Chapter 31 · Holes

Copywork

He tried to convince himself it wasn’t impossible. There had been a storm just a few days ago.

Read the passage aloud. How does the second sentence try to help the first?

Narration Tell back what happens in this chapter, from Stanley digging angrily to the Warden's orders about Zero's records.

Stanley counts the ifs about Big Thumb: if it is close, if it is the same place, if water is still there. What do those ifs tell us about him? Inference
Stanley thinks of a deal with the Warden to keep Zero from being scratched. What would the deal cost, and who would pay? Theme
Stanley is angry at everyone, but mostly at himself. How fair is that? Character
Each time the Warden asks about Zero, Stanley answers “No,” though he hopes Zero found God’s thumb. Was that honest? Moral reasoning
The author gives “But he didn’t.” a paragraph all to itself. Why might he set it apart? Author's choice

Make a Connection Tell about a time you knew what you should do for a friend and found reasons to wait.

convince: He tried to convince himself it wasn’t impossible. To make someone believe something.
impossible: He tried to convince himself it wasn’t impossible. Not able to happen.
refuge: the same place where his great-grandfather found refuge A safe place to go when in danger.
eventually: they’d still have to come back here, eventually In the end, after some time.
urge: had felt the urge to climb to the top of that mountain A strong wish to do something.
swollen: Mr. Pendanski’s face was so swollen Puffed up larger than normal.
records: destroy all of his records Written papers that keep facts about someone.
erase: I don’t think I can erase him completely from all the state files To rub out or remove completely.
likely: It didn’t seem likely. Probably going to happen.

Stanley hopes Zero found God’s thumb on his own. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what makes Stanley think that could be true.
Stanley digs Zero's hole as well as his own, long after the others go in. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what this shows about him.
The Warden orders Zero's records destroyed. Using two pieces of evidence, explain why she believes she can get away with it.