General Information About the Book
Who is the author of the novel?
S.E. Hinton
Imploringly
In a way that expresses urgent pleading, as for aid or mercy
“Ponyboy, will you come with me to get some popcorn?”
Cherry Valance
What is Symbolism?
Symbols represent ideas, concepts, or qualities beyond their literal meaning.
Who is the Soc that starts to form a friendship with the Greasers and ultimately helps them.
Cherry Valance
What is the time frame in which the story is set?
1950's (specifically the early 1950's)
Aloofness
The state of being distant or reserved
“I’m never nice. Want a coke?”
Dally Winston
What does gold (or Nothing Gold Can Stay) represent?
When something is golden, it is good, pure, or beautiful. Ponyboy refers to his mother as golden, and the poem refers the new beginnings as golden.
How is Ponyboy different from the rest of the gang?
Pony likes to read, write, and he enjoys watching movies. He does well in school and is considered "book-smart."
1st Person, from the perspective of Ponyboy
Divert
To turn aside from the path
“But they were drownin’ you, and I was so scared…”
Johnny Cade
What do Bob's Rings represent to Johnny?
The rings represent Bob's ability to weaponize his wealth. He has excess money to purchase items that the greasers cannot afford (like rings) and he uses them to show power over the greasers.
He ran to the police with an empty gun, knowing the police would shoot him. Hinton writes, “He was jerked half around by the impact of the bullets, then slowly crumpled with a look of grim triumph on his face.”
Where can we infer that the story is set based on the background information of the author?
Tulsa, Oklahoma (because she lived in Tulsa when she was writing the book)
Grimacing
A facial expression that often indicated pain
“You keep your trap shut! I’m sick and tired of hearin’ you stick up for him.”
Darry Curtis
What does the Blue Mustang represent to the Greasers?
What does Randy consider to be the reason why Bob frequently acted out?
List 2 slang words that were commonly used in the 1950's that we don't use anymore.
Fuzz, heater, cooler, broad, tuff
Bleak
Without hope or encouragement
“You want to go see a movie before we see Johnny and Dally?”
Two-Bit Matthews
Who is the author of the poem, "Nothing Gold Can Stay."
Robert Frost
Why is this considered a cyclical story?
The story ends how it starts