Characters
This character narrates the novel
Ponyboy Curtis
The character gets jumped at the beginning of the novel when walking home from the movies.
Ponyboy Curtis
What does Ponyboy say is visible from both the East Side and West Side?
Sunsets
The Greaser identity is linked to their...
Hair
In order to support his family, this character turns down a college scholarship playing football... his now the legal guardian of his two brothers.
Darrell 'Darry' Curtis
How did Johnny's feelings about death change from the beginning to the end of the novel?
Johnny was miserable and often considered killing himself, when faced with death he didn't want to die... he still had hopes and dreams... 16 years wasn't long enough
What poem is continuously referenced throughout the novel?
Nothing Gold Can Stay by Robert Frost
What did the quote "things are rough all over" mean?
suggesting that everyone faces difficulties, no matter their class (or gang)
Because this character is treated so poorly at home, the members of the Greaser gang are this character's surrogate family.
Johnny Cade
After the loss of Johnny, this character gives up hope and allows the police to shoot him to death without a fight.
Dallas 'Dally' Winston
What is Two-Bit's most prized possession?
His black-handled switchblade
How does the novel explore class and race?
- Socs and Greasers are from different social classes
- The greasers are seen as lower
- Johnny is Puerto Rican
The girlfriend of Bob, she must help make peace between the Socs and the Greasers after Bob is killed.
Sherri 'Cherry' Valance
What book do Johnny and Ponyboy read in the church?
Gone with the Wind
What does Johnny say 'Nothing Gold Can Stay' mean?
As a child you are 'gold', new, green... but you have to grow up and lose your innocence...
What does 'Coming of Age' mean?
The change one experiences as they move from childhood (innocence and naivety) to adulthood
The most dangerous member of the Greasers gang, he has served significant time in prison.
Dallas 'Dally' Winston
How does Darry know Paul Holden, his first opponent at the rumble?
They played football together in high school
What does Johnny say to Ponyboy when he dies?
"Stay Gold, Ponyboy"
Why are Cherry and Randy such important characters?