Holes by Louis Sachar - Emotional Challenges

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Questions and Answers

Why is Stanley angry with himself?

He knows that he should have not let Zero dig.

What does Stanley hope for Zero?

He hopes that he found God's thumb.

Where was Zero living when he was arrested?

Zero was living on the street.

What does the Warden tell Mr. Pendanski to do about Zero?

She tells him to destroy all records. Signup and view all the answers

What worries Stanley most about Zero?

He worries that he is still alive and may need Stanley's help. Signup and view all the answers

What does Stanley do while Mr. Sir is filling canteens?

He drives off in the water truck. Signup and view all the answers

What happens while Stanley is driving?

He drives into a hole. Signup and view all the answers

What is Stanley's plan?

Stanley plans to walk until he is weak and then turn around to come back. Signup and view all the answers

What does Stanley see in the hole?

He sees a family of lizards. Signup and view all the answers

What is Stanley walking toward?

He is walking toward the thumb. Signup and view all the answers

What does Stanley find in the middle of the lake?

He found a boat. Signup and view all the answers

Who did the boat once belong to?

The boat belonged to Sam. Signup and view all the answers

What has Zero been drinking?

He was drinking what he called Sploosh. Signup and view all the answers

What does it taste like?

It tastes like peaches. Signup and view all the answers

What does Stanley find out about Barf Bag?

He stepped on a snake and did it on purpose. Signup and view all the answers

What keeps happening to Zero?

He keeps having stomach cramps. Signup and view all the answers

What does Stanley fear most about dying?

He fears his parents will not know his fate. Signup and view all the answers

What do they have to do when they reach the end of the lake?

They have to climb the mountain. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Zero as he helps Stanley up?

He cuts his hands. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Zero while walking?

He throws up. Signup and view all the answers

What do the plants and bugs indicate to Stanley?

There must be water near for them to live. Signup and view all the answers

What does Stanley do with Zero?

He carries him. Signup and view all the answers

What does Stanley realize as he lies in the mud?

There must be water to make mud. Signup and view all the answers

As Stanley digs deeper, what does he find?

He finds an onion. Signup and view all the answers

What does he do with it?

He splits it with Zero. Signup and view all the answers

What is the problem with the water?

It is muddy and brown. Signup and view all the answers

What must Stanley do to fix the problem? Why can't he?

Go down the mountain and find the shovel, but he doesn't have the strength. Signup and view all the answers

What does Zero confess to Stanley?

He confessed that he stole Clyde Livingstone's tennis shoes. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sam do for Becca?

He gives her onion tonic that saves her life. Signup and view all the answers

What does Stanley set off to find?

He sets off to find the shovel. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Stanley unsure of whether he is going the right way?

He feels he has walked too far down the mountain because there is no way he could have carried Zero this far up the mountain. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Stanley's Emotional Struggles

Stanley feels self-anger for allowing Zero to dig, indicating his sense of responsibility.
He hopes for Zero's survival, specifically wishing he found "God's thumb" for guidance.

Zero's Background

Zero lived on the streets prior to his arrest, highlighting his tough upbringing.
The Warden instructs Mr. Pendanski to eliminate all records of Zero, suggesting a desire to erase his existence.

Stanley's Actions and Discoveries

While Mr. Sir fills canteens, Stanley opportunistically drives off in the water truck, demonstrating his desire for freedom.
Driving carelessly, he accidentally crashes into a hole, which complicates his situation further.

Survival Instincts

Stanley's plan involves walking to the point of weakness before turning back, showcasing his determination to find Zero.
He encounters a family of lizards in a hole, symbolizing life and resilience in a harsh environment.

Journey Toward Hope

Stanley makes his way toward "the thumb," representing a beacon of hope amidst adversity.
He discovers an old boat in the lake, which once belonged to Sam, hinting at a historical connection and resourcefulness in their plight.

Zero's Condition

Zero consumes "Sploosh," a scavenged drink that tastes like peaches, indicating his ingenuity for survival.
Continual stomach cramps plague Zero, emphasizing his deteriorating health during their journey.

Parent's Impact & Climbing Challenges

Stanley's greatest fear of dying revolves around his parents potentially remaining unaware of his fate.
Upon reaching the lake's end, they must climb a mountain, presenting a physical challenge to both.

Physical Toll of Survival

Zero injures his hands while aiding Stanley, highlighting the physical sacrifices they are both making.
Zero's vomiting while walking exposes the severe fatigue they endure.

Water Discovery

The presence of plants and bugs leads Stanley to believe there must be water nearby, enhancing their survival chances.
As Stanley carries Zero, he figures that mud signifies water's presence, which is critical for their survival.

Resourcefulness

Stanley uncovers an onion while digging deeper, a valuable food source.
He shares the onion with Zero, showcasing camaraderie and selflessness despite their desperate circumstances.

Water Quality Issues

The muddy, brown water poses a significant problem for hydration.
Stanley contemplates retrieving a shovel to improve the situation but lacks the necessary strength to proceed.

Confessions and Connections

Zero confesses to stealing Clyde Livingstone's tennis shoes, revealing his troubled past and innocence within mischief.

Historical Links and Journey's Next Step

Sam’s gift of onion tonic to Becca establishes a connection to past acts of kindness that echo in Stanley's and Zero's narrative.
Stanley is determined to find the shovel, but his uncertainty about the path indicates the disorientation and challenge of their journey.

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Description

Explore the emotional struggles and survival instincts of Stanley and Zero in Louis Sachar's 'Holes'. This quiz delves into their backgrounds, decisions, and the symbolism found within their journey. Test your understanding of their relationship and the themes of resilience and hope.