Themes: Friendship

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The first two themes are quite complex, but the third is simple: in Holes, friendship has the power to heal and even to transform. Both the Zeroni family and the Yelnats family have been laboring under kinds of curses (homelessness, and a literal curse). Both Zero and Stanley are outcasts who have been treated poorly by the system, as are the other boys. However, when the two boys stand up for one another, teach one another, and save one another, they change their lives forever. Along the way, they change the lives of their families and all the boys at Camp Green Lake.

Expert Q&A

In Holes, was Stanley right to give the tube to X-Ray, demonstrating his loyalty?

In Holes, Stanley gives the tube to X-Ray because he is basically a generous person who values keeping promises. He is also concerned about fitting in at Green Lake, which includes respecting the boys’ hierarchy in order to avoid physical attacks. For all these reasons, he was right to pass the tube to X-Ray.

Stanley and Zero's Friendship in Holes

In Louis Sachar's Holes, Stanley and Zero's friendship exemplifies the theme "friendship has no barriers" as they support each other through adversity. Initially, their relationship is transactional, with Stanley teaching Zero to read in exchange for help digging holes. However, it deepens when Stanley rescues Zero after he runs away from Camp Green Lake. Their bond is further solidified by shared sacrifices and experiences, leading to the breaking of a family curse and their eventual freedom, showcasing the transformative power of true friendship.

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Themes: Symbolism

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