Chapter 39 · Holes

Copywork

Stanley stared at him. It was impossible. Zero was delirious.

Read the passage aloud. What do the very short sentences make you feel as you read them?

Narration Tell back what happens in this chapter, from Stanley waking in the meadow to the song he sings Zero.

Stanley touches the giant rock and thinks, “Tag, you’re it.” What do you think he means? Inference
Stanley thinks about going back down for the shovel, but stays by Zero. Was staying the better choice? Moral reasoning
Zero keeps saying he is sorry, and Stanley keeps telling him it is all right. What does each boy seem to need? Character
Stanley decides, “It was impossible. Zero was delirious.” What makes him so sure? Inference
The chapter ends with the song about the woodpecker and the wolf. Why might the author end on a song? Author's choice

Make a Connection Tell about a time someone said sorry and you were not sure what for.

impossible: It was impossible. Not able to happen.
delirious: Zero was delirious. Confused and not thinking clearly, as in a fever.
comprehend: It took a moment for Stanley to comprehend. To understand.
insisted: “No, listen,” Zero insisted Said firmly and would not give way.
confession: Zero’s “confession” Telling something you did wrong.
relief: seemed to bring him some relief The ease you feel when pain or worry lessens.
filter: trying to filter it with his teeth To strain out unwanted bits.
violently: His body shook violently. With wild, hard force.
generations: in his family for generations Groups of family members, one after the other.

The water hole holds no more than two inches of very brown water. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how much it can help the boys.
Zero crawls to the water hole “with great effort.” Using two pieces of evidence, explain how sick Zero is and what he can still do.
The author describes the rock tower and the field of flowers. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what kind of place Stanley and Zero have reached.