The Outsiders – Plot & Characters
Who says “Stay gold, Ponyboy”?
Johnny
What job is Jonas selected for?
Receiver of Memory
What does the sunset symbolize in The Outsiders?
Shared humanity among all people.
Means “rule-breaking”
Transgression
Which character challenges their society more openly?
Jonas
Why do Ponyboy and Johnny run away?
Johnny kills Bob in self-defense.
What is unusual about Jonas and Gabriel?
They both have pale eyes
What does color symbolize in The Giver?
Awakening individuality.
Means “essential; necessary”
Integral
How do Ponyboy and Jonas both grow?
They become more aware of truth, identity, and empathy.
What event makes them heroes?
Saving the children from the burning church
What shocking truth does Jonas learn about "release"?
It is euthanasia (killing)
What theme is shared by both novels?
The importance of identity and challenging societal expectations.
Means “filled with anger”
Indignant
What emotional experience changes both characters?
Understanding pain and suffering.
What causes Dally to break emotionally?
Johnny’s death
Why is memory dangerous in the community?
It causes pain and allows individuals to think for themselves.
Why is “Nothing Gold Can Stay” important?
It represents innocence and how quickly it fades.
Means “careful and precise”
Meticulous
What do both novels say about conformity?
It destroys individuality.
Explain how Ponyboy’s understanding of the Socs changes by the end of the novel.
He realizes they also struggle — “things are rough all over.”
Explain why Jonas decides to escape.
He wants real freedom, real feelings, and cannot accept the community’s lies.
Compare the symbolism of the sled and the sunset.
Both represent freedom, truth, and common experiences across society.
Means “emotionless and distant”?
Aloof
Name one major theme from both novels.
Identity, empathy, conformity, innocence, freedom.