Chapter 46 · Holes

Copywork

He didn’t want to die with the images of the Warden, Mr. Sir, and the lizards etched into his brain. Instead, he tried to see his mother’s face.

Read the passage aloud. What does the word “Instead” turn away from, and toward?

Narration Tell back what happens in this chapter, from Mr. Sir shooting the lizard to the counselors returning to the tents.

Mr. Sir tells Stanley he is innocent and adds, “Too bad you weren’t here.” Why might he say this now? Inference
While lizards crawl on him, Stanley tries to see his mother’s face and remembers the snowy hill. What does that memory do for him? Character
The Warden plans the story, Mr. Pendanski laughs about graves, and Mr. Sir shoots the lizard. Who seems most to blame for what Stanley faces? Moral reasoning
The chapter opens with, “Five hundred seconds later, his heart was still beating.” What does that opening line do for the reader? Author's choice
Zero slowly forms a fist and raises his thumb, with a lizard on his shoulder. What does the sign mean here? Theme

Make a Connection Tell about a memory that helped you feel safe when you were scared.

images: the images of the Warden, Mr. Sir, and the lizards Pictures in the mind.
etched: etched into his brain Cut deeply, so it stays.
frantically: scurried frantically In a wild, hurried way.
flinch: He did not flinch. To jerk back in fear.
grimly: laughed grimly In a harsh, gloomy way.
initiate: will most likely initiate an investigation To start.
severely: they would be severely punished In a very harsh way.
rigid: remaining rigid for so long Stiff and not able to bend.
strenuous: Standing still was more strenuous than walking. Needing a lot of effort.

The Warden tells her counselors what story to keep. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how she plans to hide what happened to the boys.
Stanley only half listens to the counselors. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what he understands about what is going on, and what he does not.
The Warden sends the counselors back to the tents. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how she plans to keep the campers quiet.