Perspectives on Social Injustice in Louis Sachar's Holes

This paper scrutinizes various perspectives on social injustice reflected on the past and present eras in Holes. Since Sachar's multidirectional narrative compels readers to immerse themselves in the story, readers are encouraged to explore broader themes. Re-thinking social inequalities and envisioning an equal society are themes in the story so that readers should analyze social phenomena and identify the structure of society. Examining the bigger theme of social injustice, this paper emphasizes how protagonists feel oppressed by internalized problems and institutionalized issues. Also, the paper closely examines issues of racism, social class, and gender. This paper especially studies internalized oppression because internalized oppression comes from an individual background and social status. Internalized oppression negatively influences one's self-image, and may dominate other aspects of one's life. Therefore, understanding society as well as people including oneself-is a key issue in the novel. Holes shows how protagonists may overcome harsh situations and strengthen themselves even while experiencing social injustice. This critical and meaningful awareness of social injustice can stimulate young readers to see beyond their limited view from the small world in which they live. In the process of perceiving the world, getting around the world, and understanding other people, readers will foster a broad appreciation of the society and the world.