Although outside influences may affect the decisions we make, our choices are ultimately up to us alone. No one can force us to make a choice. Through John’s character arc, Susan’s waffling emotions, and the storekeeper’s perspective, The Chocolate Touch explores how we’re each responsible for our own choices.

John’s chocolate ability brings him hardships, such as being unable to finish his math test or play his trumpet solo. In Chapter 9, he’s frustrated with everything that happened at school, and he blames his teachers and classmates, “even though nothing that had happened to him had been their fault in any way” (93). At this point in the story, John isn’t yet ready to admit his flaws where chocolate is concerned, and blaming others for his misfortune is easier for him. At the end of the book, he realizes that his greed and selfishness led him to purchase the chocolate that started his ability. All his strife links back to that single event, which means he’s ultimately responsible for everything that happened. If he hadn’t bought the chocolate, his pencil wouldn’t have turned to chocolate, and he could have finished the test.