the outsiders - questions
Answer the following questions in complete sentences. You may refer back to your book if need be.
CHAPTER 1
1. Who is the narrator of The Outsiders?
Fourteen year old Ponyboy.
2. What two groups of teenagers does Ponyboy describe? Compare the two groups.
The Socs and Greasers. The Socials are the west side rich kids nicknamed the Socs who drive mustangs and corvairs. The Greasers are the lower classed people and they don't have nice cars. They are considered low life's and do not have money.
3. Why did the Socs beat up Ponyboy?
Ponyboy is walking home from the movies and the asks beat him up because he's a greaser and he's alone. He's an easy target and is one of the youngest ones.
4. Why did Ponyboy have a hard time with his oldest brother?
Darry expects him to get good grades, but also play sports. He is the parental figure for Ponyboy and nothing is ever enough for him. He has high expectations and demands the best. Darry has a full time job and is taking care of his brothers he wants his brother to have a better life than he has.
5. How are Ponyboy and his friends like you? Different than you?
Steve Randal-he's sixteen and works at the gas station with Sodapop. His thing is that he's good at cars and he's Soda's best friend. He doesn't like Ponyboy and is a tag along.
2-bit Matthews-his real name is Keith, but no one remembers it. He's 18 the oldest of the gang and is still a junior in high school. He's always joking and always has something to say.
Dallas Winston-nicknamed Dally. He's from New York. He's the toughest of the gang and is wild. He has a reputation with the police.
Johnny Kade-everyone's kid brother. He's the pet of the gang.
Sodapop-he's seventeen and is Ponyboy's brother. He has, according to Sodapop, movie star looks.
They all look out for each other as I do for my friends and family. I'm not often called weird nicknames.
6. Why do you think the author uses non-standard English?
They want us to believe Ponyboy is telling the story and relate to the story and become immersed in Ponyboy's state of mind.
7. “Greaser” is first used in the first paragraph on page one. How far must you read before you have a good idea of who or what a greaser is? (Reading to the end of a sentence, paragraph, page, or further is one strategy to use when you find a word you don’t know.)
The Greasers are the lower classed people and they don't have nice cars. They are considered low lives and do not have money.
Chapter 2:
1. Where do the Socs and Greasers hang out? What do they do for fun?
They hang out at the drive ins and watch the nightly doubles.
2. How do the Greasers learn more about the Socs?
They talk to the girls and learn more about them.
3. What kind of rules do gang members follow in fights?
Fist fighting is fair, but with a weapon it's rough. It's also fair when it was just two people, not the whole gang fighting against one person.
4. How could Cherry be a problem for Dally?
She might get him in trouble with the police or the Socs. He can get beat up.
5. Why do you think Johnny spoke up to Dally?
The girls haven't done anything wrong and he's putting Dally in his place.
6. Why didn’t Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally pay to get into the drive-in movie?
Dally likes to break the law.
7. What is Cherry’s real name? Why is she called Cherry?
Sherri and they call her Cherry because of her hair.
8. What did Cherry do when Dally brought her a Coke?
She threw it at his face.
9. Give three reasons why Cherry and Marcia are not scared of Johnny and Ponyboy even though, like Dally, they are Greasers.
She says they're not dirty and look young, they're kind, and they're protective.
10. What are two rules Greasers have for themselves?
Stick together and don't get caught.
11. How did Johnny get beaten up?
Four Socs in a mustang came up to him and beat him up.
12. What did Cherry mean when she said, “Things are rough all over”?
Everyone has problems.
Chapter 3:
1. Why do you think Ponyboy and Cherry become good friends?
They can talk to each other easily and are very open and honest with each other.
2. Do the characters in this book seam “real”? Why or why not? How does Hinton try to make them believable?
Yes, some of the characters have situations that happen in real life.
3. Why did Cherry and Marcia leave their dates?
They were trying to prevent a fight.
4. Why do you think Darry hit Ponyboy?
Darry stayed up all night waiting and worrying for him to come home, so when he says it was an accident he got frustrated. He also got angry when Ponyboy decided to defend Sodapop. It made it seem as if he's picking sides by listening to his other instead of him.
5. Why do you think Ponyboy and Cherry told each other things they had never told anyone else before?
They trust each richer and identify with each other.
6. Do you agree with Johnny that having friends care for you is not the same as having your own folks care about you? Why or why not?
Yes, your friends can care for you, but they cannot give the same love a parent gives. Your parents pay for you, house you, etc. while your friends have their own lives. Families have an unbreakable bond while your friends come and go.
7. What did Cherry say was the main difference between the Socs and the Greasers?
The greasers have a different set of values, they're more emotional, and they're not sophisticated.
8. What was the name of Sodapop’s horse? What happened to Soda’s horse?
Mickey Mouse. He was sold.
9. Why did Ponyboy think that maybe his world and Cherry’s weren’t so different?
They go through similar situations and they watch the same sunset.
10. Why did Johnny stare at the rings on the Soc’s hand?
Johnny was beat by someone with rings in their fingers, so we can assume it was the same person who beat him.
11. Why did Cherry and Marcia let their drunken boyfriends drive them home?
They wanted to prevent a fight.
12. What was the last thing Cherry says to Ponyboy before she leaves in the car?
That she could fall in love with Dallas Winston and she hopes she never sees him again, or she will.
13. How long has it been since Ponyboy’s parents were killed?
Eight months.
14. Why was Ponyboy late getting home?
He fell asleep in a lot with Johnny.
Chapter 4:
1. Who (Greasers or Socs) do you think was wrong in this situation in this chapter?
They are both wrong because the Socs started it, but the Greasers acting violently.
2. If you had been one of the Socs how would you have felt after Bob was stabbed? If you had been one of the Greasers, how would you have felt after Bob was stabbed? What causes the difference?
The Socs were angry and the Greasers were scared of the consequences. The relationship to Bob caused the Socs to act the way they did.
3. Why did Ponyboy turn to Dally for help?
Dallas Winston could do anything. He was older and they trusted him.
4. What does Bob say a Greaser is?
White trash with long hair.
5. What do the Socs do to Ponyboy?
They tried drowning him.
6. What does Ponyboy see when he recovers consciousness?
He saw Bob lying there lifeless.
7. Why did Johnny attack Bob?
He was drowning Ponyboy.
8. Where do Johnny and Ponyboy go when the leave the park?
They decide to find Dally at Buck's house.
9. What does Dally give Johnny and Ponyboy?
He gave him a gun, money, and a some clothes.
10. Where does Dally tell them to go?
To go to church.
11. How do they get there?
They take a train.
12. How do they find the church?
They ask a farmer where the church is
CHAPTER 5:
1. Do you think hiding out was the best thing for Johnny and Ponyboy to do? Why or why not?
No because Darry and Soda don't know where they are and are worrying about them. It also gives a hints to the Socs on who killed Bob because they're the only ones that ran away.
2. What did Johnny admire about Dally?
The way he takes responsibility for their actions and stands up for their friends. He also admired his cussing.
3. Why did the boys cut their hair? Does the length of hair mean much to the boys? Is it important to you? To adults you know?
The boys cut their hair to disguise themselves. The length mattered a lot to Pony boy, he took pride in his hair. The length of my hair doesn't really matter to me as long as I like it and it doesn't really matter to anyone else either.
4. Based on the supplies Johnny collected, what can you conclude about Johnny?
Johnny knows how to take care of himself and Ponyboy.
5. Do you think crying helped the boys or made them weaker? Why?
Crying allowed them to vent all their emotions.
6. What do you think the poem by Robert Frost on page 77 means? What do you think Frost is describing? Why do you think Ponyboy remembered this poem?
Nothing is forever. Frost is describing the phases of life and how things change. Ponyboy remembered this poem because he said he never got the message of it.
7. What is another word for “heater”?
A gun.
8. Do you think Ponyboy and Johnny will ever be able to go home again? Why or why not?
I think they will go home eventually because they can't live there forever and Ponyboy already misses his brothers.
9. How does Johnny write a note to Ponyboy?
He writes it into the dust.
10. What is the one thing the Greasers are proud of?
Their greasy hair.
11. How do Johnny and Ponyboy pass the time?
They read "Gone With The Wind", smoke, and play poker.
12. Who comes to visit Johnny and Ponyboy?
Dallas Winston.
13. Where do the police think Johnny and Ponyboy have gone?
Texas.
14. Who is spying on the Socs for the Greasers?
Cherry Valance.
CHAPTER 6:
1. Why do you think Cherry chose to associate with – and later help – Johnny and Ponyboy? Is she a spy?
She became friends with them and she feels like it's her fault this happened and yes she's a spy.
2. Why do you think Johnny decided they should turn themselves in?
He thinks it's a good chance to get off easy and they're both homesick.
3. What did Ponyboy learn about Dally?
He doesn't like being constantly put in jail and he cares about his gang and considers them his family.
4. Would you say Ponyboy and Johnny are heroes? Why or why not?
Yes, he saved those children from the fire.
5. Why wouldn’t Dally go into the church for the kids, but he did go in for Johnny?
He cares about Johnny, but he doesn't care about the kids.
6. When they are at Dairy Queen, what does Johnny tell Dally he is going to do?
Turn himself in.
7. How have Johnny’s parents reacted to his running away?
They haven't asked where he is.
8. What do the boys see when they reach the top of Jay Mountain?
That the church is on fire.
9. When is the only time Ponyboy can remember seeing Johnny without a defeated, suspicious look in his eyes?
When they're in the building saving kids.
10. How does Dally get burned?
Getting Johnny out of the church.
11. How does Johnny get hurt?
A peice of timber falls on him and breaks his back and burns him.
12. What does Darry do when he sees Ponyboy in the hospital?
He starts crying and hugs him.
13. At the hospital Ponyboy realizes that Darry really cares for him. Why has Darry been so hard on Ponyboy in the past?
He wants him to have a good life and make something out of him.
CHAPTER 7:
1. How were the boys injured? Why could they be considered heroes?
They're burned and bruised. They saved those school children from the burning church.
2. What additional problems did the brothers face after Ponyboy’s return?
Johnny might die and they might put Soda and Ponyboy in a boy's home.
3. What did Randy say kids want from parents? Do you agree or would you add some other points?
For the parents to say no to them. It shows that they're looking out for their well being. I agree that kids need to hear no because they need to learn discipline.
4. Why are Ponyboy and Johnny scared of the police?
They think they're there to arrest them.
5. What do you think it would have been like for Johnny to return to his home in a wheelchair?
Johnny would be disabled and unable to return to his normal life. He would have a hard time because his parents don't care about him.
6. What was it about Ponyboy that made others confide in him i.e., Cherry, Johnny, Randy?
He's understanding and a good listener. He also he's friends with everybody and has a good reputation for being smart.
7. Why didn’t Randy want to fight in the rumble?
It doesn't make anything better. People just get hurt.
8. What do the doctors say about Dally’s injuries?
He'll have a scar, but he'll survive.
9. What do the doctors say about Johnny’s injuries?
He might not make it and he's in critical condition.
10. What one food does Ponyboy, Soda, and Darry all like for breakfast?
Chocolate cake.
11. Why does Darry leave the front door unlocked?
In case anyone of their friends needs a place to stay.
12. What charges were being brought against Johnny?
Manslaughter, resisting arrest, and running away.
13. What will the court decide about Ponyboy?
Whether he goes to a boy's home And of he should be charged with running away.
14. Where did Soda’s girlfriend go?
Florida with her grandmother.
15. Why does Randy say the rumble between the Socs and the Greasers won’t solve anything?
People just get hurt and nothing changes.
CHAPTER 8:
1. Why did Ponyboy and Two-bit think they couldn't get along without Johnny?
He was their pet, or their little brother. They like to take care of him.
2. How did Johnny feel about dying?
He doesn't want to die. He wants to see the world.
3. What did Johnny want the boys to get for him in the hospital? Why were these things important?
Makes him feel better about himself. IT is also the one thing he could control.
4. How close to the truth was Johnny when he said he didn’t want to see his mother?
He's afraid that his mother is just going to stir trouble up.
5. What was the significance of Ponyboy asking Cherry, “can you see the sunset real good from the West Side”?
Everyone is the same, you could see the same sunset.
6. What two things does Johnny tell Two-Bit he wants him to bring?
Gone with the Wind and hair grease
7. Who comes to visit Johnny besides Ponyboy and Two-Bit?
Switchblade
8. What does Two-Bit give to Dally?
Gone with the Wind and Hair Grease
9. What does Two-Bit say keeps Darry from being a Soc?
Us
10. Why does Cherry say she can’t visit Johnny?
She can't look at the person who killed Bob
CHAPTER 9:
1. What were the reasons that the various boy gave for fighting?
To prove themselves as a gang. Also that everyone else does it. It is a like race. They want a reputation.
2. Why did Dally take Ponyboy to see Johnny after the rumble?
He took him because Johnny was dying. He took him so he could see him and so that they could tell Johnny that they won.
3. What did Johnny mean when he told Ponyboy to “stay gold”?
He told him to be better then what he is.
4. Think about yourself. Do you ever label someone as a hood, a scum, a nerd, a dork, because of the way someone is dressed or groomed? Have you been guilty of believing a stereotype and then found out later that the person just didn’t fit that perception? What does that tell you about first impressions?
No, I don't label someone by that. Yes I have been in the situation of believing a stereotype and then finding out that the person is not what the other person described. This tells me that people are rude and that people will judge you by the way you look. Not by who you are but by how you present yourself.
5. Do you agree or disagree with Ponyboy when he said that people usually go by looks so hoods will always be the bad guys and the clean shaven, neatly dressed kids will always be considered the good guys? Why?
Yes I do, because when you see someone like that you would assume that they aren't doing anything bad and that they are just people who are minding their own business. You wouldn't think that they would be up to no good.
6. Who are the good guys and bad guys in The Outsiders? Explain.
- The good guys are the gresaures and the bad guys are the Socs. The gresaures aren't really looking for trouble and they are just fights for Johnny. They aren't fighting because they are bad people until the Socs who are fighting because they want to get their revenge. Also Socs are always looking for trouble.
7. What are the two things Greasers have to be proud of?
One this to be proud of is their hair. They are proud of their hair and how it is greasy. They are also proud of winning.
8. Who is the only Greaser who doesn’t like fights?
Johnny doesn't really like fights. He doesn't understand them and he thinks that it is just a waste of time.
9. Why is Tim Shepard’s kid brother, Curly, not going to be at the rumble?
He isn't at the rumble because he was in the hospital. He was breaking into a place and got hurt from the glass.
10. Why does Ponyboy feel he and his gang don’t belong with Tim Sheperd’s gang and the Brumley boys?
He says that they are nothing like them. They don't belong their.
11. What are the rules for the rumble?
The rules are that you can't use any weapons.
12. Who joins the rumble at the last minute?
Dally, he comes from the hospital with his arm hurt and helps them.
13. How did Dally get out of the hospital?
He put out two-bites switch knife of the nurse and told her that he was going to get out or something would happen to her.
14. How does the fight end?
The fight ends with the Socs running away and getting into their cars.
15. Where do Ponyboy and Dally go after the rumble?
They go to the hospital to go see Johnny.
16. How do they get there so quickly?
A police officer pulls them over and Dally tells him that he's takin his friends to the hospital because she feel off his motorcycle. The officer puts the siren on and helps them get past everyone quickly.
17. What does Johnny tell Ponyboy to do?
Johnny tells Ponyboy to stay golden.
CHAPTER 10:
1. Do you think the rumble was worth the trouble?
No it caused a lot of trouble for everyone and people got hurt. In the end the Socs surrendered anyway.
2. Why did Dally want to die?
Johnny was all he cared about.
3. How do you think the other Greasers will end up?
To continue their friendship, but end the gang.
4. Why was Ponyboy concerned with whether or not he had asked for Darry while he was unconscious?
He wants to fix his relationship with Darry and wants to show him he actually cares about him too.
5. How does Ponyboy get home from the hospital?
Dally gave him a ride home.
6. Why is Dally so upset about Johnny’s death?
Johnny was all he cared about.
7. Who phones Darry, and what does he want?
Dally calls him from a telephone booth and he wanted them to cover him.
8. What did Johnny leave for Ponyboy?
His copy of "Gone With The Wind" and leaves him a letter.
9. Why wouldn’t Ponyboy eat anything when he was sick?
He kept repeating that he didn't like balony and he might dillusional.
10. Why is Ponyboy worried about whether or not he called for Darry when he was sick?
He wants to show he actually cares for Darry and he doesn't want to leave Darry out.
CHAPTER 11:
1. Why do you think Ponyboy was ill?
He's just getting over a traumatic experience and was kicked in the head causing a concussion.
2. Why did Randy come to visit Ponyboy when he was ill? Why did Ponyboy not care that Randy was seeing his house in a messy condition?
They have a mutual understanding and tells him that they have to go to court and that that he's going to tell the truth. He knows a Randy isn't going to judge him, so he doesn't care.
3. Why do you think Ponyboy said he’d killed Bob and that Johnny wasn’t dead? (p.g. 165-166)
He's indenial and he doesn't want Johnny to be remembered as a murderer.
4. Why was Ponyboy concerned about his friends seeing his house but not about Randy seeing his house?
They have a mutual understanding and tells him that they have to go to court and that that he's going to tell the truth. He knows a Randy isn't going to judge him, so he doesn't care.
5. Why did Ponyboy say he’d killed Bob and that Johnny wasn’t dead?
He's indenial and he doesn't want Johnny to be remembered as a murderer.
CHAPTER 12:
1. Why was the court hearing important? What were possible decisions of the court?
It would determine the rest of his life. He would either be guilty or innocent.
2. Why do you think Ponyboy’s like was still troubled after the court hearing?
He feels guilty for getting away with death.
3. What message did Johnny leave in the book?
He's not worried about dying anymore and he explained a poem.
4. What do you think the doctor told the judge before the hearing?
He's having emotional distress, so he should be easy on him.
5. Why did Ponyboy’s life seem so different after the hearing?
He's living with emotional distress.
6. Why did Soda think that being like Dally before he died was worse than being dead?
Dally died a greaser and a dilinquent, Soda doesn't want to die that way.
7. What do you think Ponyboy will write about in his theme? Why? What will be the result of his having written about events of the past week? (Hint: Look at the first two sentences of the novel.)
He's writing about his story that happened with Johnny and his gang.
8. Why does Ponyboy think that his experiences as a Greaser are important for everyone to read about?
He wants everyone to know the dangers of being a greaser and the consequences.
9. What is one of the stereotypes in this novel? How is it INACCURATE?
Rich kids and poor kids. It stereotyped them as all being hoods or all being snooty.
10. What is the theme of The Outsiders? There is definitely more than one right answer.
The theme of the outsiders is everyone is in a tough situation no matter who they are.
11. What is Darry’s motivation throughout the novel?
To fix his relationship with Ponyboy.
12. Why is the last sentence of the book unusual?
It the same as the first.
CHAPTER 1
1. Who is the narrator of The Outsiders?
Fourteen year old Ponyboy.
2. What two groups of teenagers does Ponyboy describe? Compare the two groups.
The Socs and Greasers. The Socials are the west side rich kids nicknamed the Socs who drive mustangs and corvairs. The Greasers are the lower classed people and they don't have nice cars. They are considered low life's and do not have money.
3. Why did the Socs beat up Ponyboy?
Ponyboy is walking home from the movies and the asks beat him up because he's a greaser and he's alone. He's an easy target and is one of the youngest ones.
4. Why did Ponyboy have a hard time with his oldest brother?
Darry expects him to get good grades, but also play sports. He is the parental figure for Ponyboy and nothing is ever enough for him. He has high expectations and demands the best. Darry has a full time job and is taking care of his brothers he wants his brother to have a better life than he has.
5. How are Ponyboy and his friends like you? Different than you?
Steve Randal-he's sixteen and works at the gas station with Sodapop. His thing is that he's good at cars and he's Soda's best friend. He doesn't like Ponyboy and is a tag along.
2-bit Matthews-his real name is Keith, but no one remembers it. He's 18 the oldest of the gang and is still a junior in high school. He's always joking and always has something to say.
Dallas Winston-nicknamed Dally. He's from New York. He's the toughest of the gang and is wild. He has a reputation with the police.
Johnny Kade-everyone's kid brother. He's the pet of the gang.
Sodapop-he's seventeen and is Ponyboy's brother. He has, according to Sodapop, movie star looks.
They all look out for each other as I do for my friends and family. I'm not often called weird nicknames.
6. Why do you think the author uses non-standard English?
They want us to believe Ponyboy is telling the story and relate to the story and become immersed in Ponyboy's state of mind.
7. “Greaser” is first used in the first paragraph on page one. How far must you read before you have a good idea of who or what a greaser is? (Reading to the end of a sentence, paragraph, page, or further is one strategy to use when you find a word you don’t know.)
The Greasers are the lower classed people and they don't have nice cars. They are considered low lives and do not have money.
Chapter 2:
1. Where do the Socs and Greasers hang out? What do they do for fun?
They hang out at the drive ins and watch the nightly doubles.
2. How do the Greasers learn more about the Socs?
They talk to the girls and learn more about them.
3. What kind of rules do gang members follow in fights?
Fist fighting is fair, but with a weapon it's rough. It's also fair when it was just two people, not the whole gang fighting against one person.
4. How could Cherry be a problem for Dally?
She might get him in trouble with the police or the Socs. He can get beat up.
5. Why do you think Johnny spoke up to Dally?
The girls haven't done anything wrong and he's putting Dally in his place.
6. Why didn’t Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally pay to get into the drive-in movie?
Dally likes to break the law.
7. What is Cherry’s real name? Why is she called Cherry?
Sherri and they call her Cherry because of her hair.
8. What did Cherry do when Dally brought her a Coke?
She threw it at his face.
9. Give three reasons why Cherry and Marcia are not scared of Johnny and Ponyboy even though, like Dally, they are Greasers.
She says they're not dirty and look young, they're kind, and they're protective.
10. What are two rules Greasers have for themselves?
Stick together and don't get caught.
11. How did Johnny get beaten up?
Four Socs in a mustang came up to him and beat him up.
12. What did Cherry mean when she said, “Things are rough all over”?
Everyone has problems.
Chapter 3:
1. Why do you think Ponyboy and Cherry become good friends?
They can talk to each other easily and are very open and honest with each other.
2. Do the characters in this book seam “real”? Why or why not? How does Hinton try to make them believable?
Yes, some of the characters have situations that happen in real life.
3. Why did Cherry and Marcia leave their dates?
They were trying to prevent a fight.
4. Why do you think Darry hit Ponyboy?
Darry stayed up all night waiting and worrying for him to come home, so when he says it was an accident he got frustrated. He also got angry when Ponyboy decided to defend Sodapop. It made it seem as if he's picking sides by listening to his other instead of him.
5. Why do you think Ponyboy and Cherry told each other things they had never told anyone else before?
They trust each richer and identify with each other.
6. Do you agree with Johnny that having friends care for you is not the same as having your own folks care about you? Why or why not?
Yes, your friends can care for you, but they cannot give the same love a parent gives. Your parents pay for you, house you, etc. while your friends have their own lives. Families have an unbreakable bond while your friends come and go.
7. What did Cherry say was the main difference between the Socs and the Greasers?
The greasers have a different set of values, they're more emotional, and they're not sophisticated.
8. What was the name of Sodapop’s horse? What happened to Soda’s horse?
Mickey Mouse. He was sold.
9. Why did Ponyboy think that maybe his world and Cherry’s weren’t so different?
They go through similar situations and they watch the same sunset.
10. Why did Johnny stare at the rings on the Soc’s hand?
Johnny was beat by someone with rings in their fingers, so we can assume it was the same person who beat him.
11. Why did Cherry and Marcia let their drunken boyfriends drive them home?
They wanted to prevent a fight.
12. What was the last thing Cherry says to Ponyboy before she leaves in the car?
That she could fall in love with Dallas Winston and she hopes she never sees him again, or she will.
13. How long has it been since Ponyboy’s parents were killed?
Eight months.
14. Why was Ponyboy late getting home?
He fell asleep in a lot with Johnny.
Chapter 4:
1. Who (Greasers or Socs) do you think was wrong in this situation in this chapter?
They are both wrong because the Socs started it, but the Greasers acting violently.
2. If you had been one of the Socs how would you have felt after Bob was stabbed? If you had been one of the Greasers, how would you have felt after Bob was stabbed? What causes the difference?
The Socs were angry and the Greasers were scared of the consequences. The relationship to Bob caused the Socs to act the way they did.
3. Why did Ponyboy turn to Dally for help?
Dallas Winston could do anything. He was older and they trusted him.
4. What does Bob say a Greaser is?
White trash with long hair.
5. What do the Socs do to Ponyboy?
They tried drowning him.
6. What does Ponyboy see when he recovers consciousness?
He saw Bob lying there lifeless.
7. Why did Johnny attack Bob?
He was drowning Ponyboy.
8. Where do Johnny and Ponyboy go when the leave the park?
They decide to find Dally at Buck's house.
9. What does Dally give Johnny and Ponyboy?
He gave him a gun, money, and a some clothes.
10. Where does Dally tell them to go?
To go to church.
11. How do they get there?
They take a train.
12. How do they find the church?
They ask a farmer where the church is
CHAPTER 5:
1. Do you think hiding out was the best thing for Johnny and Ponyboy to do? Why or why not?
No because Darry and Soda don't know where they are and are worrying about them. It also gives a hints to the Socs on who killed Bob because they're the only ones that ran away.
2. What did Johnny admire about Dally?
The way he takes responsibility for their actions and stands up for their friends. He also admired his cussing.
3. Why did the boys cut their hair? Does the length of hair mean much to the boys? Is it important to you? To adults you know?
The boys cut their hair to disguise themselves. The length mattered a lot to Pony boy, he took pride in his hair. The length of my hair doesn't really matter to me as long as I like it and it doesn't really matter to anyone else either.
4. Based on the supplies Johnny collected, what can you conclude about Johnny?
Johnny knows how to take care of himself and Ponyboy.
5. Do you think crying helped the boys or made them weaker? Why?
Crying allowed them to vent all their emotions.
6. What do you think the poem by Robert Frost on page 77 means? What do you think Frost is describing? Why do you think Ponyboy remembered this poem?
Nothing is forever. Frost is describing the phases of life and how things change. Ponyboy remembered this poem because he said he never got the message of it.
7. What is another word for “heater”?
A gun.
8. Do you think Ponyboy and Johnny will ever be able to go home again? Why or why not?
I think they will go home eventually because they can't live there forever and Ponyboy already misses his brothers.
9. How does Johnny write a note to Ponyboy?
He writes it into the dust.
10. What is the one thing the Greasers are proud of?
Their greasy hair.
11. How do Johnny and Ponyboy pass the time?
They read "Gone With The Wind", smoke, and play poker.
12. Who comes to visit Johnny and Ponyboy?
Dallas Winston.
13. Where do the police think Johnny and Ponyboy have gone?
Texas.
14. Who is spying on the Socs for the Greasers?
Cherry Valance.
CHAPTER 6:
1. Why do you think Cherry chose to associate with – and later help – Johnny and Ponyboy? Is she a spy?
She became friends with them and she feels like it's her fault this happened and yes she's a spy.
2. Why do you think Johnny decided they should turn themselves in?
He thinks it's a good chance to get off easy and they're both homesick.
3. What did Ponyboy learn about Dally?
He doesn't like being constantly put in jail and he cares about his gang and considers them his family.
4. Would you say Ponyboy and Johnny are heroes? Why or why not?
Yes, he saved those children from the fire.
5. Why wouldn’t Dally go into the church for the kids, but he did go in for Johnny?
He cares about Johnny, but he doesn't care about the kids.
6. When they are at Dairy Queen, what does Johnny tell Dally he is going to do?
Turn himself in.
7. How have Johnny’s parents reacted to his running away?
They haven't asked where he is.
8. What do the boys see when they reach the top of Jay Mountain?
That the church is on fire.
9. When is the only time Ponyboy can remember seeing Johnny without a defeated, suspicious look in his eyes?
When they're in the building saving kids.
10. How does Dally get burned?
Getting Johnny out of the church.
11. How does Johnny get hurt?
A peice of timber falls on him and breaks his back and burns him.
12. What does Darry do when he sees Ponyboy in the hospital?
He starts crying and hugs him.
13. At the hospital Ponyboy realizes that Darry really cares for him. Why has Darry been so hard on Ponyboy in the past?
He wants him to have a good life and make something out of him.
CHAPTER 7:
1. How were the boys injured? Why could they be considered heroes?
They're burned and bruised. They saved those school children from the burning church.
2. What additional problems did the brothers face after Ponyboy’s return?
Johnny might die and they might put Soda and Ponyboy in a boy's home.
3. What did Randy say kids want from parents? Do you agree or would you add some other points?
For the parents to say no to them. It shows that they're looking out for their well being. I agree that kids need to hear no because they need to learn discipline.
4. Why are Ponyboy and Johnny scared of the police?
They think they're there to arrest them.
5. What do you think it would have been like for Johnny to return to his home in a wheelchair?
Johnny would be disabled and unable to return to his normal life. He would have a hard time because his parents don't care about him.
6. What was it about Ponyboy that made others confide in him i.e., Cherry, Johnny, Randy?
He's understanding and a good listener. He also he's friends with everybody and has a good reputation for being smart.
7. Why didn’t Randy want to fight in the rumble?
It doesn't make anything better. People just get hurt.
8. What do the doctors say about Dally’s injuries?
He'll have a scar, but he'll survive.
9. What do the doctors say about Johnny’s injuries?
He might not make it and he's in critical condition.
10. What one food does Ponyboy, Soda, and Darry all like for breakfast?
Chocolate cake.
11. Why does Darry leave the front door unlocked?
In case anyone of their friends needs a place to stay.
12. What charges were being brought against Johnny?
Manslaughter, resisting arrest, and running away.
13. What will the court decide about Ponyboy?
Whether he goes to a boy's home And of he should be charged with running away.
14. Where did Soda’s girlfriend go?
Florida with her grandmother.
15. Why does Randy say the rumble between the Socs and the Greasers won’t solve anything?
People just get hurt and nothing changes.
CHAPTER 8:
1. Why did Ponyboy and Two-bit think they couldn't get along without Johnny?
He was their pet, or their little brother. They like to take care of him.
2. How did Johnny feel about dying?
He doesn't want to die. He wants to see the world.
3. What did Johnny want the boys to get for him in the hospital? Why were these things important?
Makes him feel better about himself. IT is also the one thing he could control.
4. How close to the truth was Johnny when he said he didn’t want to see his mother?
He's afraid that his mother is just going to stir trouble up.
5. What was the significance of Ponyboy asking Cherry, “can you see the sunset real good from the West Side”?
Everyone is the same, you could see the same sunset.
6. What two things does Johnny tell Two-Bit he wants him to bring?
Gone with the Wind and hair grease
7. Who comes to visit Johnny besides Ponyboy and Two-Bit?
Switchblade
8. What does Two-Bit give to Dally?
Gone with the Wind and Hair Grease
9. What does Two-Bit say keeps Darry from being a Soc?
Us
10. Why does Cherry say she can’t visit Johnny?
She can't look at the person who killed Bob
CHAPTER 9:
1. What were the reasons that the various boy gave for fighting?
To prove themselves as a gang. Also that everyone else does it. It is a like race. They want a reputation.
2. Why did Dally take Ponyboy to see Johnny after the rumble?
He took him because Johnny was dying. He took him so he could see him and so that they could tell Johnny that they won.
3. What did Johnny mean when he told Ponyboy to “stay gold”?
He told him to be better then what he is.
4. Think about yourself. Do you ever label someone as a hood, a scum, a nerd, a dork, because of the way someone is dressed or groomed? Have you been guilty of believing a stereotype and then found out later that the person just didn’t fit that perception? What does that tell you about first impressions?
No, I don't label someone by that. Yes I have been in the situation of believing a stereotype and then finding out that the person is not what the other person described. This tells me that people are rude and that people will judge you by the way you look. Not by who you are but by how you present yourself.
5. Do you agree or disagree with Ponyboy when he said that people usually go by looks so hoods will always be the bad guys and the clean shaven, neatly dressed kids will always be considered the good guys? Why?
Yes I do, because when you see someone like that you would assume that they aren't doing anything bad and that they are just people who are minding their own business. You wouldn't think that they would be up to no good.
6. Who are the good guys and bad guys in The Outsiders? Explain.
- The good guys are the gresaures and the bad guys are the Socs. The gresaures aren't really looking for trouble and they are just fights for Johnny. They aren't fighting because they are bad people until the Socs who are fighting because they want to get their revenge. Also Socs are always looking for trouble.
7. What are the two things Greasers have to be proud of?
One this to be proud of is their hair. They are proud of their hair and how it is greasy. They are also proud of winning.
8. Who is the only Greaser who doesn’t like fights?
Johnny doesn't really like fights. He doesn't understand them and he thinks that it is just a waste of time.
9. Why is Tim Shepard’s kid brother, Curly, not going to be at the rumble?
He isn't at the rumble because he was in the hospital. He was breaking into a place and got hurt from the glass.
10. Why does Ponyboy feel he and his gang don’t belong with Tim Sheperd’s gang and the Brumley boys?
He says that they are nothing like them. They don't belong their.
11. What are the rules for the rumble?
The rules are that you can't use any weapons.
12. Who joins the rumble at the last minute?
Dally, he comes from the hospital with his arm hurt and helps them.
13. How did Dally get out of the hospital?
He put out two-bites switch knife of the nurse and told her that he was going to get out or something would happen to her.
14. How does the fight end?
The fight ends with the Socs running away and getting into their cars.
15. Where do Ponyboy and Dally go after the rumble?
They go to the hospital to go see Johnny.
16. How do they get there so quickly?
A police officer pulls them over and Dally tells him that he's takin his friends to the hospital because she feel off his motorcycle. The officer puts the siren on and helps them get past everyone quickly.
17. What does Johnny tell Ponyboy to do?
Johnny tells Ponyboy to stay golden.
CHAPTER 10:
1. Do you think the rumble was worth the trouble?
No it caused a lot of trouble for everyone and people got hurt. In the end the Socs surrendered anyway.
2. Why did Dally want to die?
Johnny was all he cared about.
3. How do you think the other Greasers will end up?
To continue their friendship, but end the gang.
4. Why was Ponyboy concerned with whether or not he had asked for Darry while he was unconscious?
He wants to fix his relationship with Darry and wants to show him he actually cares about him too.
5. How does Ponyboy get home from the hospital?
Dally gave him a ride home.
6. Why is Dally so upset about Johnny’s death?
Johnny was all he cared about.
7. Who phones Darry, and what does he want?
Dally calls him from a telephone booth and he wanted them to cover him.
8. What did Johnny leave for Ponyboy?
His copy of "Gone With The Wind" and leaves him a letter.
9. Why wouldn’t Ponyboy eat anything when he was sick?
He kept repeating that he didn't like balony and he might dillusional.
10. Why is Ponyboy worried about whether or not he called for Darry when he was sick?
He wants to show he actually cares for Darry and he doesn't want to leave Darry out.
CHAPTER 11:
1. Why do you think Ponyboy was ill?
He's just getting over a traumatic experience and was kicked in the head causing a concussion.
2. Why did Randy come to visit Ponyboy when he was ill? Why did Ponyboy not care that Randy was seeing his house in a messy condition?
They have a mutual understanding and tells him that they have to go to court and that that he's going to tell the truth. He knows a Randy isn't going to judge him, so he doesn't care.
3. Why do you think Ponyboy said he’d killed Bob and that Johnny wasn’t dead? (p.g. 165-166)
He's indenial and he doesn't want Johnny to be remembered as a murderer.
4. Why was Ponyboy concerned about his friends seeing his house but not about Randy seeing his house?
They have a mutual understanding and tells him that they have to go to court and that that he's going to tell the truth. He knows a Randy isn't going to judge him, so he doesn't care.
5. Why did Ponyboy say he’d killed Bob and that Johnny wasn’t dead?
He's indenial and he doesn't want Johnny to be remembered as a murderer.
CHAPTER 12:
1. Why was the court hearing important? What were possible decisions of the court?
It would determine the rest of his life. He would either be guilty or innocent.
2. Why do you think Ponyboy’s like was still troubled after the court hearing?
He feels guilty for getting away with death.
3. What message did Johnny leave in the book?
He's not worried about dying anymore and he explained a poem.
4. What do you think the doctor told the judge before the hearing?
He's having emotional distress, so he should be easy on him.
5. Why did Ponyboy’s life seem so different after the hearing?
He's living with emotional distress.
6. Why did Soda think that being like Dally before he died was worse than being dead?
Dally died a greaser and a dilinquent, Soda doesn't want to die that way.
7. What do you think Ponyboy will write about in his theme? Why? What will be the result of his having written about events of the past week? (Hint: Look at the first two sentences of the novel.)
He's writing about his story that happened with Johnny and his gang.
8. Why does Ponyboy think that his experiences as a Greaser are important for everyone to read about?
He wants everyone to know the dangers of being a greaser and the consequences.
9. What is one of the stereotypes in this novel? How is it INACCURATE?
Rich kids and poor kids. It stereotyped them as all being hoods or all being snooty.
10. What is the theme of The Outsiders? There is definitely more than one right answer.
The theme of the outsiders is everyone is in a tough situation no matter who they are.
11. What is Darry’s motivation throughout the novel?
To fix his relationship with Ponyboy.
12. Why is the last sentence of the book unusual?
It the same as the first.