Discussion Topic
Stanley's Transformation and Peer Influence at Camp Green Lake in Holes
Summary:
In Louis Sachar's Holes, Stanley Yelnats undergoes a significant transformation at Camp Green Lake, influenced heavily by his peers. Initially, Stanley is timid and bullied, but through interactions with other boys like Armpit and X-Ray, he learns to navigate the camp's social structure. He gains respect by adopting a nickname and supporting others. Physically, he becomes stronger and more confident, ready to stand up for himself and others, evidenced by his willingness to help Zero.
How much are Stanley's actions influenced by his peers at Camp Green Lake in Holes chapters 1-12?
In Louis Sachar’s novel Holes, Stanley Yelnats falls under the influence of several fellow residents at Camp Green Lake. Because he is new and not physically strong, Stanley recognizes by the end of the first day how much he is dependent on the existing social structure. The others teach him through physical violence, demonstrating correct methods, providing verbal encouragement, and offering support against bullies.
At the beginning of his stay, Stanley is uncomfortable and fearful. When Armpit attacks him for using his real name, Theodore, Stanley quickly learns that nicknames are standard and that physical violence is common. The next day, he first realizes that the others, including Armpit, have shown begun to accept him. Armpit and X-Ray bestow the nickname of Caveman on him when they take his side in an argument. By showing solidarity with the others, Stanley gains their respect.
The adult authorities exert considerable...
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power over the boys, so Stanley agrees to help the more established residents earn the points that accrue from finding valuable objects. X-Ray explains this system and requests that Stanley support him by giving him credit for items that Stanley discovers. This lesson emphasizes the status that boys gain through their longevity in the system.
What changes occur in Stanley's personality at Camp Green Lake in the novel Holes?
Louis Sachar make Stanley a wonderfully dynamic character in his book Holes. While Stanley's changes might not surprise experienced readers, his changes are still fun to witness. When we first meet Stanley, he is not at all the hero type of character. He's not big and strong, nor is he confident. He has no friends, and he is routinely bullied. He's afraid to stand up for himself both physically and emotionally. With that said, Stanley is a good kid. He's not malicious or antagonistic. He's not out to get revenge against those people that bully him, and that is one thing that doesn't change throughout the book. Stanley remains honorable, but he does change.
Stanley digs a lot of holes in the hot sun, and he physically changes from all of that exertion. He loses weight and gains muscle mass. The following quote a good quote that ties Stanley's physical change to a wider picture:
His muscles and hands weren't the only parts of his body that had toughened over the past several weeks. His heart had hardened as well.
This quote is perhaps a bit misleading, because calling someone hard-hearted isn't usually a compliment; but it's important to realize that the quote isn't saying Stanley is hard-hearted. It's saying that his "heart had hardened." Stanley is no longer a pushover. He's willing to stand up for himself. He's willing to speak his mind. He's willing to take a chance, and he's worried less about what other people think about him. He isn't soft-hearted and meek anymore. The best part of Stanley's transformation is that he uses his newfound confidence and inner strength to help people around him. It's why he risks his own life to save Zero. Stanley remains the good guy he always was. He's just willing to take risks and let other people see it.