Here's a breakdown of why:
* Clyde Livingston's Speech: Clyde, a lawyer representing Stanley's family, uses his speech to paint a picture of Stanley's ancestor, Stanley Yelnats I, as a wrongly accused man. He argues that Stanley I was framed for stealing a valuable pig, and that his descendants have been unjustly punished ever since.
* The Curse: The "curse" is the idea that Stanley's family has been plagued with misfortune and bad luck due to the original Stanley's wrongful conviction. This has been a recurring theme throughout the book, explaining why Stanley finds himself at Camp Green Lake, a harsh and unforgiving place.
* Stanley's Reaction: While Stanley is relieved to learn about his family's history, he is also devastated. He realizes that his life has been shaped by a lie, and that the family's misfortune has been passed down for generations. He is now forced to confront the weight of this history and its impact on his own life.
It's important to note that Stanley's reaction is complex. He is relieved to know the truth, but he also feels overwhelmed by the weight of the curse and its implications. The speech is a turning point in the book, marking Stanley's understanding of his family's past and the potential for him to break the curse.