The Outsiders
A Raisin in The Sun
The House on Mango Street
Beautiful Country
Black Boy
A Light in the Forest
Literary Devices. & Misc. (you should know!!)
100

This is the general setting and year of The Outsiders, where the Greasers and Socs clash.

What is Tulsa, Oklahoma in the 1960s.

100

This character dreams of owning a liquor store to improve his family’s financial situation.

Who is Walter Lee?

100

Describe one vignette in the novel that explores the theme of sexual violence against women

What is “The Family of Little Feet” / “The Monkey Garden”?

100

What is the Chinese name for America and what does it mean?

What is "Mei Guo"; it means beautiful country?

100

What major event happens in the opening chapter of Black Boy?

What is young Richard accidentally sets the family home on fire?

100

At the end of the novel, Cuyloga tells True Son ...

What is they are now enemies.

100

What is the difference between Simile and Metaphor?

Bonus 100pts for examples

What is 

Simile: A comparison between two different things using “like” or “as.”

Metaphor: A direct comparison without using “like” or “as.” It says one thing is another?

200

This combination of an abusive home life, being jumped by Socs, and a lack of confidence helped shape this character's shy, nervous personality.


Who is Johnny Cade?

200

In Walter’s final conversation with Lindner, he repeatedly uses this word to assert his family’s dignity.

What is pride / proud?

200

Who is the person Sally is afraid of because of his abusive and controlling behavior?

Who is her father?

200

What does Qian find in the trash that makes her happy?

What is a Polly Pocket set?

200

Who/What is Jim Crow?

What is the system of white supremacy in the South after the abolition of slavery?

200

What is the name of Uncle Wilse's son?

What is Alec?

200

This is the difference between a motif and a symbol in literature.

Bonus 100pts for example

What is a motif is a recurring element or idea throughout a work, while a symbol is an object, person, or event that represents a deeper meaning?


300

Describe Ponyboy’s relationship with Darry and Sodapop.

What is the early chapters, Ponyboy struggles with feeling misunderstood by this older brother while being close and protective with this other brother?

300

This is the main conflict in the play.

What is the decision on how to use the insurance money?

300

This character is named after her great grandmother

(tell the great grandmother's story & what the name means) 

What is Esperanza is named after her great-grandmother - she did not want to get married but was forced into marriage and never forgave her husband. She spent her life gazing sadly out the window?

300

What was Qian's favorite Tv show and why?


What is The Puzzle Place, which featured puppets of different races and felt inclusive and joyful?


300

When Richard meets with a white woman about a job, what does she ask him?

What is "Do you steal"?

300

Why does Del Hardy know so much about the Delaware Indians?

What is because he grew up near Delaware Indians?

300

This literary device is used in the sentence: “The scent of warm bread drifted through the air, wrapping the room in comfort.”


What is imagery?

Bonus 100pts for example

400

This phrase, spoken to Ponyboy, means to stay true to yourself and hold on to your innocence. You must also state who said it.

What is "Stay Gold, Ponyboy" by Johnny?

400

The idea that all individuals have the opportunity to succeed through their own efforts and talents is called.

What is "The American Dream"?

400

“Where do you live? … You live THERE?” - Give the context (who said it, to whom was it said, why was it said, its impact) 

  • Who said it: A nun at Esperanza's school.
  • To whom it was said: Esperanza, the novel's protagonist.
  • Why it was said: Esperanza points out her house, an old, dilapidated building, and the nun's reaction expresses surprise and disbelief at Esperanza's living conditions. 
  • It highlights Esperanza's sense of shame and insecurity: The nun's tone and emphasis on "there" make Esperanza feel as if her home, and by extension, she herself, are inadequate or insignificant. This feeling of shame and longing for a better home is a recurring theme throughout the story.
400

This person was a third-grade teacher who encouraged a student’s interest in reading by giving her a copy of Charlotte’s Web.

Who is Ms. Pong?

400

Describes Richard’s relationship with his mother.


What is frequently conflicted, but she is the most loving, supportive member of his family?

400

What does True Son dream of the night before he is supposed to help ambush a boat of white settlers?

What is his white family?

400

This is the term for when two contrasting ideas, characters, or images are placed side by side to highlight their differences.

Bonus 100pts for example

What is juxtaposition?

500

Describe how the Greasers and Socs differ in terms of social class, appearance, and behavior.

What is ...

The Greasers:

  • Socioeconomic Status: Economically disadvantaged, working-class. 
  • Appearance: Long, greasy hair, jeans, and leather jackets. 
  • Behavior: Often emotional, involved in petty crimes, and seen as trouble-makers. 
  • East Side: They live on the east side of town, which is perceived as less desirable.
  • "Hoods": While all Greasers are considered outsiders, some, like Dally, are referred to as "hoods" for their more extreme criminal behavior.


The Socs:

  • Socioeconomic Status: Wealthy, upper-class. 
  • Appearance: Preppy clothes, expensive cars, and a more polished look. 
  • Behavior: They are portrayed as privileged and emotionally detached, often engaging in conflict with the Greasers. 
  • West Side: They live on the west side of town, which is seen as the more affluent side. 
  • "Socials": The name "Socs" is short for "Socials," highlighting their social standing and perceived popularity. 
  • Appearance: Ponyboy describes the Socs as smelling of English Leather and stale tobacco


500

What is the meaning of Joseph Asagai’s nickname for Beneatha, "Alaiyo"? What does it reflect about Beneatha?

What is "one for whom bread is not enough"; it reflects Beneatha's aspirations and her desire for more than just basic necessities?

500

What is inferred that Esperanza will do after the opportunity to leave Mango Street? 

What is come back to help the others? 

500

Describe Ba Ba before vs after he moved to America.

He becomes quieter and emotionally distant.

500

Describe the difference between Richard at the beginning  of the memoir vs at the end of Part I.

What is at the start, he is timid and confused, he doesn't understand the harshness of the world around him, especially the racial and familial violence he witnesses 

By the end of Part I, he becomes more independent, rebellious, and determined to control his own life.He begins to understand the oppressive racial structure around him and yearns to escape it?

500

What is True Son's full English name?

Who is John Cameron Butler?

500

This is when the opposite of what is expected happens, or when there’s a contrast between what is said and what is meant.

Bonus 100pts for example

What is irony?