Jerrys fate at the end of the novel is more a symbol of hope because everything that he has gone through has encouraged him to stand up for his morals and what he believes. Even after all the hardships, and challenges, he is still determined that everything he does is right.
Jerry has the initiative and determination to stand up for himself. Not only does he get this determination from his own self-esteem, but his only friend The Goober. Ever since the day he refused to sell the chocolates, Jerry was getting bullied, through both verbal and physical abuse.
Youre a fairy. A queer. (Verbal Chapter 31)
A dozen firsts pummelled his body, fingernails tore at his cheek and a finger clawed at his eye. (Physical Chapter 31)
However, through all the abuse he received, he decided to stand up for what he felt was right.
How many boxes of chocolates have you sold?
None.
Do you mind if I ask why?
Because I dont want to.
Not everyone has the courage and bravery to stick to their morals, like Jerry does. Jerrys refusal to sell chocolates has lead to his predictable fate, but he made an impact on people as an example to stand up for what they believe. I think the Renault kid is right about the chocolates, Howie said. (Chapter 21)
Im so sick of selling the frigging chocolates, the kid said. Ive never thought of just saying no. Like you did. (Chapter 19) Through this quote, we can see that the message had already spread to people, and they were starting to feel that Jerry Renault was right.
Before school started each day, the message had multiplied:
Nice going, kid, somebody said
Keep it up, Jerry. Whispered Adamo.
Motivation has played a major role in giving Jerry hope. It inspired him in many ways, including: being able to encourage himself about making decisions, as well as having the persistence to stick with his morals. For example, he doesnt sell the chocolates like everyone else does. He also doesnt get himself involved with any activity during school, so that he can avoid The Vigils. Thats why he had refused carrying out the chocolates day after day. He is determined not to assist The Vigils because; he feels that no one should be forced into doings things that they did not want to do. He feels that everyone has the right to achieve their own things. But from this extract in the book, Renault is forced to sell the chocolates. Heres your assignment. Tomorrow at the roll call, you take the chocolates. You say, Brother Leon, I accept the chocolates. But he stills refuses to collect the chocolates, and raise funds for the school.
Often when you lose focus in life, your hope begins to fade away. Usually when you get out of focus, you start to worry about things that dont necessarily matter and ignore things that do. On the other hand, Renault has plenty of hope because he lets his values become organised. He isnt troubled about the chocolates, but The Vigils/Assignment. So he focuses on the vital factors, rather than the unnecessary factors. When I accept the chocolates and Brother Leon realises I was only carrying out a Vigil assignment then everything will be fine again. (Chapter 18) Through this quote we can distinguish that he is focusing on the vital aspect: The Vigils Assignment, and not on the insignificant aspect: The chocolates. The Assignment was what created all these problems, not the chocolates.
Jerrys fate at the end of the novel is more a symbol of hope because, he has the initiative and determination to stand up for himself, he has the motivation and he focuses on the main aspects rather than the unnecessary aspects.
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