Key Moment in Holes by L. Sachar

Why is Zero running away from camp and Stanley’s chase after him the key moment in ‘Holes’? * This scene shows a development in Stanley and Zero’s relationship. Stanley now understands Zero and why he doesn’t answer the Warden’s questions. “Zero just didn’t like answering questions.” * Stanley now trusts Zero – “he’d learned not to doubt him when it came to math.” * Zero finally stands up to Mr. Pendanski, before running away through either fear, frustration or both. Mr. Pendanski had frequently remarked that Zero was stupid and worthless, which until this scene Zero had not responded to. “You might as well try to teach this shovel to read! It’s got more brains than Zero.” Mr. Pendanski’s cruel remarks about Zero continue even after he is gone, “No one cares about Hector Zeroni.” * This scene in particular makes us feel sorry for Zero. Mr. Pendanski is quite abusive towards him. In addition to this, the reader is happy when Zero stands up to Mr. Pendanski. This in turn, makes the reader dislike Mr Pendanski and the other counsellors who don’t even try to go looking for him. * Stanley’s idea of stealing the water truck to go after Zero, shows how much he values Zero’s friendship. When Zero fled Camp Green Lake Stanley worried about him and thought of ideas and hoped that Zero was ok. * Stanley has finally settled into the routine of Camp Green Lake; “His body had adjusted somewhat to the heat and harsh conditions.” By this stage of the novel, Stanley had forgotten how many holes he had dug. * This scene helps to build the tension in the novel. Sachar keeps his readers guessing whether Stanley and Zero will be safe. * This scene in the novel highlights the point that the Warden is not there for the kids but for her own interest. * The reader is reminded that “vacancies don’t last long at Camp Green Lake” when Brian, nicknamed Twitch, arrives to replace Zero. Twitch helps Stanley to escape by reminding him to put the truck into