The Story Behind Vianne Rocher

The Story Behind Vianne Rocher

What would you do if everyday was a constant battle to be accepted in your own home? In Chocolat, Joanne Harris takes the reader on a journey with Vianne Rocher, as she settles into a town that immediately labels her an interloper. Vianne is challenged by the followers of the town’s priest when she opens a chocolate shop. Though she struggles through many obstacles, she eventually overcomes the odds. Throughout Chocolat, Vianne never ceases to show tremendous amounts of courage, compassion, and mystery.

Vianne always seems to be fearless. No matter how much she is tested by the townspeople, she stands her ground. Though the priest, Francis Reynaud, is the most respected person in the town, Vianne does not let that stop her from challenging him when he questions her decision to move to the small town of Lansquenet and start a sinful, gluttonous business. She calmly says, “I’m sure there’s room enough in this town for both of us. Free enterprise, isn’t that right?” (41). She also shows courage in how she is constantly in fear of the Black Man, but she does not let her fear consume her. When Vianne says, “‘It isn’t me’, I whispered. ‘It’s you, it’s supposed to be you, you’re the Black Man….’” (144), she is facing her fear of the Black Man. This takes great courage.

Vianne also shows many signs of compassion and love. She is always trying to help people in some way. She always puts the well-being of others before her own. In the story, she regularly gives away free chocolate to those who need it or cannot pay for it. When she is talking to Caroline’s son, she says, “Please, take these” (91). She then hands him a bag of pralines. She does not have to do this, but she feels as if he needs them. Vianne also consoles Josephine when she is having trouble with her husband. Josephine is convinced that there is no way out of her abusive marriage and tells Vianne that it has to be that way. Vianne kindly says, “No, it doesn’t” (99). She feels pain for Josephine and knows she