THE OUTSIDERS BY S.E. HINTON
The narrator is a 14 year old Greaser named Ponyboy, the youngest out of the three brothers. His mother and father died in a car accident.
2. What two groups of teenagers does Ponyboy describe? Compare the two groups.
One group is the Socs, the socials, who are the higher rich class from the Western side. They typically drive nice cars.
The other side are the Greasers who live on the east side. They are considered low lives. They have less money than the Socs, don't live in the nice part of town.
3. Why did the Socs beat up Ponyboy?
When Ponyboy walks home from the movies, the Socs beat him up because he is a Greaser and he is an easy target because he is alone, as well as being the smallest of the Greasers.
4. Why did Ponyboy have a hard time with his oldest brother?
Ponyboy has a hard time with his oldest brother, Darry, because nothing Ponyboy does is ever good enough for Darry. Darry is very strict and has high expectations for Ponyboy because Ponyboy is smart and wants Ponyboy to have more than what Darry has, which is a job as a roofer while taking care of two younger brothers.
5. How are Ponyboy and his friends like you? Different than you?
Steve Randall works at the gas station with Soda. Very smart on cars. Best friends with Soda. Dislikes Ponyboy because he thinks he is a tag along.
Two-Bit is eighteen, and the oldest person in the gang besides Darry. Still a junior in high school, and is always joking and making funny comments on things.
Dallas "Dally" Winston is from New York City, and is the toughest of the gang. Has a long crime list with the police.
Johnny is he youngest of the gang. The gang's pet.
Soda Pop is Ponyboy's older brother. He is 17 and works at the gas station. He protects and looks out for Ponyboy. Ponyboy says he is the most handsome of the group, and most girls, even Socs, agree.
They are like me because they like to tease each other while supporting each other. They are different than me because they can still find joy in being in a very low social group and in a tough financial situation without trying to make it better.
6. Why do you think the author uses non-standard English?
The author uses non-standard English because he wants the readers to relate to Ponyboy and be immersed into Ponyboy's mind and how he tells the story.
7. “Greaser” is first used in the first paragraph on page one. How far must you read before you have a good idea of who or what a greaser is? (Reading to the end of a sentence, paragraph, page, or further is one strategy to use when you find a word you don’t know.)
I get a good idea of what a "Greaser" is by the end of the fourth paragraph, once it mentions when Greaser's can't walk alone or else they will get jumped.
Chapter 2:
1. Where do the Socs and Greasers hand out? What do they do for fun?
The Socs and Greasers like to hang out at the drive ins. They come to the drive in and watch the nightly double movie.
2. How do the Greasers learn more about the Socs?
The Greasers learn more about the Socs because they meet and talk with Cherry and Marcia at the drive in.
3. What kind of rules do gang members follow in fights?
It is a fair fight if it is a man versus man fist fight. But if you pull out a weapon like a switchblade, then it doesn't become a fair fight, and turns into a rough fight. It is also a fair fight if it only has two people going against each other.
4. How could Cherry be a problem for Dally?
Cherry might get Dally in trouble with the cops, because he is in already enough trouble with the cops, or the Socs.
5. Why do you think Johnny spoke up to Dally?
Johnny spoke up to Dally because he likes the girls, and the girls haven't done anything wrong for Dally to start annoying them for. And Johnny also doesn't like the fact that Dally is just putting up a fight with these girls because he knows he will win.
6. Why didn’t Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally pay to get into the drive-in movie?
They didn't pay for the movie because even though they had enough money, Dally didn't like to follow the rules, and instead loves to break them, which is why they didn't pay.
7. What is Cherry’s real name? Why is she called Cherry?
Her name is Sherri Valance, but her name is Cherry because of her red hair.
8. What did Cherry do when Dally brought her a Coke?
Cherry gave an incredulous look and throws the coke can back at his face because Dally was being a jerk.
9. Give three reasons why Cherry and Marcia are not scared of Johnny and Ponyboy even though, like Dally, they are Greasers.
Johnny and Ponyboy aren't acting like jerks and they are kind to them, plus they are protective and stick up for the girls, and Johnny and Ponyboy don't look dirty.
10. What are two rules Greasers have for themselves?
Stick together and don't get caught
11. How did Johnny get beaten up?
Johnny gets beat up because when he was searching for the football so he can practice alone, but a mustang pulls up near him, four Socs come out, and they beat Johnny badly.
12. What did Cherry mean when she said, “Things are rough all over”?
Cherry means that everyone has problems no matter who you are, saying that even the Socs have problems. Chapter 3:
1. Why do you think Ponyboy and Cherry become good friends?
They both share similar viewpoints and similar life experiences, plus they can talk to each other easily and are very open and honest with each other.
2. Do the characters in this book seam “real”? Why or why not? How does Hinton try to make them believable?
Yes, some of the characters have situations that happen in real life.
3. Why did Cherry and Marcia leave their dates?
They left their dates because the boys brought out alcohol.
4. Why do you think Darry hit Ponyboy?
Darry stayed up all night waiting and worrying for him to come home, so when he says it was an accident he got frustrated.
5. Why do you think Ponyboy and Cherry told each other things they had never told anyone else before?
They trust each richer and identify with each other.
6. Do you agree with Johnny that having friends care for you is not the same as having your own folks care about you? Why or why not?
Yes, your friends can care for you, but they cannot give the same love a parent gives. Your parents pay for you, house you, etc. while your friends have their own lives. Families have an unbreakable bond while your friends come and go.
7. What did Cherry say was the main difference between the Socs and the Greasers?
The greasers have a different set of values, they're more emotional, and they're not sophisticated.
8. What was the name of Sodapop’s horse? What happened to Soda’s horse?
Mickey Mouse. He was sold.
9. Why did Ponyboy think that maybe his world and Cherry’s weren’t so different?
They go through similar situations and they watch the same sunset.
10. Why did Johnny stare at the rings on the Soc’s hand?
Johnny was beat by someone with rings in their fingers, so we can assume it was the same person who beat him.
11. Why did Cherry and Marcia let their drunken boyfriends drive them home?
They wanted to prevent a fight.
12. What was the last thing Cherry says to Ponyboy before she leaves in the car?
That she could fall in love with Dallas Winston and she hopes she never sees him again, or she will.
13. How long has it been since Ponyboy’s parents were killed?
It had been eight months since his parents died
14. Why was Ponyboy late getting home?
He claimed that he fell asleep in a lot with Johnny.
Chapter 4:
1. Who (Greasers or Socs) do you think was wrong in this situation in this chapter?
They are both wrong because the Socs started it, but the Greasers acting violently.
2. If you had been one of the Socs how would you have felt after Bob was stabbed? If you had been one of the Greasers, how would you have felt after Bob was stabbed? What causes the difference?
The Socs were angry and the Greasers were scared of the consequences. The relationship to Bob caused the Socs to act the way they did.
3. Why did Ponyboy turn to Dally for help?
Dally could do anything and he was older and they trusted him.
4. What does Bob say a Greaser is?
White trash with long hair.
5. What do the Socs do to Ponyboy?
The Socs tried to drown him.
6. What does Ponyboy see when he recovers consciousness?
Ponyboy Bob lying there lifeless.
7. Why did Johnny attack Bob?
Johnny attacked Bob because Bob had been drowning Ponyboy.
8. Where do Johnny and Ponyboy go when the leave the park?
They decide to find Dally at Buck's house.
9. What does Dally give Johnny and Ponyboy?
Dally gave him a gun, money, and a some clothes.
10. Where does Dally tell them to go?
Dally tells them to go to the church.
11. How do they get there?
They take a train to Church
12. How do they find the church?
They ask a farmer where the church is.
Chapter 5
1. Yes, they are wanted criminals. They can't turn themselves in because Johnny could get hurt by the other Socs.
2. Johnny admires Dally's cussing.
3. They cut their hair because their hair is what defines them as Greasers.
4. Is it important to have a certain haircut? No
5. He is resourceful, thoughtful, and that he has done this before.
6. It is not a sign of weakness.
CHAPTER 5:
1. Do you think hiding out was the best thing for Johnny and Ponyboy to do? Why or why not?
Yes because they are safe and if they turn themselves in, Johnny could get hurt.
2. What did Johnny admire about Dally?
Johnny admires Dally for his cussing.
3. Why did the boys cut their hair? Does the length of hair mean much to the boys? Is it important to you? To adults you know?
The boys cut their hair so they can disguise themselves and it means a lot to the boy because their hair defines who they are. It is not important to me or anyone to have a specific haircut, but I like having soft hair.
4. Based on the supplies Johnny collected, what can you conclude about Johnny?
Johnny is resourceful, he clearly plans to do this for a long time, he is thoughtful, and that he has done this type of thing before because he knows what to get.
5. Do you think crying helped the boys or made them weaker? Why?
Helped the boys because they were able to let out their emotions and that they were young and scared.
6. What do you think the poem by Robert Frost on page 77 means? What do you think Frost is describing? Why do you think Ponyboy remembered this poem?
Robert Frost means change and is describing everything changing. Ponyboy remembers it because he is going through a great change.
7. What is another word for “heater”?
The word heater means gun.
8. Do you think Ponyboy and Johnny will ever be able to go home again? Why or why not?
I think Pony and Johnny will return home because they are young and aren't mature enough to survive alone.
9. How does Johnny write a note to Ponyboy?
Johnny writes the note in the dust.
10. What is the one thing the Greasers are proud of?
Greasers are proud of their hair.
11. How do Johnny and Ponyboy pass the time?
Johnny and Ponyboy read Gone in the Wind, play poker, and smoke.
12. Who comes to visit Johnny and Ponyboy?
Dally comes to visit Johnny and Ponyboy.
13. Where do the police think Johnny and Ponyboy have gone?
The police think Johnny and Ponyboy have gone to Texas.
14. Who is spying on the Socs for the Greasers?
Cherry Valance is spying on the Socs for the Greasers.
CHAPTER 6:
1. Why do you think Cherry chose to associate with – and later help – Johnny and Ponyboy? Is she a spy?
Cherry is helping Johnny and Pony because she thinks it is her fault why all this happened in the first place. Cherry is a spy for the Greasers.
2. Why do you think Johnny decided they should turn themselves in?
Johnny thinks that they can't hide forever, he will get off easy for being young, and Johnny is homesick.
3. What did Ponyboy learn about Dally?
Pony learns that Dally may not care about his family, but he thinks that Johnny and Pony are his family.
4. Would you say Ponyboy and Johnny are heroes? Why or why not?
I think that Johnny and Pony are heroes because they saved the kids and each other.
5. Why wouldn’t Dally go into the church for the kids, but he did go in for Johnny?
Dally would go for Johnny but not the kids because he cares about Johnny and he doesn't know the kids, so there is no commitment to the kids.
6. When they are at Dairy Queen, what does Johnny tell Dally he is going to do?
Johnny tells Dally he is going to turn himself in.
7. How have Johnny’s parents reacted to his running away?
Johnny's parents didn't care about Johnny running way.
8. What do the boys see when they reach the top of Jay Mountain?
The boys she the church is on fire and the kids surrounding the church.
9. When is the only time Ponyboy can remember seeing Johnny without a defeated, suspicious look in his eyes?
Ponyboy sees Johnny like is for the first time when they are inside the church, saving the kids.
10. How does Dally get burned?
Dally gets burned because he was pulling Johnny out of the window.
11. How does Johnny get hurt?
Johnny gets hurt because a beam landed on him from the roof.
12. What does Darry do when he sees Ponyboy in the hospital?
When Darry sees Pony in the hospital he starts crying.
13. At the hospital Ponyboy realizes that Darry really cares for him. Why has Darry been so hard on Ponyboy in the past?
At the hospital Pony realizes that Darry has been so hard on him because Darry wants to help Pony do something with his life.
CHAPTER 7:
1. How were the boys injured? Why could they be considered heroes?
The boys were bruised and burned. They can be considered heroes for saving the kids.
2. What additional problems did the brother face after Ponyboy’s return?
The boys may get split up.
3. What did Randy say kids want from parents? Do you agree or would you add some other points?
Kids want to hear no, and no means that they are looking out for them.
4. Why are Ponyboy and Johnny scared of the police?
They are scared of the polic because they are wanted, and the police can split them all up.
5. What do you think it would have been like for Johnny to return to his home in a wheelchair?
They will not be able to resume everything how it used to be, and he will have to stay in a home with parents who don't came about him.
6. What was it about Ponyboy that made others confide in him i.e., Cherry, Johnny, Randy?
Ponyboy is young and kind, he doesn't have a bad reputation either. He is smart and understanding.
7. Why didn’t Randy want to fight in the rumble?
Randy didn't fight because he doesn't think that it is right or that it will change a thing.
8. What do the doctors say about Dally’s injuries?
He'll be fine.
9. What do the doctors say about Johnny’s injuries?
Johnny is severely burned and will be paralyzed due to his broken back.
10. What one food do Ponyboy, Soda, and Darry all like for breakfast?
Chocolate cake.
11. Why does Darry leave the front door unlocked?
In case any of the boys need a place to stay.
12. What charges were being brought against Johnny?
Manslaughter, resisting arrest, and running away.
13. What will the court decide about Ponyboy?
I think they will decide to keep them together.
14. Where did Soda’s girlfriend go?
She went to live with her grandmother in Florida.
15. Why does Randy say the rumble between the Socs and the Greasers won’t solve anything?
Because at the end of the day, Greasers are Greasers and Socs are Socs.
CHAPTER 8:
1. Why did Ponyboy and Two-bit think they couldn’t get along without Johnny?
Johnny is like their pet. They all look after him.
2. How did Johnny feel about dying?
He doesn't want to die anymore because he still has more things that he wants to do.
3. What did Johnny want the boys to get for him in the hospital? Why were these things important?
Johnny wanted them to get hair grease an Gone With the Wind.
4. How close to the truth was Johnny when he said he didn’t want to see his mother?
She never treated him well, and he thinks that she will just stir up trouble.
5. What was the significance of Ponyboy asking Cherry, “can you see the sunset real good from the West Side”?
He's getting at the notion that they are all the same.
6. What two things does Johnny tell Two-Bit he wants him to bring?
Hair grease and a book.
7. Who comes to visit Johnny besides Ponyboy and Two-Bit?
Dally
8. What does Two-Bit give to Dally?
His black handled switchblade.
9. What does Two-Bit say keeps Darry from being a Soc?
The gang
10. Why does Cherry say she can’t visit Johnny?
Because he killed Bob.
- COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS: CHAPTERS 1-4
- CHAPTER 1
The narrator is a 14 year old Greaser named Ponyboy, the youngest out of the three brothers. His mother and father died in a car accident.
2. What two groups of teenagers does Ponyboy describe? Compare the two groups.
One group is the Socs, the socials, who are the higher rich class from the Western side. They typically drive nice cars.
The other side are the Greasers who live on the east side. They are considered low lives. They have less money than the Socs, don't live in the nice part of town.
3. Why did the Socs beat up Ponyboy?
When Ponyboy walks home from the movies, the Socs beat him up because he is a Greaser and he is an easy target because he is alone, as well as being the smallest of the Greasers.
4. Why did Ponyboy have a hard time with his oldest brother?
Ponyboy has a hard time with his oldest brother, Darry, because nothing Ponyboy does is ever good enough for Darry. Darry is very strict and has high expectations for Ponyboy because Ponyboy is smart and wants Ponyboy to have more than what Darry has, which is a job as a roofer while taking care of two younger brothers.
5. How are Ponyboy and his friends like you? Different than you?
Steve Randall works at the gas station with Soda. Very smart on cars. Best friends with Soda. Dislikes Ponyboy because he thinks he is a tag along.
Two-Bit is eighteen, and the oldest person in the gang besides Darry. Still a junior in high school, and is always joking and making funny comments on things.
Dallas "Dally" Winston is from New York City, and is the toughest of the gang. Has a long crime list with the police.
Johnny is he youngest of the gang. The gang's pet.
Soda Pop is Ponyboy's older brother. He is 17 and works at the gas station. He protects and looks out for Ponyboy. Ponyboy says he is the most handsome of the group, and most girls, even Socs, agree.
They are like me because they like to tease each other while supporting each other. They are different than me because they can still find joy in being in a very low social group and in a tough financial situation without trying to make it better.
6. Why do you think the author uses non-standard English?
The author uses non-standard English because he wants the readers to relate to Ponyboy and be immersed into Ponyboy's mind and how he tells the story.
7. “Greaser” is first used in the first paragraph on page one. How far must you read before you have a good idea of who or what a greaser is? (Reading to the end of a sentence, paragraph, page, or further is one strategy to use when you find a word you don’t know.)
I get a good idea of what a "Greaser" is by the end of the fourth paragraph, once it mentions when Greaser's can't walk alone or else they will get jumped.
Chapter 2:
1. Where do the Socs and Greasers hand out? What do they do for fun?
The Socs and Greasers like to hang out at the drive ins. They come to the drive in and watch the nightly double movie.
2. How do the Greasers learn more about the Socs?
The Greasers learn more about the Socs because they meet and talk with Cherry and Marcia at the drive in.
3. What kind of rules do gang members follow in fights?
It is a fair fight if it is a man versus man fist fight. But if you pull out a weapon like a switchblade, then it doesn't become a fair fight, and turns into a rough fight. It is also a fair fight if it only has two people going against each other.
4. How could Cherry be a problem for Dally?
Cherry might get Dally in trouble with the cops, because he is in already enough trouble with the cops, or the Socs.
5. Why do you think Johnny spoke up to Dally?
Johnny spoke up to Dally because he likes the girls, and the girls haven't done anything wrong for Dally to start annoying them for. And Johnny also doesn't like the fact that Dally is just putting up a fight with these girls because he knows he will win.
6. Why didn’t Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally pay to get into the drive-in movie?
They didn't pay for the movie because even though they had enough money, Dally didn't like to follow the rules, and instead loves to break them, which is why they didn't pay.
7. What is Cherry’s real name? Why is she called Cherry?
Her name is Sherri Valance, but her name is Cherry because of her red hair.
8. What did Cherry do when Dally brought her a Coke?
Cherry gave an incredulous look and throws the coke can back at his face because Dally was being a jerk.
9. Give three reasons why Cherry and Marcia are not scared of Johnny and Ponyboy even though, like Dally, they are Greasers.
Johnny and Ponyboy aren't acting like jerks and they are kind to them, plus they are protective and stick up for the girls, and Johnny and Ponyboy don't look dirty.
10. What are two rules Greasers have for themselves?
Stick together and don't get caught
11. How did Johnny get beaten up?
Johnny gets beat up because when he was searching for the football so he can practice alone, but a mustang pulls up near him, four Socs come out, and they beat Johnny badly.
12. What did Cherry mean when she said, “Things are rough all over”?
Cherry means that everyone has problems no matter who you are, saying that even the Socs have problems. Chapter 3:
1. Why do you think Ponyboy and Cherry become good friends?
They both share similar viewpoints and similar life experiences, plus they can talk to each other easily and are very open and honest with each other.
2. Do the characters in this book seam “real”? Why or why not? How does Hinton try to make them believable?
Yes, some of the characters have situations that happen in real life.
3. Why did Cherry and Marcia leave their dates?
They left their dates because the boys brought out alcohol.
4. Why do you think Darry hit Ponyboy?
Darry stayed up all night waiting and worrying for him to come home, so when he says it was an accident he got frustrated.
5. Why do you think Ponyboy and Cherry told each other things they had never told anyone else before?
They trust each richer and identify with each other.
6. Do you agree with Johnny that having friends care for you is not the same as having your own folks care about you? Why or why not?
Yes, your friends can care for you, but they cannot give the same love a parent gives. Your parents pay for you, house you, etc. while your friends have their own lives. Families have an unbreakable bond while your friends come and go.
7. What did Cherry say was the main difference between the Socs and the Greasers?
The greasers have a different set of values, they're more emotional, and they're not sophisticated.
8. What was the name of Sodapop’s horse? What happened to Soda’s horse?
Mickey Mouse. He was sold.
9. Why did Ponyboy think that maybe his world and Cherry’s weren’t so different?
They go through similar situations and they watch the same sunset.
10. Why did Johnny stare at the rings on the Soc’s hand?
Johnny was beat by someone with rings in their fingers, so we can assume it was the same person who beat him.
11. Why did Cherry and Marcia let their drunken boyfriends drive them home?
They wanted to prevent a fight.
12. What was the last thing Cherry says to Ponyboy before she leaves in the car?
That she could fall in love with Dallas Winston and she hopes she never sees him again, or she will.
13. How long has it been since Ponyboy’s parents were killed?
It had been eight months since his parents died
14. Why was Ponyboy late getting home?
He claimed that he fell asleep in a lot with Johnny.
Chapter 4:
1. Who (Greasers or Socs) do you think was wrong in this situation in this chapter?
They are both wrong because the Socs started it, but the Greasers acting violently.
2. If you had been one of the Socs how would you have felt after Bob was stabbed? If you had been one of the Greasers, how would you have felt after Bob was stabbed? What causes the difference?
The Socs were angry and the Greasers were scared of the consequences. The relationship to Bob caused the Socs to act the way they did.
3. Why did Ponyboy turn to Dally for help?
Dally could do anything and he was older and they trusted him.
4. What does Bob say a Greaser is?
White trash with long hair.
5. What do the Socs do to Ponyboy?
The Socs tried to drown him.
6. What does Ponyboy see when he recovers consciousness?
Ponyboy Bob lying there lifeless.
7. Why did Johnny attack Bob?
Johnny attacked Bob because Bob had been drowning Ponyboy.
8. Where do Johnny and Ponyboy go when the leave the park?
They decide to find Dally at Buck's house.
9. What does Dally give Johnny and Ponyboy?
Dally gave him a gun, money, and a some clothes.
10. Where does Dally tell them to go?
Dally tells them to go to the church.
11. How do they get there?
They take a train to Church
12. How do they find the church?
They ask a farmer where the church is.
Chapter 5
1. Yes, they are wanted criminals. They can't turn themselves in because Johnny could get hurt by the other Socs.
2. Johnny admires Dally's cussing.
3. They cut their hair because their hair is what defines them as Greasers.
4. Is it important to have a certain haircut? No
5. He is resourceful, thoughtful, and that he has done this before.
6. It is not a sign of weakness.
CHAPTER 5:
1. Do you think hiding out was the best thing for Johnny and Ponyboy to do? Why or why not?
Yes because they are safe and if they turn themselves in, Johnny could get hurt.
2. What did Johnny admire about Dally?
Johnny admires Dally for his cussing.
3. Why did the boys cut their hair? Does the length of hair mean much to the boys? Is it important to you? To adults you know?
The boys cut their hair so they can disguise themselves and it means a lot to the boy because their hair defines who they are. It is not important to me or anyone to have a specific haircut, but I like having soft hair.
4. Based on the supplies Johnny collected, what can you conclude about Johnny?
Johnny is resourceful, he clearly plans to do this for a long time, he is thoughtful, and that he has done this type of thing before because he knows what to get.
5. Do you think crying helped the boys or made them weaker? Why?
Helped the boys because they were able to let out their emotions and that they were young and scared.
6. What do you think the poem by Robert Frost on page 77 means? What do you think Frost is describing? Why do you think Ponyboy remembered this poem?
Robert Frost means change and is describing everything changing. Ponyboy remembers it because he is going through a great change.
7. What is another word for “heater”?
The word heater means gun.
8. Do you think Ponyboy and Johnny will ever be able to go home again? Why or why not?
I think Pony and Johnny will return home because they are young and aren't mature enough to survive alone.
9. How does Johnny write a note to Ponyboy?
Johnny writes the note in the dust.
10. What is the one thing the Greasers are proud of?
Greasers are proud of their hair.
11. How do Johnny and Ponyboy pass the time?
Johnny and Ponyboy read Gone in the Wind, play poker, and smoke.
12. Who comes to visit Johnny and Ponyboy?
Dally comes to visit Johnny and Ponyboy.
13. Where do the police think Johnny and Ponyboy have gone?
The police think Johnny and Ponyboy have gone to Texas.
14. Who is spying on the Socs for the Greasers?
Cherry Valance is spying on the Socs for the Greasers.
CHAPTER 6:
1. Why do you think Cherry chose to associate with – and later help – Johnny and Ponyboy? Is she a spy?
Cherry is helping Johnny and Pony because she thinks it is her fault why all this happened in the first place. Cherry is a spy for the Greasers.
2. Why do you think Johnny decided they should turn themselves in?
Johnny thinks that they can't hide forever, he will get off easy for being young, and Johnny is homesick.
3. What did Ponyboy learn about Dally?
Pony learns that Dally may not care about his family, but he thinks that Johnny and Pony are his family.
4. Would you say Ponyboy and Johnny are heroes? Why or why not?
I think that Johnny and Pony are heroes because they saved the kids and each other.
5. Why wouldn’t Dally go into the church for the kids, but he did go in for Johnny?
Dally would go for Johnny but not the kids because he cares about Johnny and he doesn't know the kids, so there is no commitment to the kids.
6. When they are at Dairy Queen, what does Johnny tell Dally he is going to do?
Johnny tells Dally he is going to turn himself in.
7. How have Johnny’s parents reacted to his running away?
Johnny's parents didn't care about Johnny running way.
8. What do the boys see when they reach the top of Jay Mountain?
The boys she the church is on fire and the kids surrounding the church.
9. When is the only time Ponyboy can remember seeing Johnny without a defeated, suspicious look in his eyes?
Ponyboy sees Johnny like is for the first time when they are inside the church, saving the kids.
10. How does Dally get burned?
Dally gets burned because he was pulling Johnny out of the window.
11. How does Johnny get hurt?
Johnny gets hurt because a beam landed on him from the roof.
12. What does Darry do when he sees Ponyboy in the hospital?
When Darry sees Pony in the hospital he starts crying.
13. At the hospital Ponyboy realizes that Darry really cares for him. Why has Darry been so hard on Ponyboy in the past?
At the hospital Pony realizes that Darry has been so hard on him because Darry wants to help Pony do something with his life.
CHAPTER 7:
1. How were the boys injured? Why could they be considered heroes?
The boys were bruised and burned. They can be considered heroes for saving the kids.
2. What additional problems did the brother face after Ponyboy’s return?
The boys may get split up.
3. What did Randy say kids want from parents? Do you agree or would you add some other points?
Kids want to hear no, and no means that they are looking out for them.
4. Why are Ponyboy and Johnny scared of the police?
They are scared of the polic because they are wanted, and the police can split them all up.
5. What do you think it would have been like for Johnny to return to his home in a wheelchair?
They will not be able to resume everything how it used to be, and he will have to stay in a home with parents who don't came about him.
6. What was it about Ponyboy that made others confide in him i.e., Cherry, Johnny, Randy?
Ponyboy is young and kind, he doesn't have a bad reputation either. He is smart and understanding.
7. Why didn’t Randy want to fight in the rumble?
Randy didn't fight because he doesn't think that it is right or that it will change a thing.
8. What do the doctors say about Dally’s injuries?
He'll be fine.
9. What do the doctors say about Johnny’s injuries?
Johnny is severely burned and will be paralyzed due to his broken back.
10. What one food do Ponyboy, Soda, and Darry all like for breakfast?
Chocolate cake.
11. Why does Darry leave the front door unlocked?
In case any of the boys need a place to stay.
12. What charges were being brought against Johnny?
Manslaughter, resisting arrest, and running away.
13. What will the court decide about Ponyboy?
I think they will decide to keep them together.
14. Where did Soda’s girlfriend go?
She went to live with her grandmother in Florida.
15. Why does Randy say the rumble between the Socs and the Greasers won’t solve anything?
Because at the end of the day, Greasers are Greasers and Socs are Socs.
CHAPTER 8:
1. Why did Ponyboy and Two-bit think they couldn’t get along without Johnny?
Johnny is like their pet. They all look after him.
2. How did Johnny feel about dying?
He doesn't want to die anymore because he still has more things that he wants to do.
3. What did Johnny want the boys to get for him in the hospital? Why were these things important?
Johnny wanted them to get hair grease an Gone With the Wind.
4. How close to the truth was Johnny when he said he didn’t want to see his mother?
She never treated him well, and he thinks that she will just stir up trouble.
5. What was the significance of Ponyboy asking Cherry, “can you see the sunset real good from the West Side”?
He's getting at the notion that they are all the same.
6. What two things does Johnny tell Two-Bit he wants him to bring?
Hair grease and a book.
7. Who comes to visit Johnny besides Ponyboy and Two-Bit?
Dally
8. What does Two-Bit give to Dally?
His black handled switchblade.
9. What does Two-Bit say keeps Darry from being a Soc?
The gang
10. Why does Cherry say she can’t visit Johnny?
Because he killed Bob.