The Chocolate War DQ's Ch. 1-10

1. What affect did the first sentence have on you? Why did the author use it? (ask this question again after reading the whole book)

A: The first sentence gave me a dark feeling about the book. It made me think that the book was about something more than just a "Chocolate War." I think the author used this sentence to build tension, and set the mood of the book.

2. Do you feel you have to stay on the good side of anyone if your life? Why?

A: I definately feel like I have to stay on the good side of someone. If I don't, it causes hardships and grudges that are unnecessary and unneeded.

3. What would you do? AND How would you feel if you found out someone was keeping private information about you (like Obie’s notebook)

A: I would be highly upset, and would want to know why this was going on. I would also make sure that the person stops doing what they are doing.

4. Why is the man at the bus stop contemptuous of Jerry? What does he mean when he tells him he’s “missing a lot in the world?”

A: He's contemptous because Jerry stares at him everyday. The guy says that Jerry is stuck in a routine at an early age, so he's missing out on a lot in the world.

5. Who is Brother Leon? Have you ever seen a teacher pick on a student? Have you ever been picked on by a teacher? What did the rest of the class do?

A: Brother Leon is an algebra teacher at Trinity who is very manipulative, and likes to let people know that he is in control.

6. Why does everyone in the school ignore the Vigils?

A: The Vigils keep Trinity together, and under control; Everyone at Trinity knows this.

7. Why does Goober have to comply with the assignment? What would you do?

A: Goober has to comply with the assignment because it's basically tradition at Trinity. I don't know what I would do; it would all depend on the consequences.

8. What kind of teacher is Brother Leon? Have you ever seen a teacher pick on a student? Have you ever been picked on by a teacher? What did the rest of the class do?

A: Brother Leon is the kind of teacher who likes to stress his authority. I've never really been picked on by a teacher.

9. Do you know anyone with any of Emile’s characteristics?

A: I do know a person with Emile's characteristics. This person enjoys getting on people's nerves, and bullies others who are inferior to him.

10. Why do they choose to pick on Brother Eugene?

A: They choose to pick on Brother Eugene because they know he is vulnerable, and easy to manipulate.

11. Jerry feels like he can’t talk to his father. How could he remedy that situation? Do you ever feel that way? How could you remedy the situation?

A: He could remedy the situation by just sitting down and talking to his father. It may not be easy, but it can be done. The death of his mother has left a void that is yet to mend. I don't really ever feel that way.

12. What have you had to sell for school fundraisers? Have you felt any pressure to sell?

A: I haven't had to seel things for a school fundraiser since elementary school. I remember my school always had an annual selling of assorted items from a catalog, and I always used to sell alot of Christmas wrapping paper. I never really felt pressure to sell though.