Characters
The Soc who was killed
Bob
What happens to Ponyboy at the beginning of the novel?
He gets jumped by the Socs.
"You know what a Greaser is? White trash with long hair"
Bob
What do sunsets symbolize in the novel?
Beauty, hope, and the idea that Greasers and Socs are not so different.
What is one major theme topic of The Outsiders?
Family, friendship, loyalty, identity, social class, innocence, or violence
Who is the author of The Outsiders
S.E. Hinton
Greaser with wispy blond hair, handsomer than anyone else
Sodapop
Why do Ponyboy and Johnny run away?
Johnny kills Bob while defending Ponyboy.
"I think it's better when the old man's hittin me."
Johnny
What does Ponyboy’s hair symbolize?
His Greaser identity and pride.
How is the Greaser gang like a family?
They protect, support, and care for each other when their real families may not.
When Johnny and Pony are in the church, what do they pass the time reading?
Gone with the Wind
Dark-eyed "pet" of the greasers, wishes his mom and dad cared about him
Johnny
Where do Ponyboy and Johnny hide after Bob’s death?
An abandoned church.
Oh, my, my... you've got me scared to death. You ought to see my record sometime, baby."
Dally
Why is cutting and bleaching their hair difficult for Ponyboy and Johnny?
It feels like losing part of who they are.
How does Ponyboy change throughout the novel?
He becomes more understanding, mature, and aware that people are more than stereotypes.
What does Pony write about for his English assignment?
his story about his gang and their problems
Which Greaser is known for being tough, cold, and dangerous?
Dallas Winston
Johnny told Ponyboy this iconic phrase
What is Stay Gold
"Oh, Pony, I thought we'd lost you... like we did Mom and Dad..."
Darry
What does the burning church symbolize?
A turning point where Ponyboy and Johnny prove their courage and goodness.
What does the book teach about violence?
Violence causes pain and loss, and it does not truly fix problems.
What decade is The Outsiders set in?
1960s
wisecracker of the greasers, the oldest, and famous for his switchblade
Two-Bit
What heroic act do Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally do?
They save children from the burning church.
"I can't stand fights... I can't stand them..."
Cherry
What does Johnny’s letter symbolize?
Hope, wisdom, and Johnny’s final message for Ponyboy to stay good.
Why is the title The Outsiders meaningful?
Many characters feel like outsiders because of class, family struggles, or being misunderstood.
What is Cherry's real name?
Sherri
Why is Darry so hard on Ponyboy?
He loves him and wants him to have a better future, but he struggles to show it gently.
Why is the rumble important to the Greasers?
It is their chance to stand up to the Socs and prove themselves, even though it does not truly solve anything.
What does “Stay gold” mean?
Stay innocent, good, and true to yourself.
What does Johnny’s copy of Gone with the Wind symbolize?
Friendship, escape, and Johnny’s admiration for bravery and honor.
How does the novel show that people are more than their labels?
Characters like Cherry, Randy, Dally, and Johnny show that people are complex and cannot be judged only as “Soc” or “Greaser.”
What is Sodapop’s horse’s name?
Mickey Mouse
Is Dally a hero, a villain, or both? Explain.
Both; he breaks rules and acts tough, but he also protects Johnny and Ponyboy.
Why did Dally rob a store, run from the plice, and raise an unloaded gun to the police?
He felt that he failed Johnny and lost the only person or thing he had ever loved.
What does Cherry mean by, "Things are rough all over" when she is talking to Ponyboy?
What does the switchblade symbolize?
Protection, danger, fear, and the violence surrounding the characters.
How does The Outsiders show that family is not always about blood?
The Greasers act like family by protecting, supporting, and standing up for each other.
What food do Ponyboy and Johnny eat a lot of while hiding at the church?
Baloney sandwiches and chocolate bars.