1. In the book Holes the author uses an onion as a metaphor for how
people can be. Tell how an onion and a person have similar qualities.
2. Which character(s) are your group members most like. List the names
of your group members and the characteristics they share with the
characters in Holes.
3. How are the characters of Zero and Sam alike? What qualities do they
share?
4. What is the significance of the Title? Besides the fact that the boys have
to dig holes, how else is the image of a hole used?
5. List as many examples of irony as you can. Remember: irony is when
the opposite of what’s expected happens. Example: Zero is intelligent
while everyone thinks that he is a moron.
6. Explain how the curse of Madam Zeroni was lifted.
7. What do you believe is the meaning behind the words in Madame
Zeroni’s song on Page 233?
8. How do you think Stanley will handle Derrick Dune when he goes back
to school next year? Use information from the book about Stanley to back
up your ideas.
9. In this novel the boys are made to dig holes to make them better people.
Do you think this would work in the real world? If you were in charge of a
prison for boys, what would you have them do as a way of making them
better people?
10. Explain Miss Katherine and Sam the Onion man’s relationship. How
do they get together and how do they split up?