other supporting bullies and victims, for example in “DNA” we have Cathy (the later gang leader) and in “The Chocolate War” we have the Brothers. In both of the books there are the characters who are being victimised. In “DNA” we have Brian along with Adam. Whereas, in “The Chocolate war” we have several victims such

Phil form “DNA” gains control over Leah for the duration of the book through the act of tactical silence which he integrates religiously into his facade. He also keeps control of the gang this way. On page 10, 11 and 12 we see how Phil purposely ignores Leah. Leah asks

“what are you thinking?” ‘No answer’ and again later on the page “are you thinking of me?”- Leah. ‘No answer’ - Phil. This presents Phil as a complex character and exaggerates how reclusive and mysterious he is to the group. Leah as a character is an example of how he controls the gang; Leah is always searching for Phil’s approval that she never gets, because he never pays her his full attention. Therefore that leads me to believe that Phil is using her as an asset rather than a girlfriend. Eventually we see as “DNA” draws to an end Leah finally stands up to the deceptive way Phil controls Leah and walks away from the Phil and gang, Leah’s last words was “Phil? Phil? Please? Please! Please Phil!” this shows Leah desperation and neediness for Phil’s approval and really reinforces Phil’s facade and how he really doesn't care for her as much as she does