Chapter 4
Question1: What does Pony mean when he says the Socs were "reeling pickled"?
He meant that they were drunk. This is shown by the way the socs were staggering and not walking normally.
Question 1: Why does Pony have a problem with Johnny's idea to disguise themselves?
Pony doesn't want to cut and bleach his hair. He takes great pride in his longer hair and doesn't want to change/ruin it. Moreover, Pony mentions that his hairstyle is part of his identity as a greaser. If he changes his hair, he won't feel like himself.
Question 1: Why doesn't Dally want Johnny to turn himself in?
Dally is worried Johnny will get hardened by jail. Dally admits that he himself was changed/hardened by his experience in jail.
Question 1: Why would being crippled be worse for Johnny than someone else?
If Johnny was crippled, he wouldn't be able to leave his house. Compared to someone from a good household, this would be especially bad for Johnny because his parents are abusive and neglectful. Now Johnny is able to get out of the house, hang out with the other greasers, and have community - if he was crippled, he would have no escape from his parents.
Question 1: How does what the doctor first says, on page 119, foreshadow Johnny's condition?
The doctor says "it can't hurt now" for Pony and Two-Bit to go visit Johnny. This indicates that the medical staff aren't really waiting for Johnny to get better and doubt his recovery. Instead, they have realized the best thing is for Johnny to have company. Later, this foreshadowing is added to because people keep mentioning "IF" Johnny gets better...rather than "when."
Question 2: What major event happens in this chapter (Chapter 4)?
In Chapter 4, Ponyboy and Johnny get ambushed by some socs, who begin drowning Ponyboy in the park fountain. Johnny kills Bob with his switchblade. After murdering Bob, Ponyboy and Johnny go to Dally for help. Dally gives them a gun and some money, as well as directions about how and where to run away. Boarding a train, Ponyboy and Johnny head to an abandoned church in the countryside.
Question 2: Why does Pony realize he does like Dally? Can you explain what he means by this?
Pony realizes that he has always admired people like Sodapop, like the typical "heroes" in movies. But, as Johnny explains it, Dally is different; Dally is "real." When Dally keeps his cool and helps others, he is being brave in a real way. For instance, Dally risked getting in trouble by helping Pony/Johnny in a practical way with money and a gun when they escaped (Pony's likes Dally even more later on when, in Chapter 6 and 7, Dally sticks up for Johnny).
Question 2: What "other side" of Dallas is revealed in this chapter (Chapter 6)?
A softer side of Dally is revealed. Through his actions, we learn that Dally can be sacrificial, protective, and caring. His kindness is especially shown toward Johnny, who he treats like a younger brother.
Question 2: Why would Two-Bit think Johnny, Dally, and Pony were heroes all along; before they saved the kids?
Two-Bit most likely realizes that Johnny, Dally, and Pony have all overcome really hard life experiences. And, as a band of brothers, they have already proved that they are loyal and are willing to sacrifice for those they care about.
Question 2: "We needed Johnny as much as he needed the gang. And for the same reason" (p.121). What do you think Pony means, and what is the reason?
Earlier in the book, Pony says "Johnny would never have known what love and affection are...if it hadn't been for the gang" (pg. 12). Johnny needed the gang for a sense of family. In the same way, the gang needed Johnny because Johnny has shown them loyalty, love, kindness, and care.
Question 3: How did the author foreshadow (in chapter 2) that Johnny would use his knife?
In the book, it mentions that, after getting mugged a few months ago, Johnny always carries around his switchblade and that if anyone tried to beat him up again, Johnny wouldn't be afraid to kill. The book also shows us that something "worse" is going to happen next. Finally, the book also shows that the soc who beat up Johnny a few months ago is Bob - he owns a mustang and wears rings. Thus, it makes sense Johnny wouldn't let Bob beat him up again.
Question 3: Who's the spy for the greasers? Does this surprise you? Why or why not?
Cherry Valance. It is surprising because she is a soc, she was dating Bob (the soc Johnny murdered), and she only became friends with Ponyboy and Johnny recently at the drive-in movie. But it is not surprising because she seemed to establish a real friendship with Pony and because she feels somewhat guilty about the whole situation.
Question 3: Why do you think Johnny wasn't scared, despite the obvious danger?
Perhaps it is because Johnny knew he was deep in trouble anyway so why not go for it; with the plan to turn himself in, Johnny knew that he might end up in jail. Or, perhaps Johnny had been so toughened by life and his hard experiences, that Johnny wasn't afraid of the fire because he was used to being in difficult situations. Or, perhaps finally having the chance to help others inspired Johnny to become more brave.
Question 3: What was Bob's 'real' problem, according to Randy (page 116)?
Randy shared that Bob's real problem was that he kept pushing the limits, and no one in his life ever told him "NO" or disciplined him. Randy said that Bob actually needed, and even wanted, someone to lay down the law instead of giving in every time. Bob craved that structure. So he kept pushing the limits...until it went too far.
Question 3: If Darry didn't have Soda and Pony, why would he be a soc?
Pony says that Darry "was too smart to be a greaser," meaning that perhaps Darry could have invented a new lifestyle for himself and become wealthy and joined the socs. However, the responsibility to take care of his brothers had meant that Darry had to give up school, work, and not have some of the luxuries of life. Everything he gave up so that his brothers could stay together.