Character Study
He is the "pet" of the Greasers and the only one who can talk back to Dally without getting hit.
Who is JOHNNY CADE?
While hiding in the church, Ponyboy and Johnny passed the time by reading this classic Civil War-era novel.
What is GONE WITH THE WIND?
Ponyboy considers this physical feature a point of pride and part of the "trademark" look of the Greaser gang.
What is LONG, GREASY HAIR?
Cherry Valance took on this dangerous role for the Greasers because she felt responsible for the conflict that led to Bob's death.
What is A SPY?
This is Johnny's final message on his deathbed and hints at one of the novel's main themes.
What is "STAY GOLD"?
This character acts as the "middle-man," often mediating between his brothers because he can see both sides.
Who is SODAPOP CURTIS?
Johnny decided to do this because he wanted to give Ponyboy a chance at a normal life.
What is TURN HIMSELF IN (to the police)?
These items worn by Bob Sheldon serve as a constant physical reminder to Johnny of his original brutal beating.
What are HEAVY RINGS?
Randy explains that Bob Sheldon acted out because his parents never said this, leading him to constantly test boundaries.
What is A BOTTLE?
Before the accident, he was a popular football player with a college scholarship, which he gave up to keep his family together.
Who is DARRELL "DARRY" CURTIS?
This event served as the climax or "turning point" in the story, changing the public’s view of the Greasers from "juvenile delinquents" to "heroes."
What is THE CHURCH FIRE?
This object symbolizes the Socs’ wealth, mobility, and their power to attack without consequences.
What is THE (blue) MUSTANG?
This is natural phenomenon is a reminder of the claim "Things are rough all over" as well as the shared humanity between the feuding social classes.
What are SUNSETS?
What is "TOUGH"?
This Greaser uses humor as a defense mechanism to hide the "rough" reality of his life.
Who is KEITH "TWO-BIT" MATTHEWS?
This can be seen as the inciting incident of the story, forcing the plot to progress quickly toward the climax.
What is JOHNNY STABBING (and killing) BOB?
This setting represents youthful innocence, dream-like peace, and an escape from all the social fighting in the city.
What is THE COUNTRY?
Cherry says the Socs are too "cool" to embrace their feelings, after which Pony theorizes that Greasers feel too ____?
In his posthumous letter to Pony, he give Dally this reminder. Unfortunately, it is already too late...
What is "THERE'S STILL GOOD LEFT IN THE WORLD"?
Despite their differences in socioeconomic status, these two characters share a similar lack of structure at home that causes them to act out violently and, often, seemingly without emotion.
Who are DALLAS "DALLY" WINSTON and BOB SHELDON?
In the resolution of the novel, it is revealed that the whole story was actually this.
What is PONYBOY'S ENGLISH THEME (or essay)?
The shared love of this treat is a symbol of the Curtis brothers' bond and a reminder of their innocence despite the hardships they have face.
What is CHOCOLATE?
When Cherry and Pony meet before the rumble, she says she cannot do this, which upsets Pony and reminds the reader that despite all that has happened, many of the characters are still bound by social constraints.
What is VISIT JOHNNY IN THE HOSPITAL?
The allusion to this poet's work, "Nothing Gold Can Stay" suggests the fleeting beauty of innocence.
Who is ROBERT FROST?