Holes: Reading Guide

Chapter 27-31

Plot

When we first started this book there seemed to be two main plot lines. The first was Stanley riding in real time to Camp Green Lake, and the other being his backstory, the family history and his lineage of his bad luck.

But what was is plot? At its most basic, plot is the action in the story. It’s what happens. The character does this then this then that. Having things “happen” drives the story forward. It engages the reader and gives the character an opportunity to grow, learn, and experience things.

But plot also does something else that’s very interesting. Plot shows us the relationship between cause and effect. Think about it this way, everything you do has some kind of consequence. And that’s not always a bad thing. For example, if you keep working at something, the effect is you will get better. Then there are other examples like, if you don’t take a shower, the effect is you will smell. Sorry to give you the hard truth on that one.

If you are looking for ways to practice this concept, here are some great activities on cause and effect.

So we’ve been reading Holes, following Stanley’s story, and then following the story of his family. But then BOOM! A THIRD plot line was introduced, that one being Kate Barlow, sweet school teacher turned outlaw. But then we have ANOTHER one. A sneaky, very under the radar plotline that isn’t about Stanley or the camp, but about Zero. I’m talking about Hector Zeroni the great-great grandson of Madame Zeroni! Remember her? It’s easy to miss, but if you are reading carefully its a real “AH HA!” moment. Not only is Stanley’s story connecting with the history of Camp Green Lake, but it’s also connected to Zero’s story.

But that is not the only point of overlap in this story. Doesn’t Trout, the once wealthy bully of Green Lake suffer from the same foot odor as Clyde Livingston? And wasn’t it the supposed theft of Clyde Livingston’s shoes what got Stanley sent to Camp Green Lake? And wasn’t Kate Barlow the woman who stole all of Stanley’s family’s fortune? If you were to draw out the plot of this story it would look like mind of a crazy person. (gif for accurate reference).

But we know we are in the capable hands of a master writer and we can safely assume that it will all come together in the end. Hopefully.

So where does that leave us at the end of this section? A bunch of stuff happens, but most notably we learn that Kate Barlow returned to Green Lake and died without ever revealing where her treasure is hidden. And the second major plot point is the fight that breaks out between Stanley and Zigzag. Zero comes in to help and eventually runs off into the high desert, no water, heat and all.

Next week we’ll talk more about plot points in a typical narrative. We’ll be talking about the end of this book and I’ll provide some video and interview links for you to keep enjoying. Below are your discussion questions. They are a mix of easier to less easy, so try them out and share your thoughts in the comments :)

Discussion Questions

What do you think Mr. Sir put into Stanley’s canteen? The author never tells us, but what do you think?

Does the way Mr. Sir is treating Stanley change your original idea of him?

Do you notice anything about Zero’s real name? Does it “ring any bells”?

Why do you think Zero always helps Stanley out?

What happens that causes Zero to run away?

How is the Warden connected to Stanley? This one is tricky. Hint: Think about what relationship she has to Trout and then think about what relationship Stanley has to Green Lake and Kate Barlow.

If you are interested in enrolling in a live, remote book club for this book, email olivia.mardwig@gmail.com. Next class starts February!