Questions By Kavi
Why do greasers never walk alone? (Chapter 1)
In chapter 1 Ponyboy explains his lifestyle to the reader and we experience Ponyboy going to the theatre. The reader realizes that if the Socs see a greaser that appears to be vulnerable that they will beat him up and try to instill fear in him. The Socs don’t feel they will get in trouble for their actions because they have a better reputation and have money for a lawyer.
What did ponyboy and Johnny do to disguise themselves?
Johnny cut his hair and Ponyboy cut and bleached his hair.
Why is Darry so harsh on Ponyboy? What is his main concern/fear? (Chapter 6)
Darry is afraid of Ponyboy being taken away from him, it could be Ponyboy running away, being put in a boy’s home, or even getting killed. He is afraid that another person he loves is going to be taken away from him, the way his parents died.
Who said this? When did they say it?
“well It's 2 in the morning kiddo. Another hour and I would have had the police out after you. where were you, Ponyboy?” (page 49)
Darry said this- Even thought Darry was angry at Ponyboy for coming home super late, this quote shows that Darry was worried about Ponyboy. He was only calling the police to go look for him and that shows that Darry was worried about Ponyoby.
Who says this? When do they say it?
Chapter 5; pg 71 “It was my pride. It was long and silky, just like Soda’s only a little redder. Our hair was tuff -- we didn’t have to use much grease on it. Our hair labeled us as greasers too -- it was our trademark. The one thing we were proud of.”
Ponyboy says it.
This is from when Johnny suggests that they cut their hair and that Ponyboy also bleach his. Ponyboy was taken back that Johnny would suggest such a thing. To the reader, it may seem like Ponyboy is overreacting, however, greasers don't have a lot and their hair is something that they are proud of. It differentiates them from Socs, too, which they like since Socs, to them, are seen as the "bad guys".
What happened to the church when Ponyboy, Johnny and Dally returned?
The church set on fire.
Why does Johnny seem so vulnerable to Ponyboy, but not so weak in a stranger’s eyes? (Chapter 4)
To Ponyboy, Johnny looks like a lost puppy who had been kicked too often, especially since he also knows about Johnny’s past and on a more personal level. To a stranger, Johnny seems hard and tough because of his black t-shirt, blue jeans and jacket, and his long and greased hair.
Who said this? When did they say it?
“We put it out before you got burned. That jacket saved you from a bad Burning, maybe saved your life." (page 94)
Jerry says it. This was in an ambulance or hospital after Ponyboy and Johnny saved the kids from the burning church.
This shows that Dally cared of Ponyboy. He saved he live. If Dally had not hit is back Ponyboy could have died.
Who said this? When did they say it?
“They smelled so heavily of whiskey and English Leather that I almost choked.”
Ponyboy said this. This allows the readers to understand that Socs could indulge themselves without having to pay for it later unlike the Greasers would.
Why does Cherry talk about sunsets with Ponyboy? (Chapter 3)
In chapter three Ponyboy and Cherry are talking about how greasers and socs don’t get along. When Cherry mentions sunsets she tells the reader that the two groups think they have the other figured out but they really don’t. This leads the reader to understand that the greasers are not as overpowered by the socs as they think they are.
How do the greasers dress and why?
Greasers wear blue jeans and t-shirts, leather jackets, sneakers, or boots. They have long greased hair. They Dress like this to make them look more tough and strong.
Who said this? What was going on when they said it?
Chapter 2; pg 34 “‘All Socs aren’t like that,’ _____ said. ‘You have to believe me, Ponyboy. Not all of us are like that.’ . . . ‘That’s like saying all you greasers are like Dallas Winston. I’ll bet he’s jumped a few people’”
Cherry said it.
This is Cherry's response after Ponyboy tells her what happened to Johnny when he got jumped.
Based on this, the reader can tell how divided it was for the characters because all Socs are seen a certain way by greasers and greasers are seen a certain way by Socs.
Who said this? When did they say it?
“Greasers can’t walk alone too much or they’ll get jumped” (page 2)
Ponyboy said this. This demonstrates the difference in Social class between Greasers and Socs.
Why does Dally rush into the burning church? (Chapter 6)
After Johnny goes into the church to save the school children Dally rushes in. The reader may at first think it is to help save the kids but really he goes in the burning church to get Johnny out so he does not die. Many of the greasers see Johnny as a younger brother and because of what he has been through they want to protect from more harm. If they were to lose Johnny than the group may not have had one friend that everyone cared about anymore and in a way Johnny holds the group together.
How does Ponyboy's relationship with Darry and Sodapop differ?
Ponyboy's relationship with Sodapop is more positive and Sodapop tries to understand him. On the other hand Darry is always getting angry at Ponyboy. Ponyboy states that sodapop is always happy-go-lucky and grinning, while Darry is hard and firm and rarely grins at all.
Why does Dally always act so tough and hard and mean? (Chapter 6)
He has been hardened in jail because of the horrible circumstances there at the age of 10. He also has issues with his family, like Johnny, but he may have “walls” up around him to make him feel better and more stable and protected. He may also keep up this “tough” persona and act like he doesn’t care because he is trying to almost convince himself that way and make him feel that way (even if he really doesn’t).
Why is Johnny comforted when his parents yell at him?
Between chapters 1-6 Johnny expresses that his parents are either yelling at him or ignoring him. Then Johanny asks if his parents asked about him or not. He is more comforted when they yell at him because then he knows that someone is looking out for him and care about him.
Why does Johnny see Dally as a hero and as the Southern gentleman in Gone With the Wind? (Chapter 5)
He noticed how calm and cool Dally is no matter what. He thinks Dally is gallant because of how cool, collected, and tough he is. Johnny describes to Ponyboy how Dally took the blame for something that he didn’t even do and was willing to take the punishment without denying it. To Johnny, that was gallant and heroic of Dally.