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Questions and Answers
Explain what is meant by the statement 'the warden owns the shade.'?
Explain what is meant by the statement 'the warden owns the shade.'?
It means that only the warden can lay in the shade; he is someone important.
List some details that describe Camp Green Lake from the opening chapters.
List some details that describe Camp Green Lake from the opening chapters.
It does not have a lake, there's hardly anything green, it has poisonous yellow spotted lizards, it is a vast wasteland, there's barely any shade, it is a camp for bad boys.
What do we learn about Stanley's 'no-good-dirty-rotten-Pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather'?
What do we learn about Stanley's 'no-good-dirty-rotten-Pig-stealing-great-great-grandfather'?
He stole a pig from a one-legged Gypsy and the family name was cursed.
What does Stanley's father do for a living?
What does Stanley's father do for a living?
How did the first Stanley Yelnats get rich?
How did the first Stanley Yelnats get rich?
Give two examples of bad luck that the first Stanley Yelnats experienced.
Give two examples of bad luck that the first Stanley Yelnats experienced.
Explain the cause of 'burning rubber and foot odor'.
Explain the cause of 'burning rubber and foot odor'.
What is alliteration?
What is alliteration?
What is the alliteration in the passage: 'the bus was slowing down. The guard grunted as he stretched his arms.'?
What is the alliteration in the passage: 'the bus was slowing down. The guard grunted as he stretched his arms.'?
List three characteristics of Mr. Sir.
List three characteristics of Mr. Sir.
What does Mr. Sir mean when he states: 'you're not in the Girl Scouts anymore'?
What does Mr. Sir mean when he states: 'you're not in the Girl Scouts anymore'?
Who is Mr. Pendanski?
Who is Mr. Pendanski?
Which specific words did the author use to create a feeling of tension in a scene?
Which specific words did the author use to create a feeling of tension in a scene?
Why is Clyde 'Sweet Feet' Livingston Stanley's hero?
Why is Clyde 'Sweet Feet' Livingston Stanley's hero?
How did Derrick Dunne cause Stanley to miss his bus?
How did Derrick Dunne cause Stanley to miss his bus?
Why do you think Stanley spits into his hole when he finishes digging it? What evidence from the story helped you make this inference?
Why do you think Stanley spits into his hole when he finishes digging it? What evidence from the story helped you make this inference?
List several characteristics of yellow spotted lizards described in chapter 8.
List several characteristics of yellow spotted lizards described in chapter 8.
Why is Stanley disappointed when Mr. Pendanski tells him, 'the warden isn't interested in fish fossils'?
Why is Stanley disappointed when Mr. Pendanski tells him, 'the warden isn't interested in fish fossils'?
How do thoughts about Derrick Dunne help Stanley dig his second hole?
How do thoughts about Derrick Dunne help Stanley dig his second hole?
Based on the passage below, describe Zero's attitude toward Mr. Pendanski? 'Zero's mouth was shut tight. As he glared at Mr. Pendanski, his dark eyes seemed to expand.'
Based on the passage below, describe Zero's attitude toward Mr. Pendanski? 'Zero's mouth was shut tight. As he glared at Mr. Pendanski, his dark eyes seemed to expand.'
State two reasons why X-Ray allows Stanley to move up a place in the water line.
State two reasons why X-Ray allows Stanley to move up a place in the water line.
Describe the warden's physical appearance from details in chapter 14.
Describe the warden's physical appearance from details in chapter 14.
In your own words, describe the warden's personality.
In your own words, describe the warden's personality.
Do you think Stanley was right to give X-Ray the gold tube, or should he have shown it to Mr. Pendanski himself? Include reasons with your answer.
Do you think Stanley was right to give X-Ray the gold tube, or should he have shown it to Mr. Pendanski himself? Include reasons with your answer.
Stanley now believes that 'they were not just digging to build character, but were definitely looking for something.' What evidence causes him to feel this way?
Stanley now believes that 'they were not just digging to build character, but were definitely looking for something.' What evidence causes him to feel this way?
How does the author use the letter from Stanley's mom to reveal information about Zero?
How does the author use the letter from Stanley's mom to reveal information about Zero?
Why do you think Stanley writes false information in the letter to his parents? Justify your answer.
Why do you think Stanley writes false information in the letter to his parents? Justify your answer.
How do Magnet's words, 'anybody wants some sunflower seeds?' impact Stanley?
How do Magnet's words, 'anybody wants some sunflower seeds?' impact Stanley?
List two reasons Stanley 'felt good' when he was being taken to the warden.
List two reasons Stanley 'felt good' when he was being taken to the warden.
Why would the warden hurt Mr. Sir with the rattlesnake venom? What does this incident show us about her?
Why would the warden hurt Mr. Sir with the rattlesnake venom? What does this incident show us about her?
What three positive qualities about Zero are revealed in chapter 22?
What three positive qualities about Zero are revealed in chapter 22?
Describe the way Green Lake looked 110 years ago.
Describe the way Green Lake looked 110 years ago.
What was Katherine Barlow's profession? What was she famous for?
What was Katherine Barlow's profession? What was she famous for?
What do we know about Trout Walker?
What do we know about Trout Walker?
What do we know about Sam, The Onion Man?
What do we know about Sam, The Onion Man?
Stanley watched the water splatter on the dirt, where it was quickly absorbed by the thirsty ground. What is the cause of this effect?
Stanley watched the water splatter on the dirt, where it was quickly absorbed by the thirsty ground. What is the cause of this effect?
Who is Mary Lou?
Who is Mary Lou?
Write a summary to explain what caused Katherine Barlow to become the outlaw Kissin' Kate Barlow.
Write a summary to explain what caused Katherine Barlow to become the outlaw Kissin' Kate Barlow.
How does Kate Barlow die? Why does she 'die laughing'?
How does Kate Barlow die? Why does she 'die laughing'?
Describe the 'unusual rock formation' Stanley sees at the top of a mountain peak.
Describe the 'unusual rock formation' Stanley sees at the top of a mountain peak.
What motivates Zigzag to attack Stanley?
What motivates Zigzag to attack Stanley?
Locate two quotations from Mr. Pendanski that most likely provoke Zero's violent attack.
Locate two quotations from Mr. Pendanski that most likely provoke Zero's violent attack.
What do we know about Twitch? How does Twitch try to help Stanley when Stanley steals the truck?
What do we know about Twitch? How does Twitch try to help Stanley when Stanley steals the truck?
Describe the 'sploosh' Zero finds. How did the sploosh get there?
Describe the 'sploosh' Zero finds. How did the sploosh get there?
As Zero studies the mountain, his hand starts to form a fist with a raised thumb. Why is his reaction important?
As Zero studies the mountain, his hand starts to form a fist with a raised thumb. Why is his reaction important?
List three ways Zero shows an attitude of determination in chapter 36.
List three ways Zero shows an attitude of determination in chapter 36.
A metaphor is a comparison that does not use like or as. What are the two metaphors in the following passage: 'when they reached flat ground, Stanley looked up to see the Sun, a fiery ball balancing on top of big thumb. God was twirling a basketball.' What do these metaphors help us to picture or understand?
A metaphor is a comparison that does not use like or as. What are the two metaphors in the following passage: 'when they reached flat ground, Stanley looked up to see the Sun, a fiery ball balancing on top of big thumb. God was twirling a basketball.' What do these metaphors help us to picture or understand?
Explain how each discovery Stanley makes brings hope into the plot? Discovery 1 - weeds and bugs, Discovery 2 - mud, Discovery 3 - onion.
Explain how each discovery Stanley makes brings hope into the plot? Discovery 1 - weeds and bugs, Discovery 2 - mud, Discovery 3 - onion.
Explain what Zero means when he tells Stanley, 'I took your shoes.'?
Explain what Zero means when he tells Stanley, 'I took your shoes.'?
Give a character trait for Sam and give evidence from chapter 40.
Give a character trait for Sam and give evidence from chapter 40.
Give a character trait for Mrs. Tennyson and give evidence from chapter 40.
Give a character trait for Mrs. Tennyson and give evidence from chapter 40.
Give a character trait for Hattie Parker and give evidence from chapter 40.
Give a character trait for Hattie Parker and give evidence from chapter 40.
What situation prevented Zero from understanding that the shoes at the homeless shelter were famous ones?
What situation prevented Zero from understanding that the shoes at the homeless shelter were famous ones?
For what crime was Zero sent to Camp Green Lake?
For what crime was Zero sent to Camp Green Lake?
Why does Stanley feel happiness out on the mountain with Zero? Why does he now like himself?
Why does Stanley feel happiness out on the mountain with Zero? Why does he now like himself?
What are some things Zero remembers about his childhood?
What are some things Zero remembers about his childhood?
Why do you think the mother at the birthday party acted the way that she did?
Why do you think the mother at the birthday party acted the way that she did?
Locate two short passages in chapter 44 that prove Zero had sneaked back to the camp.
Locate two short passages in chapter 44 that prove Zero had sneaked back to the camp.
Explain why the following sentence is a simile: 'Zero sat as still as a statue.'
Explain why the following sentence is a simile: 'Zero sat as still as a statue.'
Why do so many lizards appear in Stanley and Zero's hole?
Why do so many lizards appear in Stanley and Zero's hole?
What new understanding about the warden do we get from her words: 'when I was little I'd watch my parents dig holes, every weekend and holiday. When I got bigger, I had to dig too. Even on Christmas.'?
What new understanding about the warden do we get from her words: 'when I was little I'd watch my parents dig holes, every weekend and holiday. When I got bigger, I had to dig too. Even on Christmas.'?
Explain how the tarantula episode proves something to the warden in chapter 47.
Explain how the tarantula episode proves something to the warden in chapter 47.
Who is Miss Marengo?
Who is Miss Marengo?
Why does Miss Marengo come to Camp Green Lake?
Why does Miss Marengo come to Camp Green Lake?
List two character traits that describe Miss Marengo's personality.
List two character traits that describe Miss Marengo's personality.
List two causes that bring about the effect of: Zero is released from Camp Green Lake?
List two causes that bring about the effect of: Zero is released from Camp Green Lake?
What do we find out about lizards in chapter 49 that explains why they didn't bite Stanley and Zero?
What do we find out about lizards in chapter 49 that explains why they didn't bite Stanley and Zero?
The narrator states: the reader might find it interesting, however, that Stanley's father invented his cure for foot odor the day after the great great grandson of Elya Yelnats carried the great great great grandson of Madame Zeroni up the mountain. What does the narrator want us to think about or understand?
The narrator states: the reader might find it interesting, however, that Stanley's father invented his cure for foot odor the day after the great great grandson of Elya Yelnats carried the great great great grandson of Madame Zeroni up the mountain. What does the narrator want us to think about or understand?
Describe the treasure in the suitcase.
Describe the treasure in the suitcase.
Describe events in the novel where Stanley has experiences with determination. What is the author trying to tell us?
Describe events in the novel where Stanley has experiences with determination. What is the author trying to tell us?
List some character traits for Stanley's actions. How does he change?
List some character traits for Stanley's actions. How does he change?
Study Notes
Vocabulary and Concepts
- "The warden owns the shade": Indicates the warden's authority; only she enjoys the shade in the harsh environment of Camp Green Lake.
- Alliteration: Literary device involving the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words; enhances writing's rhythm and emphasis.
Camp Green Lake Details
- Lacks an actual lake and is mostly arid; referred to as a wasteland.
- Hostile environment featuring poisonous yellow spotted lizards; described as a camp for delinquent boys.
Stanley Yelnats and Family
- Stanley's ancestor stole a pig from a Gypsy, leading to a family curse.
- Stanley's father is an inventor, while the first Stanley Yelnats became wealthy through stock market investments.
- Experiences multiple instances of bad luck, such as being robbed by Kissin' Kate Barlow and being cursed.
Characters and Relationships
- Mr. Sir: Described as rude, scary, and strict; enjoys sunflower seeds as a smoking substitute.
- Mr. Pendanski: Camp counselor dismissed by Zero, who expresses contempt towards him.
- Clyde "Sweet Feet" Livingston: Stanley's hero, a Major League Baseball player who contributes to social causes.
Plot Developments
- Stanley faces bullying and missed opportunities, such as a bus due to a prank by Derrick Dunne.
- Events progress as Stanley discovers he is not digging merely for character building but for buried treasures; observations increase his hope.
- The tragic backstory of Katherine Barlow, who becomes an outlaw after her love, Sam, is unjustly killed.
Discoveries and Symbolism
- The significance of Zero's character unfolds as he displays intelligence and determination.
- Discovery of tangible objects like mud and onions symbolizes hope and renewal in the storyline.
Themes and Lessons
- The theme of friendship emerges as Stanley and Zero's bond strengthens, breaking familial curses and enhancing their resilience.
- Character development emphasizes perseverance, self-discovery, and compassion despite harsh realities.
- Moral implications of kindness and determination are central to the narrative, showcasing personal growth amid adversity.
Conclusion and Resolution
- The treasure found signifies liberation and closure for Stanley's family history, reinforcing the importance of unity.
- The ending reflects the power of friendship and the notion that determination can overcome life's challenges.
Studying That Suits You
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Challenge your understanding of 'Holes' with these flashcards. Each card dives into key phrases and descriptions from the book, enhancing your comprehension and vocabulary. Perfect for students and fans of the novel alike.
