Chapter 20 · Holes

Copywork

The Warden spoke softly. “I don’t especially care about your sunflower seeds.”

Read the passage aloud. How does the short first sentence change the way you hear the Warden's words?

Discussion

Narration Tell back what happens at the cabin, in order: the walk in the shade, Stanley's story, the makeup case, and what the Warden does to Mr. Sir.

Stanley wonders if he feels like a condemned man on his way to the electric chair. Why might the author give him that thought as the chapter begins? Author's choice
Mr. Sir tells the Warden he thinks Stanley is lying to cover for someone. What might make him think so? Inference
Stanley sticks to his story even after Mr. Sir calls him a liar. Is that brave, foolish, or both? Moral reasoning
The Warden tells Mr. Sir, “I liked it better when you smoked.” What do you hear in that line? Tone
As Stanley steps over Mr. Sir, he starts to ask “Is he—?” What does that show about Stanley? Character

Make a Connection Tell about a time you saw someone in charge treat one person harshly while sparing another. What did you think?

Vocabulary

softly: The Warden spoke softly. In a quiet, gentle voice.
especially: I don’t especially care about your sunflower seeds. More than usual; in particular.
condemned: how a condemned man felt on his way to the electric chair Sentenced to a terrible punishment.
dread: He felt nothing but dread now. Great fear of what is coming.
venom: Rattlesnake venom. Poison that a snake puts in a bite.
toxic: It’s only toxic while it’s wet. Poisonous; able to harm.
recede: Mr. Sir’s pain seemed to recede. To move back or grow less.
writhed: His body writhed in agony. Twisted and squirmed in pain.
shrill: he let out a shrill scream High and sharp in sound.

Critical thinking

While the Warden shows him her nail polish, Stanley has no idea why. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what he understands, and what he does not, about the scene.
Mr. Sir begins the scene sure of himself and ends it on the rug. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what changes in him.
The Warden says the polish is harmless when dry and toxic when wet. Using two pieces of evidence, explain why she might tell Stanley that before she uses it.