Student Question
Do you agree that the Warden in Holes is the most powerful authority figure at the camp?
Quick answer:
In chapter 14 of Holes, the Warden demonstrates her strict manner and position as the most powerful authority figure at the camp by ordering Mr. Pendanski to refill the boys' canteens. Despite Mr. Pendanski's protestations, he is powerless to defy the Warden, who secures his obedience without raising her voice.
In chapter 14, Stanley discovers that the Warden is a woman. The text tells us that the Warden is tall and has red hair. Her height makes her an imposing figure. Meanwhile, her arms and face are freckled, and she wears a black cowboy hat and black cowboy boots studded with turquoise stones.
Her real name is Ms. Walker. She is the descendant of Charles "Trout" Walker. More than one hundred years ago, Charles Walker died without discovering the hiding place of some treasure he coveted. Accordingly, the treasure was hidden by Kate Barlow, a pretty schoolteacher. Walker was in love with Barlow, but she rejected his advances. Jealous, Walker participated in killing Sam, Kate Barlow's lover. After Sam's death, Kate became an outlaw named Kissin' Kate Barlow.
One day, she robbed Stanley's great-grandfather and buried the money on the land where Camp Green Lake now sits. Although Charles Walker...
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tortured Kate, she died without revealing the whereabouts of the treasure.
In the present day, Ms. Walker has made it her mission to find the treasure. This is why she has the boys dig holes at Camp Green Lake.
The Warden's authority is obvious from her demeanor and actions. Throughout the exchange between the Warden and Mr. Pendanski, she never raises her voice. For his part, Mr. Pendanski always addresses her with the utmost courtesy. Despite his bravado, we can tell that he is afraid of her.
In the chapter, the Warden orders Mr. Pendanski to refill the boys' canteens. Although he protests, he finds himself complying with Ms. Walker's orders, especially after she crooks her fingers at him. Accordingly, Ms. Walker always paints her nails with red polish tinged with rattlesnake venom. When the polish is wet, it's toxic.
In chapter 20, the Warden slaps Mr. Sir while her nails are still wet. He goes into toxic shock and writhes in agony. Hence, Mr. Pendanski obeys the Warden because he is afraid. Her actions show her strict manner and her position as the most powerful authority figure at the camp.