1

S.E Hinton’s The Outsiders

Flexible unit packed with questions to push analytical skills!!

____________
Instead of just asking what, who, where this guide features questions/task to check for
comprehension to serve as a bridge for analytical tasks and questions
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Implementation: The Outsiders Play is a good choice for multiple reasons. This can be used for a
shorter semester or report period, for reluctant readers who need a smaller amount of pages and to push
analytical skills for a smaller work of study. Since the play is only 80 pages it can allow for a more
intense study of literary elements and plot development.

Use this guide along with any other personal insights to determine which enduring understandings
students should be left with during the unit and after. When you know which major events are crucial to
understanding the novel as a whole, you can be sure to make sure students notice smaller moments which
will eventually lead up to bigger moments. A good way to do this is identify potential themes of the play
and identify the places in which the theme is illustrated or developing.

Rigorous Questioning: Many of common core aligned questions are two-step questions meaning in order
to get the answer students have to understand and interpret in order to answer the questions. Instead of
asking several comprehension questions such as “Who is Dallas?”, “Why did Cherry seem sad?” the
questions on the right are higher level questions. Consider the difference between “How does Cherry’s
sadness for Johnny contrast with what Ponyboy assumed about her” and “Why did Cherry seem sad?”

Comprehension IS important and foremost; however, typically those questions don’t have to require
hardcore interpretation. Also, if students perform at, near, or above grade level chances are they usually
are good with basic details. Reserve comprehension for warm ups and for scaffolding if students struggle
with analytical tasks.

Homework Options:

 Comprehension questions for each series of pages. This allows for quick review at the start of
class and more focus on character analysis and plot development during class.
 Summary Sheet. This allows for students to practice making meaning of parts of a text to
determine how events proceed, impact one another and which is most essential. *Consider if this
is a struggle area for your students or you know they may struggle initially with the format of a
drama
 Annotations: This allows for students to make notes about significant moments and literary
devices. *Consider setting the expectations which are manageable and useful. Students can write
the central idea on each page which highlights who/what and also write at least one annotation
about literary devices used on the page.
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Pre-reading lessons

Purpose & Impact: Trends in education wane and then come back. Years ago it was considered common
practice in English classes to give background information about the author before beginning a text. Then
when Common Core emerged and everyone panicked about what “rigor” meant it was misunderstood that
students should grapple in the dark and figure out everything out for themselves without a lot of
background information. Research shows that pairing good non-fiction texts relevant to a novel/text of
study assists with students’ background information and making meaningful connections. Whether done
prior or during, understanding why an author may have written a particular text is linked to Common
Core standards and can be a useful tool to bridging the gap between the novel and real life information.

Hooking students: Students may assume upon seeing the name S.E Hinton and realizing the play centers
around male characters that the author of the novel version which the play is adapted from is also male.
However, there is an interesting letter which gives insight into why she didn’t use her full name.

S. Hinton Letter : http://poster.4teachers.org/worksheet/view.php?id=158943&page=1

Task: Read with this question in mind. “What factors influenced the author to write the original novel
the play is based on?”

 Why did the author write this letter?

To explain to the reader of the book how the book started and how people responded to it

 Why did she write The Outsiders?

 Quote a line which shows that S.E Hinton is humble

Who am I to change anyone’s life?

 Put all ofyour notes together to write a written response to the task questions.

5-8

Comprehension Analysis
Big Idea: Characterization
Big Question: How is Ponnyboy characterized?
How is Ponyboy described? Why might the author have introduced Ponyboy
Sensitive/insecure/younger than the other guys the way they did?

Who are some of the other characters
mentioned on pages 5-6?
Darry, Sodapop, the Greasers
Why does he call his teacher?
Ponyboy is late turning in an assignment and wants
an extension.
What types of things does Ponyboy like to do?
He enjoys going to the movies alone and reading.
4
“insecure”—may play a role in the story or his
character development
“younger” other guys older, maybe he’s a follower
p. 5 In Ponyboy’s dialogue why are there
questions followed by statements?
He’s having a conversation with his teacher (see
the words in italics). He’s repeating back what the
teacher has because this was meant to be performed
in front of an audience.
p. 5 This is a memory. What literary does the
author use and for what purpose?
The author is introducing a flashback to show us
the events happened in the past.
p. 6 How does Ponyboy present a contrast
between himself and others?
 he likes movies/characters in them
Soda (brother) doesn’t like to read
 Darry (oldest brother) works
 others in his gang don’t like to read books
Why may these details be important?
The difference in characters may set up or advance
the plot in some way.
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Pages 9-10

Comprehension Analysis
Big Idea: Conflict
Big Question: What details are given which already
contribute to the primary conflict of the novel?
What conflict does Ponyboy reveal at the bottom What does the information given at the bottom
of page 6? of page 6 about the Greasers and Socs highlight?

It highlights a conflict and/or rivalry between two

SKILL UP! The difference between describing and
characterization. Descriptions are mostly physical
or can explain a character’s current emotional state.
Characterization usually relates to traits that mostly
stay the same throughout the duration of a text
(unless the character undergoes a significant
change).
How is Johnny described on page 8-9? How is
Dallas described on pages 8-9?
Johnny is described as nervous with a scar from a
recent beating. Dallas is described as older, colder
and meaner than the others. He just got out of jail.
groups which may be a big part of the plot.
How does what is revealed on page 8 about
Johnny further contribute to the conflict
between the Greasers and Socs?
It shows that their feud has led to Johnny being
attacked by a Soc and scarred.
Quote a line from page 9 where Ponyboy has a
dismissive tone towards Darry. What does this
show?
“You’re never sorry. Not about anything”. This
shows tension between the brothers.

How do the various characters on page 8-9

respond to Ponyboy being confronted by the
Socs?
Dallas is mostly concerned with if they cut hit,
Two-Bit tries to explain why the Socs were there,
and Darry responds with concern, yet demands
Ponyboy tell him what happened

According to pages 8-9 what are two external

conflicts faced by Johnny? He has been targeted
by the Socs and his father hits him at home.

11-13

Comprehension Analysis
Big Idea: Relationship
Big Question: How does the relationship between

Review how each brother is characterized.
Skill Builder! Understanding a character’s traits
can often help understand the relationships they
have with others.
12
What stereotypes do people hold about the
Greasers?
People assume they’re dangerous [Ponyboy shares
what happened when he uses a switchblade for a
biology experiment].
Why does Sodapop like Sandy?
She’s not loud and doesn’t wear a lot of makeup
like the type of girls who like Greasers.
14-19
Comprehension
On page 14 what conflict does Sodapop reveal
Darry had?
Darry didn’t have enough money to go to college.
He’s a young man and has to work very hard.
How do Cherry and Marcia respond to Dallas?
6
the brothers impact the plot so far?
Writing Prompt: How does the author develop
the relationship between the brothers?
 Author uses contrast/differences of the
brothers
 Darry is older, works and seems bossy,
overbearing over Ponyboy
 Sodapop stands up for Ponyboy; is
protective
 Ponyboy seems to resent how Darry is
always strict on him
Relevant evidence:
“the kid’s okay, you’re an okay kid”-Sodapop (p.
9)
“you don’t ever think”…-Darry (10)
“No matter what I did”…Ponyboy(10)
“leave my kid brother alone”—Sodapop (10)
“when I want my kid brother to tell me what to do
with my other kid brother”...Darry (10)
“If I ever catch you”-Darry (11)
On page 12 why does Ponyboy make an allusion
to Great Expectations?
He makes an allusion because the character Pip is
looked down on because he isn’t fancy which
reminds me of how the Greasers are treated by
others.
What is ironic about what Sodapop says about
girls who like Greasers?
He stereotypes those girls as loud, yet the Greasers
seem to dislike stereotypes made against them.
Analysis
Big Idea: Relationship
Big Question: How is relationship emphasized in
these pages?
Infer about who Bob and Randy are to Marcia
and Cherry.
They’re their Soc friends/boyfriends.
How does the way Johnny respond when Dallas
insults the girl help contribute to his character?
The fact that he is standing up for the girls [19]

They’re annoyed by him because he keeps
bothering and teasing them.
Why is Ponyboy surprised by how the two girls
act?
They’re Soc girls and instead of being stuck up
they are nice to him and Johnny.
20-22
Comprehension
Why was Cherry not afraid of Ponyboy and
Johnny?
She noticed they didn’t tease her like Dallas did
and they look nice.
7
further contributes to him depicted as kind and
sensitive. He doesn’t like that Dallas is making the
girls who are nice to him uncomfortable.
Skill Builder! Before analysis you must understand
and also break down what is being said by using
background knowledge and context of what is
happening in the text. After literally breaking down
what is happening make connections between why
those specific lines were written or those choice of
words used.
Interpret and Analyze these lines on page 19
Dallas’s impulse is to belt him, but he can’t.
Johnny’s his pet.
A pet is usually loyal and obedient to its owner.
The owner has a fondness for its pet even when it
does something bad. The author calling Johnny
Dallas’s pet reveals their relationship is one were
Johnny is in control. Even though he is in control,
he has a soft spot for his friend especially since
Johnny is a good person so he doesn’t allow his
anger to get ahold of him and decides to let what
Johnny said go.
Analysis
Big Idea: Characterization
Big Question: How does the author start to develop
the others’ relationship with Johnny?
Why does Johnny get so nervous when Two-Bit
sneaks on them and pretends to be a Greaser?
Provide evidence.
Johnny was recently badly beaten by the Socs
which makes him anxious. On page 21 it says, “he
stops as he looks at Johnny whose eyes are shut and
he’s shaking hard”.
Why is it considered especially bothersome that
Johnny is the Greaser who was harmed by the
Socs? What effect does this have on the reader?
Johnny isn’t tough or aggressive
like_____________ (Dallas/and or the others)
which makes it especially bothersome
that_______________________ (the Socs chose

23-26
Comprehension
What is Cherry’s reaction to Ponyboy’s story
about Johnny?
She tells him not all Socs are like that.
Why do Cherry and Marcia react the way they
do when they are spotted by the blue Mustang?
They don’t want to be seen by Bob and Randy
hanging out with Greasers.
How does Cherry describe the Socs on page 24?
She says they’re sophisticated – cool to the point of
not feeling anything.
8
Johnny to target). The effect it has on the reader is
it causes the reader’s mood to be one of pity
because we also know that
_______________________ (Johnny’s father also
hits him).
Analysis
Big Idea: Point of view
Big Question: What purpose do Marcia and Cherry
serve in developing the complexity between the
Greaser and Socs hatred for each other?
Which best describes Cherry on page 23?
a. Observant and sensitive
b. Jealous and vindictive
c. Self-centered and selfish
d. Shy and unsure
Which evidence below best answers Part A above?
a. “I don’t want to watch Bikinis on Muscle
Beach”.
b. “I want to know about this”.
c. “Johnny’s been hurt bad sometimes, hasn’t
he?”
d. “Your friend with the sideburns, he okay?”
Suggested short write:
How would the story be different if told from
the point of view on the Socs?
If told from the POV of the Socs, we would now
their inner thoughts more. We would get a clearer
understanding of why they bother the Greasers. We
may get more insight into how they really feel

27-30
Comprehension
How do Two-Bit and Johnny feel about the way
Ponyboy describes his brother?
They don’t agree and think Ponyboy doesn’t
understand why his brother has to be the way he is.
How does Ponyboy react once Two-Bit makes
him realize he is being mean to Johnny?
Ponyboy apologizes and reveals that he was just
mad because he [Ponyboy] felt he was making a
fool of himself.
On 29, what does Ponyboy think is the reason the
Socs beat up on the Greasers?
He says they have so much spare time they don’t
have anything else to do but beat Greasers up for
fun.
What is revealed about why Cherry and Marcia
left Bob and Randy?
They were driving drunk.
9
about the rivalry.
What is the significance of the moment when
Cherry says “I bet you watch sunsets? I used to
watch them all the time?” How does this connect
with what she is starting to understand about
Ponyboy?(25)
Cherry is starting to understand that labels don’t
matter and that Socs and Greasers are all people
with problems. She makes that comment because
she feels she is similar to Ponyboy and is trying to
make a connection against the stereotypes she has
of Greasers
Analysis
Big Idea: Contrast in POV
Big Question: In which ways does the author
provide multiple points of views within these
pages?
Analyze the figurative language Ponyboy uses to
describe Darry
“he’s hard as rock and about as human. He’s
got eyes exactly like frozen ice.”
The similes used in those lines by Ponyboy are to
compare Darry to a rock and frozen ice to indicate
he is cold and uncaring.
Why most likely does Johnny see Darry’s
strictness on Ponyboy love while Ponyboy
assumes that Darry doesn’t like him?
Johnny’s parents don’t care about him or where he
is. The only time he gets attention is when his
father is beating him. While Ponyboy thinks his
older brother is being hard on him on purpose,
Johnny is able to see that sometimes being
protective and strict over someone can sometimes
show someone cares which contrasts with his living
situation.
Does Ponyboy seem to find Cherry’s claims
about why the Socs act the way they do valid?
Provide a piece of evidence.
No, Ponyboy doesn’t seem to understand her point
of view. He continues to tell her how the Greasers
have it worse. On page 29 he says, “Sure. Things
are rough all over. All over our [Greaser] part of
town”.
How does the way Cherry stands up for Johnny

31-33
Comprehension
What caused Tw-Bit to rip up Marcia number?
When Marcia and Cherry leave with Randy and
Bob it shows that they will always choose their
social group over the Greasers.
What is revealed on page 33 about what
happened to Ponyboy’s parents? His parents
died.
How did Ponyboy describe his mom?
“she was golden and beautiful”.
*have students notice that line for later on in the
play when the poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay
Comes Up” and also when the word golden keeps
being repeated. This can be used as a connection to
the idea that things and people don’t last forever
and foreshadows the death of Johnny.
What is a climax in a plot?
The moment when tension has boiled over, the
tension we were waiting for to happen. Based on
this something is revealed or something will never
be the same.
34-39
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contribute to her character?
It further shows that she is a caring person even
though she is a Soc. She knows right and wrong
from each other.
Identify Cherry’s tone when she tells Ponyboy.
“It’s too dangerous..if you see me down the hall
and I don’t say hi, it’s not personal”.
Cherry’s tone is regretful, hesitant. * push beyond
students giving surface answers l
Analysis
Big Idea: Climax
Which events lead to the climax of the novel?
What is the climax that occurs on these pages?
Johnny stabs Bob, the Soc.
What specific events lead up to the climax?
Think thoroughly about what specific things
HAD to happen in order for this incident to
occur.
Greaser/Soc rivalry
Socs made they caught them with two of “their”
girls
Ponyboy runs away from home after Darry slaps
him and calls Johnny to meet him at the foundation
The Socs turn up at the fountain and one tries to
drown Ponyboy lead to Johnny stabbing him
Read these stage directions. How do they help
advance the plot? How does this impact the
reader more than saying “Bob is dead?”
Suddenly a bright spot illuminates BOB. He’s DC,
his fists clenched with rows of rings flashing in the
light. His mouth is pulled back tight in a grimace
showing his clenched teeth. His body is rigid.
These lines show imagery of Bob’s body to show
what Bob’s body looked like after he was stabbed
by Johnny. They advance the plot because the
reader know knows the worst has happened. It
impacts the reader because we are able to picture
the scene in more vivid detail.

Comprehension
What plan does Dallas provide for Ponboy and
Johnny after the incident?
He tells them to not say anything to anyone, take
money he is going to give them and then gives
directions to an abandoned church.
What is Sandy’s conflict and how does that
affect Sodapop?
Sandy has family problems and home and they’ve
gotten so bad she wants to move out. It affects
Sodapop because he is worried for her.
Describe Sodapop and Sandy’s differing point of
views
Sodapop thinks she should take up Darry’s offer to
live with them and that they could get married.
Sandy seems offended by the suggestions and
thinks they’re too old to get married.
41-44
Comprehension
What is the setting of Johnny and Ponyboy’s
11
Analysis
Big Idea: Mood
How does the author use the element of mood in
these pages?
How does Dallas’ background prove beneficial
for Johnny and Ponyboy?
Dallas has been in trouble with the law before so he
is able to quickly give them advice about what to
do.
Suggested Short Write
What mood does the author develop on pages
39-40 ? Cite textual evidence and elaborate on
what the evidence indicates.
A mood of suspense emerges in these pages.
Evidence to support the mood includes, “I wonder
what’s happening with the guys back home”. It
then switches to another setting where Sodapop and
Darry are questioning where Ponyboy is on the
bottom of 38. On page 38 Sodapop says, “maybe
Dallas knows something” and Darry replies, “he
didn’t say”. This indicates
How does the fact the author omits what
specifically Sandy’s problem is add to the mood
of these pages?
The author doesn’t directly say what the family
problems are which contrasts with the description
we are given about Johnny’s problems at home.
This further contributes to a suspenseful mood on
these pages.
Analysis
Big Idea: Foreshadow
Big Question: How do the details in pages 41-44
providing hints of what is to come?
From page 43 cite a line of textual evidence

hide out like?
Creepy /old/abandoned
Solve for the word gallant. How did solving help
our understanding of that sentence?
“I bet they were cool ol’ guys-ridin’ into sure death
because they were gallant. They remind me of
Dallas”.
Making connections to the word:
He’s referring to “they” the guys from the novel
they’re reading. He says they are riding right into
death and remind him of Dallas who is a bad boy
and not afraid of anything. Gallant means
brave/courage. Solving helped me understand that
Johnny is calling the guys who weren’t afraid
[unlike him] brave.
45-46
Comprehension
What is the poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay”
literally mean?
It means that nothing lasts forever and that
beautiful things will fade eventually.
What is the connection Ponyboy has to Johnny,
12
which could foreshadow a future event
“I’d been in church before, but this falling down
old place gave me a creepy feeling”.
What’s the purpose of repeating “last night” in
these lines from page 44? Analyze what Ponyboy
trying to do in these lines?
“Last night we were walkin’ Cherry and Marcia
over to Two-Bit’s. Last night we were layin’ in the
lot lookin’ up at the stars”..
The repetition is to show so much has happened in
such a short amount of time. In these lines as he
reflects back to what happened before they had to
run away, he is trying to make sense of what
happened.
How do Ponnyboy’s concerns on pages 44
contrast with Johnny’s?
*see above for Ponyboy. Johnny is concerned and
still shocked that he killed Bob.
Analysis
Big Idea: Symbolism
Big Question: How is the poem “Nothing Gold Can
Stay” symbolic of the characters?
p. 44/45
How does Ponyboy reading while they are
hiding out continue to contribute to his
characterization?
It contributes more information to show that he
loves to read and finds it important. Even in a time
of conflict, he found comfort in books.

Cherry and Soda?
He feels they are the only ones he can talk to about
life.
On page 45, how does the scene from the book
that Ponyboy is reading differ from where they
are currently hiding out?
In the book it descrives how the clouds change
from gray to pink and the mist is touched with gold
while the sun comes out. They currently are in an
abandoned church.
47-52
Comprehension
How has Dallas helped them again?
Dallas told the cops Johnny and Ponyboy headed to
Texas.
On page 47 why is Dallas not worried about the
Socs wanting to get revenge for Bob’s death?
He admits he’s carrying a “heater”. *have students
infer what a heater is
How does Dallas want Johnny to handle being on
the run?
Dallas thinks he should continue to hide out while
Johnny is considering turning himself in.
Once they realize there is a fire at the church
how do Johnny and Dallas react?
Dallas says it’s not their problem while Johnny
13
Short Write
What connection can be made between the poem
and youth? How might this connect to the events
that have occurred so far? Make references to
the poem.
When people are young everything is exciting and
new. The poem says “nature’s first hue is gold”
which refers to the beginning, the However, as you
get older you have to face real life difficulties like
we see happens in the novel to the characters. The
poem highlights this when it includes the lines
“eden sank to grief”. The word grief indicates a
shift which ties to the end where the last line is
“nothing gold can stay”.
Analyze which characters does the poem relate
to the most and why? (Think: who had to learn
a hard lesson about life already)
Johnny because he has gone from innocent to a
killer. Due to this, nothing will ever be the same for
him. Another character who is learning nothing
lasts forever is Sodapop who is experiencing the
break up of his relationship.
Analysis
Big Idea: Characterization
Big Question: How do specific lines of dialogue
help understanding character personalities?
Interpret/analyze the following line:
We came down the red dirt road so fast Johnny and
I got a little green.
The author uses this idiom to show that they were
feeling sick.
Read the following interaction:
Dallas (incredulous). Cherry the Soc helpin’ us!
Ponyboy (defensively). She isn’t Cherry the Soc.
She’s-
Dallas: (not getting this)…..
Why did Ponyboy get defensive after Dallas’
statement?
Ponyboy has learned not all Socs are the same and
he has a connection with Cherry that he doesn’t
even have with all of the Greasers.

wants to go back in and rescue the kids trapped in
the church and Dallas doesn’t think it’s their
problem.
53-57
Comprehension
After Johnny and Dallas go both in the fire,
what are the extent of their injuries?
Dallas had a burned arm and Johnny had severe
burns.
What is eventually revealed about Johnny’s
injuries?
He has a broken back and will never walk again.
14
Why is the word they italicized in Johnny’s
statement on page 50?
Johnny is referring to his parents. Dallas keeps
talking about how the gang is worried and the cops
are wondering about where they are but deep down
Johnny hopes his parents would be asking them
about him too.
Support or refute this statement:
Dallas doesn’t care about anyone but himself.
**some students may assume this is true because
he is tough and he didn’t want Johnny going back
in the burning building. However, Dallas is very
loyal to Johnny and although he didn’t want him to
go back in it was because he wanted to protect
Johnny.
Analysis
Big Idea: Shift
Big Question: What details have been revealed that
have answered some questions or resolved some
issues?
Freewrite: (for groups that struggle with
independence consider putting at least three
criteria you want to see in the response)
Why does Johnny go back to save the kids in the
church fire? Include any and all possible
reasons and make strong inferences.
Johnny is known as a sensitive and caring person.
He tends to think of others before he thinks of
himself. He places a lot of value in his helping or
standing up for others, possibly because his
relationship with his own parents is very bad. Also,
Johnny may also be trying to redeem himself since
he is still upset over killing Bob.
Re-read page 56. Discussion Question
Based on the words used and the dialogue do
you think Darry blames himself for what
happened?
*answers may vary
How does Darry treat his brother when he sees
him?
He is happy to finally see him which is a contrast
from how his tone usually is when he talks to his

58-62
Comprehension
What might happen to Ponyboy and his
brothers?
They may get split up depending on the court
decision.
What does Randy claim was Bob’s problem?
Randy claims that Bob had parents who never told
him no or expected responsibility from him which
made him feel like he could do what he wanted.
15
brother.
Analysis
Big Idea: Comparisons/Contrasts
Big Question: How do these pages reveal
information which helps the reader understand
motive.
What is ironic about the newspaper title?
The title refers to them as juvenile delinquents but
then also calls them heroes too.
Why most likely might Ponyboy and his
brothers be split up? Use your background
information
Darry is working and supporting them but is still
young. Due to Ponyboy getting in trouble, the court
may think Darry isn’t able to properly supervise his
brother.
On page 59, why did Ponyboy tell Randy being a
Greaser didn’t have anything to do with saving
the kids? How does this relate to what Ponyboy
already understands about people?
Ponyboy says that it doesn’t matter what group
someone is in and that it depends on the individual.
Ponyboy understands that the groups they are in are
just labels.
On page 61 & 62 how do the differences in point
of view prevent Ponyboy and Randy from
understanding each other?
Ponyboy’s tone is defensive because he blames the
Socs for all the events that happened. Randy is
trying to explain why Bob’s background and how
that contributed to his personality. Though they
both are tired of all the rivalry, there is an inability
for both to truly see each other’s point of view.
 16

What connections can be made between Bob’s

parents and Johnny’s parents? What does this
emphasize?

They both had parents that really didn’t give them

the attention they needed. This emphasizes that rich
and poor kids can both have similar issues or
problems.

63-67
Comprehension
What does Johnny’s mom say that contributes
to what we already know her relationship with
Johnny?
“This is our thanks-after all the trouble we’ve gone
to raising him. He’d rather be with hoodlums!”
What makes the conversation on page 67
between Ponyboy and Cherry difficult?
Cherry says she doesn’t want to see Johnny
because she can’t look at the person who killed
Bob. Ponyboy doesn’t understand because he
thinks it’s Bob’s fault all of this happened.
68-71
Comprehension
What details on 69 are given about what the
17
Analysis
Big Idea: Character Analysis
Big Question: How is relationship emphasized on
these page?
Skill builder!
In literature and cinema there are one dimensional,
two dimensional and three dimensional characters.
One- only shows one characteristic or trait the
entire time
Two – a character seen as only all good or all bad,
doesn’t encounter any change or
Three – a character who is complex, may undergo
significant change due to experiences
Static (stays the same) vs. dynamic (changes)
Which type does Two-Bit represent? Explain.
Think about him throughout the novel and re-
read page 63.
Two-Bit is one-dimensional because he doesn’t
undergo any change and shows the same feelings
and opinions in each page he shows up. Two-Bit
follows the stereotype of a Greaser and uses that as
his identity. On page 63 with Johnny laying in the
hospital he still finds getting revenge on the Socs
the most important thing. While other characters
reflect about what happened, Two-Bit focuses on
fighting.
On page 65 what is the dramatic irony of the
nurse being mad at Johnny because he would
rather see his friends than his mother?
The nurse doesn’t know that Johnny’s parents
mistreat him and that his friends are more family to
him than his parents are.
Analysis
Big Idea:
What is the significance of this line from
 18

Socs do “for fun”? Cherry?

Throw parties, drive fancy cars, and break windows Can you see the sunset real good from your side of
at parties. town?
OR
Cherry and Ponyboy talked about the sunset and
According to the Greasers, what do the Socs do how they both liked them when the first time they
for fun? met. She says this to remind him that they are the
Jump the Greasers. same even though they are from different groups.

What does Ponyboy say on page 70 which shows
he feels that it’s unfair that the Socs have more
opportunities than the Greasers?
“And Darry’s gotta work”. [in reference to Paul, a
Soc that went to school with Darry who is now in
college]
Page 69. In which ways do the Greasers
embrace the stereotypes about them?
They agree to fight the Socs. On this page they are
half-joking but also talking about weapons and
making references to being tough.
If the Socs have more money and material
objects than the Greasers and they jump them
anyway what might that suggest about them?
Make an inference.

This may suggest that they have so many things

that they are actually bored and have nothing else
to do with their time.

What’s the purpose of Ponyboy making the wolf

reference on page 71?
He’s talking about the fight and contrasting it to
how in the book the wolves waited until a wolf in
his pack when down to fight, but when the Greasers
and Socs fight it’s a big fight and everyone is in it
for himself.

72-74

Comprehension Analysis
Big Idea: Falling Action
Big Question: How is irony emphasized in these
pages?
Why does Dallas get upset on page 74? What Analyze why it’s is ironic that when Dallas goes
does he say? to see Johnny in the hospital he tells him “we
won”.
He fears that Johnny will die and he tells Johnny

that he shouldn’t have helped the people. He tells
himself that he should have let Johnny
What are Johnny’s last words to Ponyboy?
What inspired them?
“Stay Gold” were his last words. He was inspired
by the poem Ponyboy read to him when they were
in the abandoned church “Nothing Gold Can
Stay”[p. 45]
75-80
Comprehension
Why does Darry seemed concerned for Ponyboy
on page 77?
Ponyboy got a concussion on the night the Greasers
fought the Socs and has been asleep ever since that
happened.
19
The Greasers won the fight but it’s probably not
going to end the feud. It’s an ironic statement
because in the end they really didn’t win anything.
Freewrite: Do you think the feud may be over?
*exact wording may vary. Most likely not. If the
fighting didn’t end when Bob was killed and
Johnny and Ponyboy were hurt in the fire, then it
probably won’t end.
What does Dallas’ words at the end of page 73
emphasize?
It emphasizes his relationship with him and Johnny.
How does Dallas’ comments on the top at 74
about the way someone should be in order to
survive contradict what Johnny’s last words to
Ponyboy are?
Dallas tells Johnny not to help people and that he
should have just let him be mean. However, Johnny
tells Ponyboy to “stay gold” which means to stay
good and pure. He’s trying to get Ponyboy to
remember that part of him that is able to understand
the good things in life.
Analysis
Big Idea: Resolution
Big Question: What themes are highlighted
throughout the play?
Why does Dallas try to give advice to Ponyboy
on page 74?
He thinks that Ponyboy is too soft and tries to be
too good but in the end you only end up hurt if
you’re not tough.
Page 75
How did Dallas’ actions revealed on this page
portray him at that moment?
 20

*push beyond him being violent and dive deeper to

his motivations

Dallas was distraught about the death of Johnny

which caused a desperate attempt

Thematic Short Write:

Consider the lessons learned by characters in the
story and universal topics that emerged. Write
about at least one theme from the play.
*scaffold for classes that many struggle with
independence by naming universal topics that show
up such as (violence, sense of belonging,
friendship, growing up

Possible Ideas:
People seek comfort in groups.
People rely on social groups to label others.
Nothing can stay the same forever.
Don’t judge others by outside appearances.
People of all social classes can have problems.

Multiple Choice Questions

Which statement best describes how Johnny is treated by the gang?

a. He’s hated and targeted for cruel jokes

b. He’s pitied and felt sorry for his awkwardness
c. He’s glorified as the toughest one in the gang
d. He’s protected and treated more gentle

How does this line best help describe which literary character type Two-Bit fits?

You only live once

a. An impulsive joker
b. A wise leader
c. An untrustworthy foe
d. An innocent youth

What best illustrates how Cherry feels about the Greaser/Soc rivalry?

a. She hates the Greasers and wants to target and attack them too
b. She understands that the Socs are a horrible group of rich kids
 21

c. She is conflicted because she beings to learn not all Greasers are the same
d. She is indifferent and doesn’t care what happens to either group

How does the character of Two-Bit remain a static character throughout the play?

a. He makes an attempt to grow as a person by having a truce with the Socs

b. He never makes an attempt to change and continues to think fighting is the way
c. He never makes an attempt to change and continues to bully Johnny until his death
d. He makes an attempt to grow as a person by helping Ponyboy with his English assignment

What does the line about the Socs being cool to the point of not feeling anything suggest about them?

a. They have to put on an act of being unaffected by things to keep up appearances

b. They have to prove the popularity constantly to the Greasers
c. They have to show they are cruel people who don’t like to get along with others
d. They have to give up part of their identity in order to fit in with others

After Bob is killed how does the author draw a contrast between Johnny and Dallas’ reactions?

a. Dallas is calm and tells them to be honest while Johnny wants to leave town quickly
b. Johnny is calm and Dallas panics because he fears his friend is becoming a criminal
c. Dallas is uninterested in helping his friend while Johnny demands his friend help him and
Ponyboy
d. Dallas is calm and gives them advice while Johnny is in disbelief of what has occurred

Part One

In pages 39-41 how is Sodapop best characterized?

a. Hurt but understanding about the fact that Sandy won’t consider staying there to be with
him
b. Angry that she has taken advantage of him and is moving to Florida
c. Indifferent to the fact that Sandy is going through family problems
d. Nervous about asking Sandy to marry him because they are both young

Part Two. Which line below best supports the answer to Part One?

a. “I’m getting a little nervous”.

b. “How can you get out right now?”
c. “We could married. We’re gonna someday”.
d. “Keep in touch. Give it a little time. Work things out”.
 22

Which statement best describes the central theme of the poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay?”

a. Not all things can last forever because life isn’t fair
b. People should enjoy their youth while they can
c. Even pleasant things must eventually come to an end
d. People should value nature and the environment
 23

Essay Prompts

Students should be analyzing character and thematic subjects throughout the reading in the form of
discussion and short writes. However, writing an essay once you have finished a novel and being able to
track a specific person or issue throughout is a worthwhile skill and one students will eventually need to
do for post-secondary work. These essays have been coded E (Easy), M (Medium), or H (Harder) so that
teachers feel empowered to give options, assign certain students certain questions, or give certain classes
a specific essay topic based on accessibility.

E How do both the Greasers and Socs respond to the social pressure of their groups? Give textual
evidence.

E Write an essay which explains how Darry’s role as caregiver affects how he is characterized and his
relationships with his brothers

E How does Johnny’s background and personality impact the way he is treated by the gang?

M Dallas is characterized as being cold and uncaring, but loyal at other parts of the play. Analyze his
character

E Analyze the role Ponyboy plays in his relationships in the play (with his brothers, with Johnny, with
Cherry). Provide textual examples.

M The Greasers claim to be victims of the Soc’s bullying and that they simply respond to what they do to
them. Is this a valid claim? Provide textual evidence arguing for or against the claim.

H In which ways does Johnny fit the profile of a “tragic hero”. Provide a profile of his character and how
he was a hero who faced a tragic outcome.

H Analyze the character of Cherry and her conflicting viewpoints on the Greasers. Is she genuine or is she
like every other Soc? Provide examples from the text.

While analyzing thoroughly examine and consider both points before evaluating which response you find
the most credible. When analyzing character you also give relevant background information so the reader
can understand

H Ponyboy and Randy are the only ones who seem to embrace yet reject the labels Greaser and Soc.
Analyze the places in the play where this is revealed.
24