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Part 2, Chapter 47
Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Holes, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
Fate and Destiny
Cruelty vs. Kindness
Justice
Power, Money, and Education
Man vs. Nature
Summary
Analysis
Stanley holds his suitcase, so tired he can barely speak. Mr. Sir fetches Stanley's belongings while Mr. Pendanski grabs Stanley and Zero food. Ms. Morengo assures Stanley that he'll see his parents soon. The Warden attempts to say that the suitcase itself belongs to Stanley, but the contents are hers. Ms. Morengo tells Stanley not to open the suitcase so the Warden can search it. The Warden is nearly hysterical as she argues with Ms. Morengo.
From the way that Ms. Morengo and the Warden interact, it's clear that the Warden hasn't spent much time with people who have far more power than she does. This suggests that unlimited power is actually a handicap in some cases, as it keeps her from arguing her case with any effectiveness.
Themes
The Attorney General tells Stanley he's free to go, so Ms. Morengo bustles Stanley away. He turns around to look at Zero and says he can't leave Hector. Zero looks from Mr. Pendanski to the Warden and Mr. Sir, insisting he'll be fine. Stanley insists that the Warden will kill Zero if they leave him behind, but the Attorney General assures Stanley he's taking control of the camp and investigating it. When Stanley refuses to move, Ms. Morengo asks for Hector's file. The Warden sends Mr. Pendanski to get the file, though he returns to say the file is missing. The Attorney General is enraged, makes a phone call, and then calls the Warden into the office to talk.
Calling Zero by his real name is a way for Stanley to tell Zero that he truly cares about him, as a person and as a friend—it's a way for him to say that Zero is worth something, no matter what Mr. Pendanski says. Notably, this kindness leads to an attempt to learn more about Zero and his dealings with the justice system, which suggests that kindness and interest are important if one wants to truly receive justice.
Themes
Stanley turns when he hears Armpit and Squid coming out of the Wreck Room. Soon, the other Group D boys gather around and congratulate Stanley on being released. Zigzag apologizes for ratting out Stanley. Squid asks Ms. Morengo for paper, writes a phone number, and asks Stanley if he'll call his mom to tell her that Alan says he's sorry. The boys disperse when the Warden and the Attorney General return. The Attorney General explains that he can't find any of Hector's records, including his release date or reason for incarceration. Enraged, Ms. Morengo takes Zero's hand and pulls him away with her and Stanley.
Just as when Stanley called Zero by his name, Zigzag's request that Stanley call his mom and use his given name is a way for Zigzag to behave kindly towards his mother and show her that he's still her son. The fact that Ms. Morengo feels she has the power to take Zero away from Camp Green Lake in the absence of records suggests that though the justice system crumbles without records, one can only get justice when the bad records disappear.
Themes
