Chapter 47 · Holes

Copywork

“Stanley, as your attorney, I advise you not to say anything,” said the woman, “until you and I have had a chance to talk in private.”

Read the passage aloud. How does the speaker's voice, in these words, sound different from the Warden's?

Narration Tell back what happens in this chapter, from the morning in the hole to the name on the suitcase.

The Warden hugs Zero and says, “Thank God, you’re alive,” while trying to take the suitcase. What do you think she is really doing? Inference
In the hole, Zero asks if Stanley's last name is his first name backward. What does it tell us about Zero that he asks this now? Character
The Warden says she needed more proof before she could release Stanley. Is it fair to ask for more proof of a court order? Moral reasoning
A lizard pounces on a tarantula, and Mr. Sir says, “Not hungry, huh?” Why might the author put that moment in? Author's choice
The Warden's story gets weaker until she cannot finish her sentence. What does the most damage to it? Plot structure

Make a Connection Tell about a time someone said something untrue about you, or about someone you know.

attorney: as your attorney, I advise you not to say anything A lawyer.
advise: I advise you not to say anything To give someone your opinion on what to do.
exaggerated: seemed exaggerated in the stark morning light Made to look bigger or stronger than it is.
fascinated: He was momentarily fascinated by it Held by strong interest.
authorization: She didn’t have proper authorization Official permission.
legitimate: How do I know it’s legitimate? Real and allowed by the rules.
delirium: suffering from hallucinations and delirium A confused state of mind, often from fever.
staggered: Stanley and Zero staggered away. Walked unsteadily.
disbelief: The Warden stared at it in disbelief. Not being able to accept something as true.

The Warden tells the strangers why the boys are in the hole. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how her story makes Stanley look.
Stanley's lawyer speaks up for him in front of the Warden. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how she tries to protect him.
Stanley climbs out of the hole with the lizards still around him. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how he manages it.