Chapter 33 · Holes

Copywork

He doubted he could make it to Big Thumb, and with no water in his canteen, he didn’t want to risk his life on the hope that he’d find refuge there.

Read the passage aloud. What does the sentence set against each other: what he doubted, and what he hoped?

Narration Tell back what Stanley does after he leaves the truck, from his walk across the lake to the sunflower sack.

Stanley looks into each hole he passes, but “didn’t admit to himself what he was looking for.” What might he be hoping or fearing to see? Inference
Stanley smiled as he realized his plan would not quite work. What does that smile tell you about him? Character
Stanley will go only halfway, so he can still return. Is that wise, or too little for someone who may be in danger? Moral reasoning
The author says guessing where the Warden will dig is like “trying to guess the winning numbers in a lottery.” Why might that picture fit? Author's choice
The chapter ends with one word: “Lunch.” What tone does that word set after everything before it? Tone

Make a Connection Tell about a time you made a plan carefully, then had to change it.

doubted: He doubted he could make it to Big Thumb Was not sure something was true or possible.
risk: he didn’t want to risk his life To put something in danger.
refuge: the hope that he’d find refuge there A safe place to go in danger.
systematic: they had dug in a systematic order Done in a planned, orderly way.
random: pick a spot at random By chance, with no plan.
frustration: in a fit of frustration Anger at being blocked or failing.
cautious: The encounter with the lizards had made him very cautious. Careful to avoid danger.
mercy: and beg for mercy Kindness shown to someone who is in your power.

Stanley keeps thinking he has passed the last hole. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what keeps pulling him on.
Stanley expects to return to camp and beg for mercy. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what he expects when he gets back.
Stanley sees the lizards and runs. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how the lizards change the way he moves.