Chapter 36 · Holes

Copywork

Zero had deep gashes in both hands. He had held on to the metal blade of the shovel, keeping it in place, as Stanley climbed.

Read the passage aloud. What does the second sentence tell you that the first one only shows?

Narration Tell back what happens in this chapter, from the boys leaving the boat to their walk in the shadow of Big Thumb.

Zero says that when you spend your whole life living in a hole, the only way you can go is up. What does that line tell us about him? Character
Stanley jokes that Big Thumb probably has an Italian restaurant on top. What does that joke do for the two boys? Tone
What scares Stanley most about dying is not his own death. What does that tell us about him? Theme
Zero wants to rest and Stanley says, “We’re almost there,” though Big Thumb looks no closer. Was that a kind thing to say? Moral reasoning
The chapter ends with the sun balanced on Big Thumb and the line “God was twirling a basketball.” What does that picture add? Author's choice

Make a Connection Tell about a time someone you knew kept you going when you wanted to quit.

gashes: Zero had deep gashes in both hands. Long, deep cuts.
blade: the metal blade of the shovel The flat, sharp part of a tool.
relief: Death would be a relief. The ease you feel when pain or worry ends.
distracted: It distracted Stanley as well. Turned attention away from something.
exhausted: He was weak and exhausted Completely worn out.
frail: His frail body trembled terribly Weak and easily hurt.
defy: seemed to defy gravity To resist or go against.
protruding: grab the protruding slab of rock Sticking out.
situated: where Camp Green Lake was situated Placed or located.

Zero asks Stanley for words, and Stanley spells them as they walk. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how the spelling helps each of them.
Zero says, “Yes, I will,” when Stanley says he cannot pull him up. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how Zero makes it work.
The boys give each other the thumbs-up sign again and again. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what the sign means to them.