Print at 100% scale on letter paper, with no added margins.
Holes
Trailblazers · 4th–6th
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?
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.
1. 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
2. Mr. Sir tells the Warden he thinks Stanley is lying to cover for someone. What might make him think so?Inference
3. Stanley sticks to his story even after Mr. Sir calls him a liar. Is that brave, foolish, or both?Moral reasoning
4. The Warden tells Mr. Sir, “I liked it better when you smoked.” What do you hear in that line?Tone
5. 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?
| 1 | ||||||||||
| 2 | 3 | |||||||||
| 4 | 5 | |||||||||
| 6 | ||||||||||
| 7 | ||||||||||
| 8 | ||||||||||
The Warden spoke softly.
I don’t especially care about your sunflower seeds.
how a condemned man felt on his way to the electric chair
He felt nothing but dread now.
Rattlesnake venom.
It’s only toxic while it’s wet.
Mr. Sir’s pain seemed to recede.
His body writhed in agony.
he let out a shrill scream
1. 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.
2. Mr. Sir begins the scene sure of himself and ends it on the rug. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what changes in him.
3. 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.