Holes Lesson 20: The Past is a Foreign Country - Narrative Links Worksheet

In Lesson 20 of the "Holes" unit, students delve into the narrative links between the main plot and sub-plot, examining how certain images, motifs, and themes are woven through both storylines. After reading up to Chapter 40, they are encouraged to reflect on the recurrence of specific elements. One such element is peaches, which plays a crucial role in both narratives. In the main plot, the character Zero survives the harsh conditions by finding and consuming jars of spiced peaches out on the lake. This directly connects to the sub-plot, where Katherine Barlow, a schoolteacher from the past, is known for making these very same delicious spiced peaches. The worksheet prompts students to explore these connections further, as well as to think about other recurring elements such as crime and punishment, onions, a boat, and the iconic God's thumb.

The worksheet guides students to draw parallels and consider the significance of these recurring elements. For instance, the image of onions appears across both timelines, serving different purposes in the characters' survival and the unfolding of events. Similarly, a boat is an object that features in both the main story and the backstory, potentially symbolising escape or transition. The motif of God's thumb, a unique geographical feature, also emerges in both narratives, possibly representing hope or salvation. By analysing these narrative links, students gain a deeper understanding of the novel's structure and the thematic resonance between the intertwined stories. The task encourages students to think critically about how the past is not just a backdrop but an integral part of the present narrative in "Holes."