How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
Mr. Pendanski climbed back into the truck without filling Stanley's canteen. Stanley waited for him to drive away, then took another look at his hole. He knew it was nothing to be proud of, but he felt proud nonetheless. (7.159)
After digging his first hole, Stanley is pretty content with himself. After all, it wasn't an easy task. Does this sense of satisfaction back up the idea that digging a hole in the hot sun is a transformative experience?
Quote #5
After a while he'd lost track of the day of the week, and how many holes he'd dug. It all seemed like one big hole, and it would take a year and a half to dig it. He guessed he'd lost at least five pounds. He figured that in a year and a half he'd be either in great physical condition, or else dead. (13.3)
Now we're starting to see a physical transformation in Stanley. So what's the relationship between physical and emotional transformation in Holes? Do they always go together? Is one more valuable than another?
Quote #6
"You don't have to teach me to write," said Zero. "Just to read. I don't have anybody to write to."
"Sorry," Stanley said again.
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. (18.22-24)
Oh, snap. The narrator really digs into Stanley here, even if it's pretty subtle. Already, Camp Green Lake has affected Stanley's character: our nice guy hero isn't willing to help someone who has nothing to give him in return. Can we blame Stanley for this? Or is he just adapting to the hardened ways of Camp Green Lake?