Chapter 14 · Holes

Copywork

“And the next time I tell you to do something, I expect you to do it without questioning my authority.

Read the passage aloud. Which words in the sentence tell you who is in charge?

Discussion

Narration Tell back what happens in the chapter, in order: breakfast with X-Ray, the tube at the end of his shovel, the Warden's arrival, and what she says about the canteens.

Each time Mr. Pendanski begins to explain, the Warden says “Excuse me.” What does that do to him? Inference
Mr. Pendanski smiles and tells X-Ray, “I wouldn’t dig too hard.” What does that tell us about him? Character
Stanley first says “I still got plenty left,” then admits he drank some. Was it right to change his answer? Moral reasoning
The Warden says, “Your good work will be rewarded.” What do you hear in that sentence? Tone
Stanley didn't even know the Warden was a woman until she stepped out of the truck. Why might the author let us meet her through his surprise? Author's choice

Make a Connection Tell about a time someone spoke very politely to you while making clear who was in charge.

Vocabulary

authority: I expect you to do it without questioning my authority The power to give orders and be obeyed.
expect: I expect you to do it without questioning my authority To count on something happening.
grumbled: “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he grumbled. Said in a low, unhappy voice.
produce: If he wasn’t going to produce the tube, why did he make Stanley give it to him? To bring something out to be seen.
distant: Stanley sometimes could see some distant hills or mountains on the other side of the lake. Far away.
haze: They were only visible for a short while and would soon disappear behind the haze of heat and dirt. A thin cloud of dust or heat that makes it hard to see.
examined: Mr. Pendanski examined it and took a long look at its flat bottom. Looked at closely and carefully.
rewarded: Your good work will be rewarded. Given something in return for good work.
nervously: He nervously went toward her. In a worried, jumpy way.

Critical thinking

Mr. Pendanski ends up saying “I’ll fill the canteens.” Using two pieces of evidence, explain how he acts in front of the Warden compared with how he acted a moment before.
The Warden asks Stanley to come over and tell her whether he has taken a drink. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what she gets from asking him.
X-Ray says he does not know what Stanley is talking about, then shouts that he has found something. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what X-Ray is doing.