Holes Lesson 21: Lifting the Curse - Worksheet

The worksheet for Lesson 21, titled "Lifting the Curse," prompts students to reflect on Chapter 39 of the novel "Holes" and the significant events that lead to the lifting of the curse that has long plagued the Yelnats family. Students are asked to consider the reasons behind this pivotal moment and the actions taken by the characters that result in the curse being broken. The worksheet requires students to delve into the narrative and the historical promise that was not fulfilled by Stanley's great-great-grandfather, Elya Yelnats, which originally caused the curse.

To demonstrate their understanding, students are directed to complete a table comparing the actions of Elya Yelnats with those of Stanley Yelnats, the protagonist. The table is designed to help students draw connections between the past and the present within the story. Elya Yelnats failed to carry out a specific task involving Madam Zeroni, and the worksheet guides students to identify what he forgot to do. In parallel, they must note what Stanley Yelnats accomplishes that corresponds to Elya's unfulfilled promise. This exercise not only reinforces comprehension of the story's plot but also encourages students to explore themes of redemption and the resolution of past mistakes.