Novel to Film

Book turned movie, Holes by Louis Sachar lends itself to a webquest since it piques interest at several turns—adolescent readers will probably be intrigued by the yellow spotted lizard, as was I, so I immediately satiated my curiosity.  Texas also provides a home to rattlesnakes and tarantulas—more fear-inspiring creatures, and again, many of us may wish to know if rattlesnake venom in a nail polish really will work as a weapon of terror.  According to the web’s Discovery Channel, the answer is yes; the venom is a protein that stays potent for days until bacterial action degrades it.  Another site provides significant facts about rattlesnakes and their venom.  While this creature can pose a safety threat, the tarantula for all its hairiness and power to terrify is actually quite harmless to humans (except for a painful bite—ouch is obviously different than dead), and their mild venom is weaker than a typical bee's.  I get goose bumps and shudder just thinking about these large critters, so I couldn’t stay long at this site which enlightens and works myth-busting magic.    

Leaving zoology, Holes invites us to venture into the mathematics realm.  Students with math acumen will probably relate to Zero, who gives most adults the impression that he is empty headed, when in fact, he simply dislikes answering their questions.  While Hector cannot read and write, he proves to be an able student under Stanley’s tutelage, a quick learner.  His math skill, however, requires no polish.   Rapid with numbers and adept at making the perfect hole, his remarkable math aptitude reminded me of the extraordinary calculator-like abilities of Kim Peek, an autistic savant played by Dustin Hoffman in the 1988 film Rain Man.  While we have no evidence that Zero has such an affliction, such information might still intrigue the inquisitive.  I would certainly use this opportunity to talk about Multiple Intelligences if I haven’t already addressed the idea, and offer a skills assessment with follow-up.  Afterwards, the curious and number savvy can test their math prowess. 

Louis Sachar intrigues those interested in women outlaws or those wondering what concoctions might actually cure foot odor and whether truth resides in Sam’s claims regarding onions and their health benefits. 

I am among those who often conclude that a book is always better than its film version, but each viewer/reader must decide that individually.  Regardless, the book lends itself to a discussion of plot.  Sachar’s plot, progressive and not chronological, contains a historical subplot and various threads that synthesize neatly by the novel’s end.  Other literary elements emerge in the text, providing a natural segue into learning literary terminology.  Stanley says Camp Green Lake is in the middle of no where—hyperbole.  Camp Green Lake is neither a lake nor green—misnomer and irony.  Other misnomers and irony occur in Sachar’s clever naming.  A boy nicknamed X-ray has impaired vision; a boy named Zero is good with numbers; Clyde, “Sweet Feet” Williams has rotten foot odor; and Mr. Pendanski, aka Mom, is not nurturing.  In fact, this novel is set in the ironic mode.  Stanley’s story is that of an ordinary teenager who errs and suddenly faces the unforgiving, complex, and painful world of experience, a world that delivers wrongful justice.

            In additional literary terminology study, it might be appropriate to have students explore the derivations of Hector and Derrick to consider the merits of such allusions.

            Finally, this book invites an exploration of various injustices in the world: a justice system that unjustly incarcerates the innocent; adult bullies like Mr. Sir, Mr. Pendanski, and Warden Walker; the detrimental and often erroneous labeling of ‘misfits’; the frequent, pejorative references to the Girl Scouts; Stanley’s and the other boys’ living on the social margins; social norms that permit bullying and teasing; and social norms of intolerance—Sam and Kate were not “allowed” a romantic relationship.  With all that opportunity for research and critical thinking to offer, one can hardly argue that young adult literature lacks depth.