CHARACTERS
Who is the narrator of The Outsiders?
Pony Boy
What social group does Ponyboy belong to?
The Greasers
Where is Ponyboy coming from when he gets jumped in Chapter 1?
The movies
How does the 1960s setting explain the lack of supervision at the drive-in and streets at night?
Teenagers had more freedom and independence, so social interactions and conflicts were unsupervised
What does the word “greaser” mainly refer to?
Long greasy hair
Which two brothers does Ponyboy live with?
Soda pop and Darry
Which group is usually richer and drives nice cars?
The Socs
Who rescues Ponyboy when he is attacked?
Darry, Sodapop, and the other Greasers
Why do the Greasers feel like the police are always against them?
Because in the 1960s, working-class kids were often judged by appearance and background rather than actions
What does 'hot headed' mean?
Who is Ponyboy’s best friend that everyone worries about?
Johnny
Which group often gets into trouble with the police?
The Greasers
Where do Ponyboy and Johnny meet Cherry and Marcia?
The drive-in movie theatre
How does Cherry challenge Ponyboy’s view of all Socs in Chapters 1–3?
She shows that some Socs are thoughtful and capable of empathy
What does the word 'rumble' refer to as used in the novel?
a fight
Which Greaser is known for being tough but also very protective of others?
Dally (Dallas Winston)
What does 'Socs' stand for?
Socials
Who offers Cherry and Marcia a lift home from the drive in movies?
Two bit
Why is the drive-in an important place for interactions between Greasers and Socs?
It’s one of the few places both groups mix, revealing class differences
Why is slang important in showing the divide between Greasers and Socs?
It highlights class differences and who belongs to each group
Why does Ponyboy admire Sodapop more than Darry in the early chapters?
Sodapop is kind, understanding, and makes Ponyboy feel accepted
According to Cherry, what is the real difference between Greasers and Socs, not just money?
Greasers feel things deeply, while Socs don’t show emotions / are emotionally detached
What happens between Darry and Pony Boy after Pony Boy arrives home late
Darry slaps him
How does the nighttime setting increase tension in Chapters 1–3?
It makes violence more likely and characters more vulnerable
Why do characters use slang and speak in short abbreviated sentences?
To show belonging to the group