Ponyboy and Darry
At the beginning of the novel, Ponyboy is thoughtful and sensitive but often feels this way.
Misunderstood
Ponyboy initially struggles to understand the Socs because he assumes their money means this.
They do not have serious problems.
The sunset shared by Ponyboy and Cherry symbolizes this.
Shared humanity/common experiences across social groups
Randy’s statement that “no one can win” develops this idea about violence.
Violence cannot solve deeper problems
What book do Ponyboy and Johnny read together while hiding in the church?
Gone with the Wind
Ponyboy’s conflict with Darry is largely caused by his belief that Darry feels this way about him.
Darry does not care about him.
This Soc helps Ponyboy realize that Socs can question violence and struggle with problems too.
Randy
Johnny’s message to Ponyboy to “stay gold” tells him to preserve these qualities.
His innocence, compassion, and ability to see beauty
According to the novel, a person can remain sensitive and compassionate without being this.
Weak
What sport is Ponyboy involved in at school?
Track
Ponyboy eventually realizes Darry is strict for this reason.
Darry loves him and is afraid of losing him.
This character challenges Ponyboy’s stereotypes by showing that a Soc can understand him and share some of his feelings.
Cherry
“Nothing Gold Can Stay” develops the idea that these things do not last forever.
Youth, innocence, and beautiful things
Characters worry that Ponyboy will “get tough” because they fear he will lose these qualities.
His sensitivity and compassion
What weapon does Johnny begin carrying after he is badly jumped by the Socs?
A switchblade
Ponyboy’s love of sunsets, books, and poetry reveals this important part of his character.
His sensitivity
This friendship best supports the idea that people are more complicated than the groups they belong to.
Ponyboy and Cherry
True theme or topic? “People should look beyond social labels because different groups often share the same struggles.”
Theme
The rumble does not solve the central conflict because winning cannot erase these deeper problems.
Grief, inequality, anger, and misunderstandings
Who is Cherry Valance’s boyfriend?
Bob Sheldon
By the end of the novel, Ponyboy becomes better at doing this.
Seeing people as individuals and understanding experiences beyond his own
After Bob’s death, Ponyboy begins viewing Bob in this new way.
As an individual/human being rather than simply a Soc.
Johnny’s death contributes to the novel’s message that this can be destroyed by violence and hardship.
Innocence
One central message of the novel is that understanding others requires looking beyond these.
Labels/social groups
Who helps Ponyboy and Johnny after Bob’s death by giving them money, a gun, and a place to hide?
Dally