Chapter 8 · Holes

Copywork

A lot of people don’t believe in curses. A lot of people don’t believe in yellow-spotted lizards either, but if one bites you, it doesn’t make a difference whether you believe in it or not.

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

Discussion

Narration Tell back what the narrator says in this chapter, from the line about curses to the lizard's home in the holes.

The first two sentences both begin “A lot of people don’t believe in.” Why might the author repeat that opening? Author's choice
The narrator says that if you have been close enough to see the yellow spots, you are “probably dead.” What do you hear in how he says it? Tone
The narrator says exactly how many yellow spots each lizard has, and also how hard they are to see. Why might he give both facts? Inference
The narrator says it makes no difference whether you believe in a lizard if one bites you. When does believing something matter, and when does it not? Theme
This short chapter comes right after Stanley's first day of digging. Why might the author put the lizards here? Plot structure

Make a Connection Tell about a time something was dangerous whether or not anyone believed it was. How did people act?

Vocabulary

believe: A lot of people don’t believe in curses. To think something is true or real.
difference: it doesn’t make a difference whether you believe in it or not A change; something that matters.
odd: it is kind of odd that scientists named the lizard after its yellow spots Strange; not what you would expect.
exactly: Each lizard has exactly eleven yellow spots Just so; not one more or less.
probably: you are probably dead Very likely, though not certain.
predatory: protection from predatory birds Living by hunting other animals.
protection: which offer shade from the sun and protection from predatory birds Safety from harm.
leap: can leap out of very deep holes to attack their prey To jump a long way or high.
prey: can leap out of very deep holes to attack their prey An animal hunted by another animal for food.

Critical thinking

The narrator says everyone speaks of the lizard's red eyes, though the eyes are yellow. Using two pieces of evidence, explain how a wrong description can stick.
The narrator says the lizard could have been named for its eyes, teeth or tongue. Using two pieces of evidence, explain why those names might fit better than “yellow-spotted.”
The narrator says the lizards live in holes. Using two pieces of evidence, explain what a hole does for them.