Chapter 48 · Holes

Copywork

Stanley stopped and turned to look at Zero. He couldn’t just leave him here.

Read the passage aloud. What does the word "just" do in the second sentence?

Narration Tell back what happens in this chapter, from the walk back to camp to Ms. Morengo taking Zero's hand.

The Warden changes her story and demands, “Open the suitcase, Stanley!” What is she afraid of? Inference
Stanley does nothing when the Warden orders him to open the suitcase and his lawyer tells him not to. Is that courage or caution? Character
Stanley will not leave without Zero, and the Attorney General says Zero is not in danger. How well can Stanley trust what he is told? Moral reasoning
The boys of Group D gather round Stanley, and X-Ray stays away. What does that detail tell us? Tone
The Attorney General says Zero’s records fell through “a hole in cyberspace.” Why might the author echo the title with that phrase? Author's choice

Make a Connection Tell about a time you stayed with a friend when it would have been easier to go.

stopped: Stanley stopped and turned to look at Zero. Came to a halt.
leave: He couldn’t just leave him here. To go away from someone.
comprehend: not quite able to comprehend what was going on around him To understand.
dazed: The Warden seemed as dazed as Stanley. Stunned and unable to think clearly.
hysterical: She was nearly hysterical. Out of control with fear or anger.
jurisdiction: He is no longer under your jurisdiction The area or people a person has legal power over.
urgency: with a sense of urgency in her voice A feeling that something must be done at once.
outraged: The Attorney General was outraged. Very angry because something is wrong.
indefinitely: Keep him confined indefinitely For no set length of time.

The Warden says, “You can’t even read,” to Zero. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what has changed in how she sees him.
The Attorney General's tone changes as the scene goes on. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how he treats the Warden at first and at the end.
Ms. Morengo and the Attorney General speak about Zero's records. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how she presses him.