Themes
What does the novel Gone with the Wind reveal regarding Johnny’s feelings about Dally?
We realize that Johnny thinks Dally is a hero. He idolizes him.
This person is responsible and hardworking. He’s not really a member of the gang because he’s older.
Darrell Curtis
This person wore rings and drank too much. He was a bully and an intimidating guy.
Bob
Why do Darry and Ponyboy have a tumultuous relationship (they don’t get along well)?
Darry is the parent figure and it’s stressful for him. He doesn’t have much experience as a dad.
What is the main conflict of the story?
Johnny and Ponyboy have to run away after killing Bob. They have to seek help from Dally, the most criminal member of their group.
Not everyone has a close knit family like the Curtises do. What does Johnny find out about his family while hiding out?
He finds out that his parents have not been asking about him nor looking for him.
This person is nervous all the time, looks younger than he is, and has a rough home life.
Johnny Cade
This person is different from most-more principled and moral.
Cherry
Why does Ponyboy decide to run away and then change his mind?
He was hit by Darry, but then he realizes he has as much right to live in their house as Darry.
When Johnny decides to turn himself in after finding out that he has supporters, what further complication prevents him from doing so?
The church they’re hiding out in catches fire with little kids inside. Johnny’s injured while saving them.
Another theme that emerges in these chapters has to do with family and loyalty. What do the characters realize about their loyalties and families?
They realize that their friends are the most loyal, and that family is not always the people you’re born to, but rather the people who love you.
This person is Ponyboy’s favorite person. He’s understanding and a good listener.
Sodapop Curtis
This person is typical for their class and gets along well with Two-Bit
Marcia
The Greasers and the Socs are not so different, but Cherry sums up their differences by saying…
The Greasers are too emotional and act violently, while the Socs are aloof (distant/detached) but also act violently.
Name one example of foreshadowing in the story.
When PB tells us that the church gives him the creeps, or when he says they were careful with their cigarettes because the church could easily go up in flames.
Ponyboy realizes Darry does love him when Darry shows up at the hospital with tears in his eyes. What does PB say to let the reader know he now understands Darry better?
He says he is finally home. To stay.
This person is sensitive, brave, and smart. He doesn’t like to fight and sometimes doesn’t use his head.
Ponyboy Curtis
This person does not always like Ponyboy and doesn’t make him feel welcome.
What causes Johnny and Ponyboy to run away after they decided not to?
They are attacked by the Socs, and Johnny kills Bob. They run because they’re scared.
Ponyboy and Johnny go in the church automatically, without even thinking about it, but Dally thinks they’re crazy but goes in anyway. Why does he do this?
His motivation is simply to save Johnny. He didn’t care about anyone else, not even himself.
What theme does Robert Frost’s poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay” reveal about Ponyboy and Johnny’s situation?
The poem mirrors their circumstances of losing their childhood innocence.
This person is smart and dangerous. He’s lived a hard life and is tough.
Dallas Winston
This person is the wisecracker of the gang and likes to steal things.
Two-Bit Matthews
Why does Dally allow Johnny to stop him from harassing Cherry
Johnny is the only one who could tell Dally what to do without getting beat up because he is the only one Dally is close to.
What symbol is repeated for the two groups’ similarities?
The sunset
They both can see the same sunset no matter which side of town they’re on.