Holes Character Analysis Essay

Holes Character Analysis

What does a caveman think about? A caveman thinks about himself, what is he going to hunt for food, how is he going to stay safe? Stanley, Caveman, spends his time trying to figure out how to take care of himself at Camp Green Lake. Stanley’s family curse that was started by his “no-good-dirty-rotten-pig-stealing-great great grandfather” (Sachar 7) has taught Stanley to take care of himself and not to trust others. Stanley’s friendship with Zero changes him because he goes from selfish to selfless. He is selfish because in the beginning of the book Stanley was selfish and only thought of himself. Stanley keeps his head down and gets at the rear of the line to have his canteen filled. (Sachar 32) While the other boys relaxed and played games, Stanley writes letters to his mother. (Sachar 46) Stanley preferred to dig alone. “Stanley was glad to be away from the big hole. It was a relief not to have other shovels swinging past his face.” Stanley ignores Zero and especially when Zero

When Stanley paid a visit to the Warden, Zero dug a lot of Stanley’s hole. Stanley decided to teach him to read. Zero told Stanley he would help him dig his hole each day in exchange, Stanley would teach him to read (Sachar 96). Soon, Stanley learns that Zero is not as stupid as people think. He is a quick learner. (Sachar 117) As they are working together, Stanley learns that Zero’s real name is Hector Zeroni. (Sachar 119) When Zero runs away from Camp Green Lake, Stanley thought what he should do was go after Zero. Stanley goes after him because “no one cares about Hector Zeroni.” Stanley knows what it’s like to have no one care for you, he finds Zero hiding under a boat. Zero is badly dehydrated. Caveman takes care of Zero and carries him to the Big Thumb, this shows selflessness. Stanley realizes that his family is not cursed and his friendship with Zero has changed his life for the