Holes Louis Sachar Analysis

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Novels do more than tell stories; they explore ideas
Holes by Louis Sachar is more than just a story instead, it explores ideas that bring to light prevalent issues that are often overlooked. Holes explores ideas through the use of themes and characters as a vehicle for exploration. Camp Green Lake acts as a microcosm of our society, in which characters reflect the harmful nature of the stereotypes of masculinity and racism in our world. The importance of history affecting the present is a crucial idea which ultimately shapes the book.

Holes explores ideas through revealing the stereotypes of masculinity by building characters like Stanley in a less “politically correct” manner. The boys are a gentler version of masculinity, whilst the Warden …show more content…
Holes focuses on the unfair hardships Sam and African American people as a whole faced due to their ethnic background. Sam is a victim of racism, as shown in chapter 26 when the sheriff states, “It is against the law for a Negro to kiss a white woman”. Sachar has incorporated dialogue to enable readers to have more insight into racism by becoming direct witnesses of racism at the time. It is evident Sam is considered of less worth than a white woman, reinforcing the lowly position of Negros. The author explains that racism is ultimately why Green Lake disappeared; if racism continues there will be no love, instead hate and poverty. In chapter 26 the author asks "You make the decision: Whom did God punish?” This rhetorical question directly addresses the reader, causing readers to reflect on this idea. This emphasises the harmful consequences of racism and its effects on …show more content…
The characters in Holes do not fully understand the complex historical events that they are affected by or can benefit from. This is shown when Stanley remembers the “Gods thumbs” from his ancestor’s survival. Stanley only partially knew how his ancestor survived centuries ago through stories he’s been told. Without knowing anything, he wouldn’t have been able to formulate a plan to “Gods thumb” which helped him survive. A parallel is drawn between digging holes and digging for memories about forgotten events and social practices that still effect Camp Green Lake. The only reason the juvenile detention camp in Camp Green Lake exists is due to knowing that there is hidden treasure from events that took place centuries ago. Kissin’ Kate Barlow's actions affected all of the boys and even the Wardens lives. This is shown when the Warden said in chapter 45, “I had to dig too. Even on Christmas”. The use of amplification focuses the reader’s attention on the Wardens harsh childhood, almost creating sympathy. The readers just how much of the Wardens life revolved around the treasure and history. History plays a major role in our everyday lives, although it is not obvious, it can help us with our dilemmas or prevent us from repeating
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Holes By Louis Sachar: An Analysis

dig a hole every day in the hot sun, it will turn him into a good boy” (Sachar 5). Although Stanley isn’t a bad boy, he makes many changes at camp. In the novel ,Holes, by Louis Sachar, the author shows that Zero’s friendship changes Stanley from overweight, poor, and lonely to a skinny, fortunate, and social boy. In the beginning of the novel, Stanley is a sad, poor, overweight boy. All his life he has been lonely and insecure about himself. The author writes, “He was overweight” (Sachar 7).…

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