Events
Who's point of view is the story told from? How do you know?
Ponyboy- He is talking about his personal experiences. He uses words such as "I" and speaks about how he is feeling.
Who scares Johnny at the drive-in movie? Why does he get scared?
Two-Bit because he uses an accent that makes Johnny believe that he is a Soc and he has had bad interactions with them in the past.
What happened to Ponyboy's parents? How are they allowed to stay together?
His parents passed away in a car crash. The 3 boys can stay together as long as they behave and stay out of trouble.
What does Pony and Johnny do so that they will not be recognized?
They cut and dye their hair.
Who is the gang's "pet"?
Johnny
What does Johnny always carry on him? Why?
A switchblade for protection just in case he gets jumped again.
Greasers- they've been through more and value different things than the Socs.
What character is described as tough, cold, and icy? Why?
-Dally
-He is wild and has done a lot of dangerous things in his life. He was arrested at a young age and doesn't care what people think of him. He is always getting arrested and doesn't want to change.
Why do the cops think the boys are actually in Texas?
Dally let it slip to the cops that that's where the boys were hiding to trick the cops.
What book do the boys read together in the church? How did they get it ?
They read Gone With the Wind. Johnny bought it for Ponyboy when he ran out to get supplies.
Why does Darry slap Ponyboy? What is he motivated by?
He comes home past curfew. He is motivated by fear/love because he is scared that something happened to him and doesn't want them to be broken up.
How does the reader know Bob was the one who beat Johnny up so badly in the vacant lot a few months ago?
He has rings on his fingers that really hurt Johnny boy.
Why does Cherry tell Ponyboy that if she sees him around she can't really say hi to him?
-She is Soc and cannot be seen interacting with the Greasers.
-Her parents would not be happy if they saw her talking to any Greasers.
What are the 3 techniques an author uses to show a flashback?
- memory
- dream
- story of the past
How do the boys feel about cutting their hair? Why?
Johnny doesn't mind- he knows it's for their safety.
Ponyboy is upset- it's part of who he is.
Why does Johnny stab Bob?
He was drowning Ponyboy and was going to kill him.
What does Ponyboy think separates the Greasers and the Socs? Why?
The Soc's wealth and power. He thinks they have such an easy life because their money gets them all that they could ever want and they don't have it as rough as the Greasers.
His horse, Mickey Mouse.
Why does the author include the flashback of Johnny getting jumped?
The author includes it to teach us more about a character and conflict in this story. The flashback teaches us more about why Johnny is always so afraid. It also teaches the reader more about how serious the conflict is between the Greasers and the Socs.
How do sunsets tie the Greasers and Socs together?
Sunsets tie them together because no matter what problems they have, they can still enjoy the simple things in life and still see the same sunsets regardless of where they are from.
Who do the boys go to when they kill Bob? How does he react? What does he give them?
-Dally
-He is not surprised
-He gives them a gun, money, fresh clothes, and a plan to head to the church
What is the difference between Darry and Soda according to Ponyboy?
(Answers will vary)
Darry- super tough; father-like
Soda- kind; thoughtful; understanding
When Dally is disrespectful to the Soc girls at the drive in theater and Johnny tells Dally to stop, why doesn't Dally fight him?
No one disrespects Johnny. He is the one gang member they try to protect and be there for, and Dally knows better than to do something to hurt Johnny either verbally or physically.
In chapter 5, Dally says he has started to carry a "heater" (gun). Why is he doing this?
There is a lot of tension between the Greasers and the Socs at home because of the murder. Bob had a lot of friends who are angry and want revenge and the Greasers can't walk alone now. He is carrying it for protection.
How do the Greasers and Socs fight differently ?