Holes

Holes

by

Louis Sachar

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Holes: Part 2, Chapter 44 Summary & Analysis

Summary
Analysis
Stanley struggles to sleep but is surprised when Zero wakes him up. There's one light on in the camp office and moonlight above as Stanley climbs down into the correct hole. He begins to dig. Zero watches and then sneaks to camp to fill the water jars. It's so dark, Stanley can't even see if he's digging up something valuable. He decides to make the hole wider as Zero surprises him with breakfast. Stanley pours some cereal down his throat and almost gags at how sweet it is after the onions. Zero takes over digging and they switch several times.
At this point, it seems the work of destiny that Zero is able to sneak in and out of camp to fill the jars and steal food. The unnaturally sweet cereal shows again how unnatural and negative the camp is, given that something that's normally positive (sweet cereal) now seems overly sweet and even unpalatable.
Themes
Cruelty vs. Kindness Theme Icon
Man vs. Nature Theme Icon
Finally, Stanley's shovel hits something hard. Surprised, he chips off dirt and discovers that it's a chest of some sort. He carefully digs into the wall and discovers the object is about eight inches tall and two feet wide, though he has no idea how far into the side of the hole it goes. Stanley fears making the side of the hole cave in, but he and Zero decide that Stanley should try to wedge it free. It works, and Stanley pulls out a heavy suitcase. He hands it to Zero. As Stanley tries to pull himself out of the hole, the Warden turns on a flashlight and thanks him for his help.
Even though the novel led the boys and the reader to believe that destiny was on Stanley and Zero's side, the Warden's appearance calls this into question. However, given the way the novel suggests that destiny works, her appearance may also be something that's foretold. This is supported by the fact that she and Stanley are now on opposite sides of nature, which suggests that man versus nature will be the next showdown.
Themes
Fate and Destiny Theme Icon
Man vs. Nature Theme Icon