Background
Is the Outsiders fact or fiction?
Based on the greasers and Socs Hinton knew, but the story is fiction (so realistic fiction)
Name the Curtis brothers
Ponyboy, Sodapop, Darry
Who are Cherry and Marcia, and why were they alone at the drive-in?
Soc girls, left boyfriends because they were drinking
How did the boys get to Jay Mountain?
Followed Dally's instructions, hopped a train, then walked the rest of the way
Reason for the book
something real that kids could relate to written by a student who experience the gang rivalry
Other gang members
Dally, Two-bit, Steve, Johnny
Reason Pony was late after drive-in
fell asleep in the lot with Johnny
Why did the Socs jump Pony and Johnny?
The boys had "picked up" the Soc's girlfriends at the movies and the Socs were drunk.
Explain the importance of a greaser's hair
their signature made them a greaser, looked tough, didn't have much, but they had their hair
They thought the boys were heroes.
Author and setting
S. E. Hinton, Tulsa Oklahoma, 1960s
Describe each brother
Pony youngest, smart, the protagonist
Soda handsome, dropout, works at gas station
Darry oldest, two jobs, keeps family together
Johnny's family relationships
Parents don't notice or care about him unless they are yelling at him or beating him
What happened to Pony and Johnny in the park
Attacked by Socs, were drowning Pony, Johnny killed Bob with his switchblade
In Gone with the Wind, which part was Johnny's favorite and why?
The soldiers riding into battle reminded Johnny of Dally, gallant
What were Johnny's injuries
Possible broken back, burns all over
`Why didn't the author use real name?
The publisher thought boys wouldn't read a book about gangs written by a female
Describe gang members
Johnny - bad home life and Pony's friend.
Dally street smart, tough, was in NY gangs
Two-bit jokester, fun, still a junior at 19(not bright)
Steve - Soda's best friend, works at gas station, doesn't like Pony tagging along
What is the reason Pony left his house?
Darry yelled at Pony for being late, then hit Pony for the first time
The person the boys went to for help and why
Dally, he was tough and often in trouble.Used to be in NY gangs
What is the meaning of "Nothing gold can stay"?
Literally about the changing seasons. Also about the seasons of life, innocence and youth are fleeting, and how all good things come to an end.
What happened when the boys returned to the church after lunch?
The boys saw that the church was on fire with kids inside. They ran to help and saved the kids.
Why is Johnny so scared and jumpy at the start of the book?
Johnny is scared because he was beaten badly by Socs before the story
Describe the relationship between Pony and Darry.
Pony thinks Darry doesn't care about him
Darry is tough on Pony
strained relationship
Pony realizes Darry loves him when they reunite
What reasons do Cherry and Pony give for the separation between Socs and greasers?
Socs have what they want, so they are always looking for something to satisfy them.
Socs are cool and unemotional, they feel nothing, they are aloof
Greasers are emotional and feel deeply
What did Dally give Pony and Johnny after Bob's death?
Dally gave instructions, money, his jacket, and a gun
what did Johnny announce after his 5th Barbeque sandwich, and WHY?
Johnny will turn himself in, no record, should get off easy, Pony and Cherry could testify, doesn't want to ruin Pony's life
How did Johnny get hurt?
Johnny and Pony ran into the burning church to save the kids. A burning beam fell on his back before he could get out the window