Poetry
What is the name and author of the poem that Ponyboy recites in Chapter 4?
"Nothing Gold Can Stay" by Robert Frost
What happens to Ponyboy at the park?
He is jumped by the Socs and begins to get drowned in the fountain.
Who is the "spy" Dally speaks of?
Cherry Valance
What is happening at the church when they return? Describe what they do about it.
The church is on fire and there are kids in there. They jump through the windows to save the kids.
Why is the church fire an important event in the story?
The church fire is important because it is a turning point in The Outsiders. It shows Johnny and Ponyboy becoming heroes for saving kids, but it also leads to serious consequences for them, especially Johnny.
In the line “Her hardest hue to hold,” what literary device is being used?
Alliteration
Why does Johnny go after Bob? What is the result?
Johnny goes after Bob because they had a blade and were drowning Ponyboy. The result is that Bob is killed.
What do the boys do to disguise themselves? Why is Pony so resistant to do anything with his hair?
They cut their hair and Pony bleaches his hair. Pony is resistant because his hair is his identity as a Greaser.
What does Johnny announce that he and Pony are going to do? Why does he think it is best?
He wants to turn himself in to the police. He thinks it is best because he doesn't have a prior record and it was self-defense.
Why do Ponyboy and Johnny decide to go to Dallas Winston for help?
Ponyboy and Johnny go to Dally for help because he has been in trouble with the law since he was young and understands how things work. Since he was arrested at a young age, they think he’ll know what to do and how to help them avoid getting caught.
What does “gold” most likely symbolize in the poem?
Something pure, innocent, or new.
Why does Johnny react so violently to the Socs?
He reacts violently because they beat him terribly before and he is afraid for his life.
What does Dally bring to Ponyboy from Sodapop? What does Pony learn from it about Darry's feelings?
He brings a letter from Soda. Pony learns that Darry is sorry that he hit him and is worried about him.
What does Dally tell Johnny when he asks about his parents? How does Johnny feel?
He tells him that his parents haven't asked about him, but that the gang is his true family. Johnny is very hurt that his parents don't care about him.
Explain the turning point in Chapter 4, including at least one cause and one effect.
In The Outsiders, the turning point in Chapter 4 is when Johnny kills Bob to save Ponyboy. One cause is the Socs attacked Johnny. One effect is that Ponyboy and Johnny have to run away and hide, changing the direction of the story.
What is the meaning of Robert Frost’s poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay”?
What is that change is constant, nothing perfect lasts forever, and people must accept change and continue moving forward in life?
How does the Mustang help build tension in the park scene?
It shows the Socs arrive in a recognizable car, letting Ponyboy and Johnny know they are surrounded by Socs and outnumbered.
How did Dally mislead the police?
He told the police that Pony and Johnny were heading to Texas.
Why does Dally hit Pony across the back?
Pony was on fire and he was trying to put out the flames.
What new side of Dallas Winston is revealed in these chapters?
Dallas shows a more caring side in Chapters 4–6, especially toward Johnny and Ponyboy. Even though he acts tough, he helps them by giving supplies and checking on them at the church, showing he is loyal and protective underneath his rough attitude.
Why might S.E. Hinton have chosen to include Robert Frost’s poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay” in The Outsiders?
To help show the theme that innocence and good moments don’t last forever, and to highlight Ponyboy’s journey of growing up and losing innocence?
To whom do Ponyboy and Johnny go to for help? List AT LEAST three items this character gives them.
Dally- gun, money, jacket, shirt
When Dally says that his heater "sure does help a bluff...", what does he mean?
He means that people don't know that it isn't loaded or that he doesn't intend to use it, so they back off and are afraid of him.
What happens to Ponyboy and Johnny because of their actions with the church fire? How are they perceived by others?
They are taken to the hospital and labeled as heroes.
Explain the “character vs. society” conflict in the novel so far.
The Greasers struggle against society’s expectations that label them as troublemakers and Socs as superior.