Chapter 1
What is the name of the narrator of the story?
Ponyboy Curtis
Who does Ponyboy and Johnny meet at the drive-in?
Cherry Valance and Marcia
Why does Cherry refuse Dally’s drink at the drive-in?
Because she knows he is rude and disrespectful.
Who attacks Johnny and Ponyboy at the park?
A group of Socs, including Bob and Randy.
Where do Ponyboy and Johnny hide after the murder?
An abandoned church on Jay Mountain.
What book is Ponyboy reading when the story begins?
Great Expectations
Why is Dally kicked out of the movie drive-in?
He’s being rude, puts his feet on their seats, and tries to make Cherry uncomfortable.
What does Cherry reveal is the main problem the Socs have?
They are bored and don’t feel satisfied with anything.
What do the Socs try to do to Ponyboy at the park?
They try to drown him in the fountain.
What book does Johnny get while they are hiding?
Gone with the Wind
Why does Ponyboy usually walk to the movies alone?
His brothers and friends don’t like movies the way he does; he likes to get lost in them alone.
What makes Cherry different from other Soc girls, according to Ponyboy?
She sees him as an individual, not just a “greaser,” and listens to him seriously.
Why is Ponyboy surprised when Cherry talks to him like an equal?
Because she’s a Soc, and he thought they were too different to connect.
What drastic action does Johnny take during the fight at the fountain?
Johnny stabs Bob to save Ponyboy.
Why does Ponyboy’s appearance change while hiding out?
He cuts and bleaches his hair to disguise himself.
Name the two rival gangs introduced in Chapter 1.
The Greasers and the Socs
What lesson does Cherry teach Ponyboy about Socs and Greasers?
That both Socs and Greasers have struggles — life is tough for everyone.
What happens when Ponyboy comes home late after being with Johnny and Two-Bit?
Darry yells at him for being late and, in frustration, slaps Ponyboy.
Where do Johnny and Ponyboy go for help after the fight?
To Dally, at Buck Merrill’s place.
How does Johnny’s personality change during their time in the church?
He becomes more thoughtful, calmer, and starts thinking seriously about the gang and the future.
Describe the differences between the Greasers and the Socs in terms of lifestyle and appearance.
Greasers are poor, emotional, wear long hair/greasy clothes, and stick together; Socs are wealthy, privileged, cold, and dress preppy.
Explain the significance of Ponyboy saying “things are rough all over.”
It shows the theme of shared humanity — even though they’re enemies, both groups face problems.
Ponyboy and Cherry discuss the differences between Socs and Greasers. What do they each admit about their side?
Ponyboy admits Greasers show emotions and care; Cherry admits Socs hide emotions and keep everything “cool.”
How does Dally help Ponyboy and Johnny escape after the murder?
He gives them money, a gun, and tells them to hide in an abandoned church in Windrixville.
What poem does Ponyboy recite, and how does Johnny respond to it?
“Nothing Gold Can Stay” by Robert Frost; Johnny is moved by it and says he understands it.