Holes Lesson 8: Got the Sub-plot? - Worksheet

In "Holes" Lesson 8, students delve into the sub-plot of the story by completing a worksheet that requires them to fill in missing details from the narrative. The worksheet begins by asking them to read up to Chapter 7 and then complete the summary by filling in the gaps, providing a structured approach to understanding the intricacies of the sub-plot. The activity centers around the story of Stanley's great-great-grandfather, who originates from an unspecified location and whose name is a mystery to be uncovered by the students. His tale of unrequited love for a girl named Myra is complicated by the rivalry with another suitor, an older pig farmer whose identity is another blank for students to fill in.

As the story unfolds, Stanley's ancestor seeks assistance from a friend, whose name is also left blank, leading to a pivotal moment involving a small pig and a special song. The narrative takes a mystical turn when a promise is made to carry someone up a mountain, with the threat of a curse hanging over the protagonist's head if he fails to fulfill his vow. The worksheet guides students through the consequences of broken promises and unwise decisions, as Stanley's ancestor flees to America, leaving obligations unmet and setting the stage for the family's streak of bad luck. The students are tasked with piecing together the elements of the sub-plot, including the origins of the Yelnats family curse, which is central to the overarching story of "Holes."