Greasers vs Socs
Who was the soc that died?
Bob.
List all of the characters in the 'gang'.
Ponyboy, Darry, Sodapop, Johnny, Two-bit, Dally, Steve.
How does Dally die?
The policemen kill Dally. After Johnny dies in the hospital, Dally is so upset, he runs away from Ponyboy and robs a grocery store. The police chase him to the empty lot where the greasers hang out. There, Dally takes out his unloaded gun and threatens the police, who shoot him in self-defense. Dally dies with a “look of grim triumph on his face,” and Ponyboy realizes that Dally “wanted to be dead and he always got what he wanted.”
Where did Johnny and Pony go to hide?
The church.
Name three themes shown in the outsiders.
Family, friendship, conflict.
Why did the socs attack Johnny and Ponyboy?
They were walking with Charry and Marcia, the socs girlfriends.
What is Two-bit's real first name?
Keith
Why is Sodapop upset about Sandy?
Sandy, Sodapop’s girlfriend, gets pregnant and moves to Florida with her grandmother. Sodapop writes to her, but his letters return unopened. Darry tells Ponyboy that the baby isn’t Sodapop’s, and that Sandy “didn’t love him like he thought she did.” This conversation triggers Ponyboy’s realization that his fun-loving brother has problems of his own, and that when Sodapop tries to share about his life, he finds Ponyboy inattentive and “daydreaming or stuck in a book.”
In what decade was the story set?
1960s.
Name an example of friendship being shown in the story.
Ponyboy does not turn in Johnny, the easier thing to do.
Why might Socs with good intentions still distance from greasers?
They are worried abou the repercussions of being seen with greasers, as the socs view them very negatively and will likely shun anyone associated with them.
Provide an example of Dally being gallant.
Taking the blame for Two-bit when he broke a window.
What is the court’s decision on Bob’s murder?
The judge acquits Ponyboy of the charges against him for his involvement in Bob’s murder, and closes the entire case. Despite their fears, the judge does not send Ponyboy and Sodapop to a “boy’s home,” and allows them to continue living under Darry’s guardianship. Despite this positive outcome, Ponyboy struggles to return to his normal routine, becoming absent-minded and failing his classes.
In what US state was the story set?
Oklohoma.
In what ways is the theme of conflict represented?
Greasers vs Socs, Darry vs Ponyboy, Ponyboy/Johnny vs Police, Johnny vs Parents
How is the distinctive line of greasers (good) vs socs (bad) blurred?
Crossover characters such as Cherry Valence allow for us to perceive that not all socs are bad, with some of them wanting to befriend greasers and help them.
Why could the swapping of Johnny's and Ponyboy's age in the movie from the book be more 'suitable'?
Johnny is more unstable and emotionally dependant than Ponyboy, making his character more childish and therefore suiting a younger age than the original 16 years old.
Why is Ponyboy an unreliable witness during the court case?
Ponyboy thinks he killed Bob. Darry tells Randy that Ponyboy is racked up physically and so emotionally stressed that he doesn't remember what really happened and that's why he thinks he killed Bob. Pony pretends he killed Bob and that Johnny isn't dead because he figured it wouldn't hurt as much, meaning he cannot give an accurate report in court.
What Oklohoman town was the story set in?
Tulsa.
How do the themes of loyalty and friendship tie in to conflict when Darry fights Paul in the rumble?
Darry and Paul are friends, but turn on echother when it comes to maintaining loyalty to their respective classes in a rumble.
What message does the author portray through bridging the gap between rich and poor?
Social standing does not reflect quality of character, having more money does not mean you are the better person. The novel even leads toward socs being of a less desirable character than the greasers, through their acts and attitudes toward the main characters.
Describe the juxtaposition of Dally's character.
Whilst being lawless, rude and boderline abusive (as seen in his talking to Cherry) he has also been gallant and selfless.
What do Johnny’s last words mean?
Right before he dies in the hospital, Johnny says “Stay gold, Ponyboy.” Ponyboy cannot figure out what Johnny means until he reads the note Johnny left. Johnny writes that “stay gold” is a reference to the Robert Frost poem Ponyboy shared when they were hiding at the church. Johnny claims that Frost meant “you’re gold when you’re a kid...When you’re a kid, everything’s new, dawn.” Johnny writes that Ponyboy’s love of sunsets is “gold.” He wants Ponyboy to protect his childhood innocence, and nurture his ability to experience wonder.
In what scene was the Bowen Lounge shown?
This is the opening scene, where they show Dally lighting his cigarette, waiting for Johnny and Ponyboy.
How do the themes of this book make it relevant and easy to connect with?
They are extremely common, meaning we can relate to them.