Characters
Which character is known for joking around and stealing?
Two-Bit
Who wins the rumble?
Greasers
"Nature's first green is gold" and "Life was one big joke to Two-Bit" are both...
"You take up for your buddies no matter what they do." - This shows what theme?
Who is the oldest greaser in the gang, and how old is he?
Darry - 20
Which character is known for his gang that does illegal activities. He is sometimes friends with Dally.
Tim Shepherd
Why do the police shoot Dallas?
His gun isn't loaded, and he wanted them to think it was.
What does the blue mustang symbolize?
The soc's wealth and power
"No, snapped Dally. They didn't. Blast it, Johnny, what do they matter? Shoot, my old man don't give a hang whether I'm in jail or dead in a car wreck or drunk in the gutter. That don't bother me none."
- What does this quote say about Dally?
He has toughened himself beyond caring.
Who is the soc that helps drown Ponyboy? (Not Bob or Randy)
Explain how Johnny changed from the beginning of the story towards the end.
Johnny was quiet, shy, and fearful in the beginning. He gained confidence by saving the kids from the fire, spoke up more often, and realized he wanted to live.
What is the novel's perspective on violence / fighting?
Fighting doesn't solve anything and only creates more problems.
"And the ground rushed up to meet me very suddenly." What type of figurative language is this, and what does it mean?
Personification. It means that Ponyboy hit the ground hard and fast.
During the church fire, Ponyboy says, "I should be scared, I thought with an odd detached feeling, but I'm not." - What does detached mean in this sentence?
He feels removed from the situation.
What is Two-Bit's real name?
Keith
While Ponyboy and Johnny are at the church, they talk about how they view Dally differently. What are these differences?
Ponyboy: Dallas is tough, mean, and scary. He doesn't really like him.
Johnny: He admires and respects him. He describes him as gallant.
What is the novel's perspective on stereotyping?
No matter where someone comes from, they have struggles.
Think of a symbol in the novel that is not the blue mustang, and tell what you think it represents.
Two-bit's switch
The sunset
Sodapop says, "We're all we've got left. We ought to be able to stick together against everything. If we don't have each other, we don't have anything. If you don't have anything, you end up like Dallas... and I don't mean dead either."
- What does Sodapop mean by this quote?
Who is Tim Shepherd's little brother?
Curly Shepherd
Flat: Steve, Marcia, Tim
Dynamic: Ponyboy, Johnny, Dally
What is the theme of "Nothing Gold Can Stay"? Explain how it relates to your choice of three characters.
Theme: All good / beautiful things will eventually fade.
Characters:
- Ponyboy and Johnny: His and Johnny's innocence taken once they killed Bob.
- Ponyboy: The fear that Ponyboy won't stay gold now that he has been impacted by serious events.
- Dally: He's already lost most of his innocence and got tough. All that was left was Johnny.
- Ponyboy's family: Ponyboy lost his mother, who he describes as golden and beautiful.
Think of a moment in The Outsiders that represents dramatic or situational irony.
Many responses.
Johnny explains the meaning of the poem in his letter. What is his example of staying gold?
The way Ponyboy likes sunsets.
Everything is new when you're a kid.
What is Ponyboy's middle name?
Michael