Holes by Louis Sachar Overview

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Questions and Answers

What is so ironic about Camp Green Lake?

There is no lake at Camp Green Lake.

What is the worst thing that can happen to a person at Camp Green Lake?

To be bitten by a yellow-spotted lizard.

Who gets sent to Camp Green Lake?

Bad boys

Who supposedly is to blame for Stanley's bad luck in being convicted of a crime?

Stanley's no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather is to blame. Signup and view all the answers

Who put a curse on the Yelnats family?

A one-legged gypsy named Madame Zeroni put a curse on the family. Signup and view all the answers

What is especially unusual about Stanley Yelnats' name?

Stanley's name is spelled the same frontward and backward. It is a palindrome. Signup and view all the answers

Who supposedly robbed the stagecoach of the first Stanley Yelnats?

Kissin' Kate Barlow Signup and view all the answers

Who at camp has a tattoo of a rattlesnake on his arm?

Mr. Sir Signup and view all the answers

Why does the counselor say Zero is called 'Zero'?

He says that Zero has nothing inside his head. Signup and view all the answers

Why didn't Stanley like taking a shower at the camp?

There was only cold water. Signup and view all the answers

What was Clyde Livingston's nickname?

Sweet Feet Signup and view all the answers

What was Stanley's excuse when he was accused of stealing the sneakers?

He said that the sneakers had fallen from the sky and one hit him on the head. Signup and view all the answers

What did Mr. Pendanski say was the reason the boys were digging holes?

To build character. Signup and view all the answers

Who was Myra Menke?

The girl that Stanley's great-great grandfather was in love with. Signup and view all the answers

What did Myra's father want in exchange for his daughter?

The fattest pig that could be offered. Signup and view all the answers

What promise did Stanley's great-great-grandfather make to Madame Zeroni?

He would carry her up the mountain, drink from the stream, and sing the song to her. Signup and view all the answers

What was the song that Madame Zeroni wanted to hear?

The pig lullaby 'If only, if only...' Signup and view all the answers

How did Myra want to choose a husband?

The man who picked a number closest to hers between one and ten. Signup and view all the answers

What color are the eyes of a yellow-spotted lizard?

Red Signup and view all the answers

What did the sign on the camp's rec room say?

'Wreck Room' Signup and view all the answers

When Stanley first wrote a letter to his mother, what did he tell her about camp?

That everything was okay, just as if he were at a real camp. Signup and view all the answers

What did Stanley first find that he thought might be of interest to the Warden?

A fossil Signup and view all the answers

Why was Stanley glad that the other boys called him 'Caveman'?

The nickname meant that the boys accepted him. Signup and view all the answers

What was the boys' nickname for Mr. Pendanski?

Mom Signup and view all the answers

What was the second thing that Stanley found in the hole?

A gold tube engraved with a heart and the letters 'KB.' Signup and view all the answers

Who did Stanley bring the gold tube to?

X-Ray Signup and view all the answers

What did each boy do when he finished digging his hole?

Spit in their hole Signup and view all the answers

What was Mr. Sir's favorite expression?

Camp Green Lake isn't a Girl Scout Camp. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Camp Green Lake Overview

Camp Green Lake is ironically named; there is no actual lake present at the camp.
Bad boys are sent to this juvenile detention camp for reform.

Dangers and Consequences

The most severe threat at Camp Green Lake is the yellow-spotted lizard, whose bite can be fatal.

Character Backgrounds

Stanley Yelnats’ misfortunes are attributed to a curse cast by his great-great-grandfather.
The blame for this curse lies with Madame Zeroni, a one-legged gypsy.

Name and Identity

Stanley Yelnats has a unique name that is a palindrome, reading the same backward and forward.
Clyde Livingston, a famous athlete, is known by the nickname "Sweet Feet."

Camp Conditions

Showers at Camp Green Lake are unpleasant since only cold water is available.
Mr. Sir has a distinctive tattoo of a rattlesnake on his arm, adding to his tough persona.

Relationships and History

Myra Menke was the object of affection for Stanley's ancestor, who had to offer her father a fat pig for her hand.
Myra aimed to choose her husband by having suitors pick a number closest to hers.

Camp Activities and Experience

Boys dig holes as a supposed method of building character, as stated by counselor Mr. Pendanski.
Each boy is expected to spit in their hole upon finishing digging.

Notable Finds and Events

Stanley initially writes to his mother, claiming that everything at camp is satisfactory.
He discovers a fossil and later finds a gold tube marked with "KB," which he brings to X-Ray for evaluation.

Camp Nicknames

The nickname "Caveman" signifies acceptance among the other boys for Stanley.
Mr. Pendanski is affectionately referred to as "Mom" by the boys, illustrating their dynamic and relationship.

Lizard Details

Yellow-spotted lizards are characterized by their distinctive red eyes, introducing an element of danger in the camp environment.

Camp Rules and Culture

A sign in the rec room cheekily mislabels it as a "Wreck Room," reflecting the camp's harsh and rugged culture.
Mr. Sir often emphasizes that Camp Green Lake is not akin to a "Girl Scout Camp," reinforcing its challenging nature.

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Description

Explore the intriguing world of 'Holes' by Louis Sachar, where a juvenile detention camp known as Camp Green Lake plays a central role. Learn about the characters, their backgrounds, and the ironic conditions of the camp. Uncover the themes of curses and identity woven throughout the narrative.