The Outsiders NG - Wikispacescarsonliterature.wikispaces.com/file/view/Novel_Guide.pdf ·...

S. E. Hinton

Novel Guide

Teacher’s Discovery®

NoteThe text used to prepare this novel guide was published by Speak, an imprint of Penguin Putnam Inc., in 2003.

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Published by:Teacher’s Discovery®

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Author: Melissa Green Dereberry

Cover Design: Ryan CraigOriginal Cover Illustration: Robert Legato and Brett WarkentienPage Design: Julie A. YonkerIllustrations: Colleen M. MaddenEditor: Esther J. MoreauPublication Coordinator and Managing Editor: Sara E. BakerPublication Manager: Kristin BarbusAdditional Contributors: Amy Kathryn Craven, Anthony Ambrogio,Emily R. Jennings, WriterServices.net, C. Riley Auge`, Leah Ryan, RickVess, and Elisabeth Khan

© 2006. Teacher’s Discovery® Publications.

These materials are protected by copyright law. For each purchased copy of thiswork, a limited license is granted to allow reproduction [of activity pages andmasters] to one teacher for use with that teacher’s class(es).

SKU: TS1347EISBN: 0-7560-0455-1

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The Outsiders

Table of Contents

InstructionsOverview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1How to Use This Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1Timeline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Before We StartLesson Plan Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Author Biography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Book Summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Character List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Synopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Vocabulary Definition List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Pre-Reading Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Novel Road Map to Success . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Overall Grading Rubric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Target on TextChapters 1–3

Teaching Essentials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Chapters 4–6Teaching Essentials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33Activities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35



Reflect on Reading Lesson Plan Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65Discussion Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67Activities/Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69Pre-Reading Question Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71Final Test . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73

Answer Key . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Publication Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

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Melissa Dereberry holds a M.A. in Englishfrom Southwest Missouri State University.She is a freelance writer and also serves asadjunct English faculty for Drury University.She lives in Rolla, Missouri with herhusband, Mike, and two children, Joseph, 3and Abigail, 3 months.

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© 2006. Teacher’s Discovery®

The Outsiders

Instructions... Just for YOU!

OverviewNovel guides help you navigate through great literature. This teacher-created guide freesup your day, giving you more time to motivate your students to appreciate The Outsiders.This guide increases your students’ understanding of literary techniques such ascharacterization, theme, symbolism, plot, and more. Creative, innovative, and fun activitiesimprove reading comprehension and strengthen critical thinking skills. Student sectionsinclude journal writing, research skills, expository writing techniques, and pre-readingquestions. Each chapter has key questions to be used as your students’ novel road map tosuccess. Teacher sections contain background information, chapter summaries, discussionquestions, writing topics, a grading rubric, and a final test.

How to Use This GuideFollow this basic sequence of steps to ensure the smoothest course through the novel:

1. Prepare your students to read by working through the Before We Start handouts. a. Read through the background information to familiarize yourself with the

novel.b. Print and hand the Character List, Synopsis, Vocabulary Definition List,

Novel Road Map to Success, and Overall Grading Rubric to your studentsbefore they start reading.

c. Have your students complete the pre-reading questions to provide a firmfoundation for entering the text.

2. Target on Text contains everything you need as the students read. We have dividedthe activities into four sections of roughly the same length. This provides thenecessary stopping places for review as students work their way through the text.

a. Read through the chapter summaries, target objectives, and lesson plan detailslocated on the Teaching Essentials page at the start of each section.

b. Print and hand the activities provided in each section to your students as theyread through the novel.

c. Hold a class discussion at the end of each section to review what your studentsjust read.

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3. Reflect on Reading contains activities for students to complete after reading the novel.In this section, the students synthesize their learning.

a. Hold a final class discussion with the 20 discussion questions.b. Assign the activities.c. Return to the pre-reading questions for an interesting debate on whether or not

students’ original ideas and assumptions have changed.d. Administer the final test.

4. For your convenience, a disk is provided which includes:a. all reproduciblesb. bonus handouts that supplement the handouts in the bookc. specially designed exercises for struggling readersd. the entire Novel Guide

TimelineThe entire unit lasts six weeks. Below are suggested time frames (based on a 50-minute class period) for each stage of your study. The lesson plan details located on the Before We Start, Reflect on Reading, and Teaching Essentials pages list approximate completion times for each activity.

1. Before We Start: two class periods2. Target on Text: one to two weeks of class time per novel section3. Reflect on Reading: one week of class time


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Before We Start

his section contains preparatory information and

activities for both you and your students. You receive

background information on the novel. Students get a

character list, synopsis, vocabulary definition list, pre-reading

questions, novel road map to success, and overall grading rubric.

LESSON PLAN DETAILS

1. Character List—hand out for student reference2. Synopsis—hand out and discuss in class (20 minutes)3. Vocabulary Definition List—hand out for student reference 4. Pre-Reading Questions—hand out and have students complete in class

(20 minutes)5. Novel Road Map to Success—hand out for students to complete as they

read6. Overall Grading Rubric—hand out and discuss (20 minutes)

T



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Background... Just for YOU!

Author BiographySusan Eloise Hinton was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1950. She enjoyed reading as a childbut became frustrated with literature written for young adults. She was particularly boredby stories geared toward girls, which she felt were insubstantial. It was out of thisfrustration that she was inspired to write The Outsiders, her first novel. It was published in1967 and was wildly successful.

The success of her first novel created a predicament for Hinton that is a difficult one evenfor older, more experienced writers; the pressure to write another book was paralyzing.Hinton suffered writer’s block and was unable to produce any work for three years. Herboyfriend (now her husband) watched her grow more and more depressed and finallyconvinced her to try to write a few pages a day. The result was That Was Then, This Is Now,published in 1971.

Hinton prefers to use her initials rather than her full first name because she often uses amale protagonist and is concerned that readers won’t take her stories seriously if they knowthat they were written by a woman.

Hinton has published several other novels for young adults and two books for elementaryschool-age children. She lives in Tulsa with her husband and son and enjoys horsebackriding.

Source: http://www.sehinton.com/bio/, http://falcon.jmu.edu/~ramseyil/hinton.htm

Book Summary BackgroundThe Outsiders reflects the author’s own observations of high school life in Oklahoma duringthe 1960s. It provides astute commentary on the violence and pain that result from sharpsocial divisions. Written by a teenager about teenagers (Hinton began writing it at age 15),the novel’s poignant plot twists work to reveal each character’s humanity and essentialsameness rather than the superficial differences that create a gulf between upper and lowerclasses, the haves and the have-nots.

Hinton’s debut work revolutionized young adult fiction. The realistic portrayal of street life was a new addition to youth literature and particularly surprising given its femaleauthorship. Hinton’s even-handed depiction created sympathy for both sides of theequation and raised potent questions about how our society functions. Though followed bymany literary successes, The Outsiders is Hinton’s best-known work. In the early 1980s,


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the novel was turned into a popular film directed by Francis Ford Coppola and starring C.Thomas Howell, Patrick Swayze, Emilio Estevez, Tom Cruise, Matt Dillon, Rob Lowe,and Ralph Macchio.

Novel Setting The setting of the novel is relevant because it reflects the tremendous social changes thatwere occurring in the 1960s (for example, changes dealing with the issues of social classand violence). Because S.E. Hinton was a teenager during this time, it is possible that herown views and experience are mirrored in the novel.



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Character List

Below is a list of the major characters.

Ponyboy Curtis: He is the main character and narrator of the story. He is a member ofthe greasers, but has a deeper side.

Sodapop Curtis: He is the good-looking, happy-go-lucky middle brother in the Curtisfamily (Ponyboy, Sodapop, Darry). The favorite brother of Ponyboy,Sodapop represents the good-natured, fun-loving side of the greasersgang.

Darry Curtis: He is the stern oldest brother of the Curtis family. Once a star athlete,Darry represents the adult/parental influence in the family.

Johnny Cade: He is the brooding, nervous member of the greasers, Johnny is likeeveryone’s kid brother. The gang looks out for him and seems to carefor him more than any other. Despite a rough family life at home,Johnny is a sensitive, caring person with hope for the future, even inthe midst of great conflicts.

Dallas (Dally)Winston: He is the seasoned veteran of the greasers gang, Dally is the person

everyone looks up to, although they don’t necessarily approve of hisrough, hardened behavior. Dally represents the rebellious side of thegreasers.

Two-BitMatthews: He is the fun-loving clown of the group, Two-Bit is smart and street

savvy and keeps everyone laughing.

Cherry Valance: She is the pretty, soft-hearted Soc who befriends Ponyboy and helpsthe greasers.

Bob Sheldon: He is Cherry’s Soc boyfriend and friend of Randy.

Marcia: She is Cherry’s friend and girlfriend of Randy.

Randy Adderson: He is Marcia’s Soc boyfriend and friend of Bob.

Steve Randle: He is cocky, streetwise member of the greasers gang, expert carmechanic and best friend of Sodapop.

Before We StartHandout 1 Name

Date Hour

In 1950, the year S. E. Hinton wasborn, life expectancy was 68.2 years.


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Synopsis

What defines a human being? How can people’s differences sometimes shed light on theirsimilarities? What is necessary to find happiness, success, and peace in the world? S.E.Hinton, a teenager herself when she wrote The Outsiders in 1967, attempts to answer thesequestions by drawing readers into the conflict between the dark, and oftentimes, hopelessworld of the greasers and the affluent, but also troubled, territory of the Socs. The storyemphasizes our need for love and family, and inspires hope for a way out of class struggles.

The Outsiders is set in Oklahoma in the 1960s. The hatred between the poor greasers andrich Socs, however, is not restricted to this time and place. The message of the story is asreal today as it was then. The attitudes of people in the 1960s (even though they lookdifferent on the outside) are still evident everywhere you look today. Stereotypes still existand lead to misunderstandings that range from trivial arguments to tragic endings.Hinton’s clear-eyed look at this persistent problem makes the novel truly timeless.


Date Hour


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Vocabulary Definition List

The following list provides definitions for some of the more difficult words in the text.

Chapter 1undisturbed: left alone, not botheredabbreviation: a shortened versiondisgrace: one that brings disfavormadras: plaid designloping: moving with an easy, bounding

gaitreckless: carelessheaved: threwimpatiently: not patiently, intolerantlyquivering: shaking with a slight, trembling motionsarcasm: expression (often ironic) intended to cut or give pain

Chapter 2hastily: quicklywinced: shrank away involuntarilyfeud: bitter quarrel between two partiesprinciple: belief or moral standardcomical: humorous or funnyvaguely: unclearlylecture: instructive talk or speech

Chapter 3gallantly: bravely and politely; chivalrouslyaloofness: separateness, indifferencereeling: walking unsteadily, stumbling along rapidlyember: a glowing coaltension: mental or emotional stress

Chapter 4smoldering: showing scarcely suppressed anger; burningunceasingly: without stoppingbootlegging: making or selling liquor illegallydefiance: quality of being resistant or rebelliousruefully: regretfullygingerly: very carefullybewildering: overwhelming, puzzling


Date Hour


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Before We StartHandout 3, continued

sheepish: expression as if embarrassed by an admitted mistake

Chapter 5imploringly: in a beseeching or entreating mannerhue: coloreluded: evaded or stayed out of one’s grasptransplanted: dug up and moved to another placeindignant: angered by something unfairgorged: ate greedily

Chapter 6grim: harshly ironic or sinisterdetached: Unattached, indifferentsobbing: crying openlyinhalation: the drawing in of air (or smoke) into the lungsappreciate: to be fully aware ofhysterics: uncontrollable, laughing or crying

Chapter 7radiate: issue rays, as in light raysbulged: swelleddrawl: to speak with drawn-out vowelsgleefully: with joyshattered: broke into many piecesgenuine: real, sincererecurring: occurring again

Chapter 8commanded: gave an instruction or ordergasped: caught one’s breathabruptly: suddenlyresemblance: likenessdivert: to distractdoggedly: stubbornlytraitor: a disloyal personcharity: aid to those in need

Chapter 9spruced: made neat in appearanceminiature: a small copyaffectionately: fondlyscreeching: screamingcontracted: reduced in size or pulled together



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Chapter 10stupor: state of being unaware or unconsciousdumfounded: confused with astonishmentstricken: afflicted, affected by something overwhelminghesitation: a pausecrumpled: collapseddelirious: mentally confused due to high fever, shock, or other causes

Chapter 11idolized: worshipedtrembling: shaking involuntarily

Chapter 12desert: to abandonveered: swayed off courserare: infrequently occurring, uncommonvast: large


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Before We StartHandout 4

Pre-Reading Questions

Pre-reading questions help you explore your views in order to uncover important themesin the novel.

Directions: Write down your response to each of the questions below. Keep this handout.You will need it after you finish the novel.

1. How do social groups play a part in school?

2. How does someone’s appearance affect how others view him or her?

3. What do you think contributes to violence among teenagers? What can be done toprevent teen violence?

4. How do you define the word “family”? Does a family mean different things to differentpeople?

5. Is it acceptable to commit an act of violence against someone else to protect or getrevenge for someone you love?

Name

Date Hour

In 1950, the year S. E. Hinton is born, thecost of a first-class stamp is $0.03.


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Novel Road Map to Success

These questions help you stay on track with the plot as well as build your readingcomprehension.

Directions: Answer these questions on a separate piece of paper as you read.

Chapter 11. Who is the narrator of this story?2. Why do you think Ponyboy likes the movies so much?3. What happens to Ponyboy when he leaves the movies?4. The greasers chase the Socs away from Ponyboy using what?5. How does Ponyboy define “family”?6. What is a Soc? A greaser? Why are they rivals?7. Socs are known for wearing what?8. What is the name of the other greaser gang?9. Who does Ponyboy live with?

10. What kind of relationship does Ponyboy have with his two brothers, Darry andSodapop?

11. Who does Ponyboy love more than anyone else?12. What sport did Darry play in school?13. Where does Sodapop work?14. Why is Sodapop so popular with the girls?15. Who is Soda’s girlfriend?16. Darry tells Ponyboy “you’ve always got your nose in a book, but do you ever use your

head for common sense?” What is the difference between book sense and commonsense? Which is more important to have?

17. How does Ponyboy describe each of the other characters?18. Which characters does Ponyboy seem to be closest to?19. Ponyboy says the Socs have their cars and clothes. What do the greasers have?20. What happened to Ponyboy’s parents?

Chapter 21. Who do Ponyboy and Johnny meet at the movies?2. Why do Cherry and Marcia talk to Johnny and Ponyboy at the movies?3. What is Ponyboy’s first impression of Cherry and Marcia?4. Why is Johnny Cade so nervous and scared all the time?5. Do the greasers like being called greasers?6. What is the difference between a fair fight and a rough fight? How do the greasers

fight? The Socs?


Date Hour


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7. Why does Ponyboy feel the greasers have it so much worse than the Socs?8. How are Cherry and Marcia different from the girls the greasers normally hang out

with?9. What does Cherry mean when she tells Ponyboy “things are rough all over”?

10. Do the Socs believe that all greasers are rough?

Chapter 31. Ponyboy and Johnny offer to do what for Cherry and Marcia?2. Ponyboy tells Cherry a personal story about Sodapop; what is it?3. Cherry says at one point that she “admires” Dally and later that she “could fall in

love” with him. Why do you think she feels this way?4. What does Ponyboy mean when he says to Cherry, “Just don’t forget that some of us

watch the sunset too”?5. Cherry tells Ponyboy, “Did you ever hear of having more than you wanted?” What

does she mean?6. Ponyboy feels Darry doesn’t love him as much as Sodapop. Why?7. Why does Ponyboy love being in the country so much?8. Why does Ponyboy run away?

Chapter 41. What kind of car do the Socs drive?2. Why do the Socs trail Johnny and Ponyboy in the park?3. What do they do to Ponyboy?4. Why does Johnny kill the Soc? Did he do the right thing? Why or why not?5. How does Dally react when Ponyboy and Johnny tell him about the murder?6. Where is Dally staying when Ponyboy and Johnny go to see him?7. What illegal activity does Buck participate in?8. How does Dally offer to help them?9. How do Ponyboy and Johnny react when Dally gives them a gun?

10. How do Ponyboy and Johnny get away?11. Ponyboy sees Johnny in a new way after they have fled. Why does he look at him

differently?12. What does Ponyboy mean when he says “there are things worse than being a greaser”?

Chapter 51. What do Ponyboy and Johnny do once in hiding?2. How is their hair an important part of who the greasers are?3. How do Ponyboy and Johnny react when they finally see the reality of what they have

done?4. How do Ponyboy and Johnny pass the time while in hiding?5. Who wrote the poem Ponyboy recites?6. Why does Johnny like Gone with the Wind so much?7. What do Ponyboy and Johnny eat while in hiding?8. What does Ponyboy mean when he says “Dally was so real he scared me”?




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9. What do you think the sunset symbolizes for Ponyboy?10. Who sends a letter for Ponyboy to their hideout? Is he angry?

Chapter 61. What does Ponyboy mean when he says, “it wasn’t Cherry the Soc who was helping

us, it was Cherry the dreamer who watched sunsets and couldn’t stand fights”?2. Why is it not a good thing to be sensitive when you are a greaser, according to

Ponyboy?3. Why does Johnny think they should turn themselves in?4. What conflict do Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally encounter when they return to their

hideout after lunch?5. Who goes into the fire?6. What does Dally do when Ponyboy emerges from the flames?7. Who is most injured in the fire?8. How do Darry and Sodapop react when they see Ponyboy at the hospital?

Chapter 71. Who approaches them at the hospital?2. What does Ponyboy tell reporters when they ask him what he wants to do at the

hospital?3. Darry tells the doctor that he, Ponyboy and Soda are “about as much family as Dally

and Johnny had.” What does he mean?4. Ponyboy comments that “greasers don’t cry in front of strangers.” Why?5. After returning home, Ponyboy discovers what in the newspaper?6. Does Ponyboy see himself as a hero? Why or why not?7. Does what Ponyboy and Johnny did make them heroes, in your opinion?8. What does Ponyboy dream about in his recurring nightmare?9. Two-Bit tells Ponyboy a joke, in which he says that if you meet a “social outcast” in an

alley, the safest thing to be is another social outcast. Do you think this is true? Whatdoes it say about how the greasers view themselves?

10. Why is Ponyboy worried that he might not get to stay with his brothers after gettingin trouble?

11. Why does Randy come to see Ponyboy?12. What does Randy mean when he tells Ponyboy that the greasers can’t win the fight

with the Socs?13. Do you think parents are to blame when a kid turns bad or does something wrong?

Chapter 81. What is the extent of Johnny’s injuries after the fire?2. What does he ask Dally and Ponyboy for while in the hospital?3. What does Dally ask from Two-Bit while he is in the hospital?



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4. Why does Dally want to fight in the rumble?5. What does living on the streets teach you, according to Ponyboy?6. Why doesn’t Johnny want to see his mother? Do you think he should see her? Why or

why not?7. Two-Bit tells Ponyboy that “the only thing that keeps Darry from bein’ a Soc is us”.

What does he mean?8. How is Darry different from the other greasers?9. Why do you think Cherry wants to help the greasers?

10. What message does she bring to Ponyboy about the rumble?

Chapter 91. Why do the greasers fix themselves up and put extra grease on their hair before the

rumble?2. Where is the rumble to take place?3. Why is Ponyboy afraid of some of the other greasers at the rumble?4. Who starts the fighting at the rumble?5. Who shows up unexpectedly at the rumble?6. Did the greasers really win the rumble? Why or why not?7. What do Ponyboy and Dally do after the rumble?

Chapter 101. What does Ponyboy do after leaving the hospital?2. Why does Ponyboy have such a hard time accepting what happens to Johnny?3. Who takes him home?4. Who tells the gang that Johnny is dead?5. Why does the gang go looking for Dally?6. Ponyboy realizes that Johnny is the only thing Dally really loved. Why do you think

Dally loves Johnny?7. Why does Ponyboy describe Dally with a look of triumph on his face as he crumples

under the streetlight?8. What does Ponyboy do when Dally is shot?9. Who does Ponyboy ask for while he is in bed?

10. Ponyboy says that Dally and Johnny are better off now that they are dead. What doyou think?

11. Ponyboy asks himself: Who died more gallantly, Dally or Johnny? What do you think?

Chapter 111. Ponyboy is delirious for several days and has to do what?2. Who visits Ponyboy while he is in recovery?3. Why does Ponyboy tell Randy that he is the one who killed Bob, not Johnny?4. Why is Johnny so important to Ponyboy?




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Chapter 121. What happens when Ponyboy goes to court?2. What is the only thing the judge asks Ponyboy?3. What happens to Ponyboy after court?4. What does Ponyboy do when three Socs approach him after his court appearance?5. What advice does Two-Bit give Ponyboy?6. Is it possible to idolize someone, even if they do something wrong or illegal?7. What does Ponyboy learn from his experience?8. How is Ponyboy not like the rest of

the greasers?9. Why does Sodapop run away at

the end?10. What happens when Darry and

Ponyboy catch up to Sodapop?11. What does Johnny leave for

Ponyboy?12. What does Johnny’s letter say?13. What theme does Ponyboy decide

to write for his English class at theend of the book?



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Target on Text

ow it’s time to start reading. Target on Text contains a

chapter-by-chapter progression of activities to

enhance your students’ understanding and enjoyment

of The Outsiders. This guide divides the novel into four sections

of roughly the same length. Each section has individual chapter

summaries, target objectives, and a variety of activities to

highlight key story and literary elements.

While some of the activities are designed to be done individually,

working with peers provides students with the opportunity to

practice cooperation and creates richer results as the students

build on one another’s ideas.

N



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Teaching Essentials... Just for YOU!

Chapters 1–3

Chapter 1 SummaryThe first-person narrator describes the characters and setting and reveals himself asPonyboy Curtis, a young greaser who has a different way of looking at the world than mostgreasers. As Ponyboy leaves the movie theater alone, he is attacked by a gang of Socs, andis rescued by a group of his fellow greasers who chase the Socs away. Ponyboy’s brotherDarry scolds him for going out alone. Back at home that evening, Ponyboy reflects on theattack and feels comforted by his brother Sodapop.

Chapter 2 Summary At the movie theater the next night, as Dally harasses a couple of Soc girls, named Cherryand Marcia, Ponyboy and Johnny sit quietly on the sidelines. Finally, the normally shyJohnny asks Dally to leave them alone, and the grateful girls ask Ponyboy and Johnny to sitwith them. Ponyboy reflects on Johnny’s brutal attack by the Socs four months earlier.

Chapter 3 SummaryAs Two-Bit, Johnny and Ponyboy walk the girls home, a car stops and the bunch of Socboys inside try to get them to fight. To avoid a fight, the girls get in the car with the Socs.Two-Bit leaves to go find a poker game, and Ponyboy and Johnny sit under the stars. Theyfall asleep, and Ponyboy gets home late. Darry, upset with him for being late, slaps him.Ponyboy runs away with Johnny.

Target ObjectivesAt the end of this section, students are able to:

• identify the characters and describe their personality traits• perform research on related topics• identify, discuss, and write about the major themes• examine the setting and how it affects the story• create a script and role play• use new vocabulary words correctly• use figurative language in creative writing


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LESSON PLAN DETAILSCHAPTERS 1–3

Chapter 11. Characterization: Labels—hand out and have students complete in class

(45 minutes)2. Research: Teen Violence—hand out and have students complete in class

(2 class periods)

Chapter 2� 1. Essay: Theme—hand out and have students complete in class (45 minutes)

2. Setting—hand out and have students complete in class (1 class period)3. Role Play Activity—hand out and have students complete in class (2 class periods)

Chapter 31. Theme Analysis—hand out and have students complete in class (30 minutes)

� 2. Vocabulary—hand out and have students complete in class (15 minutes)� 3. Creative Writing: Figurative Language—hand out and have students complete in

class (15 minutes)

Discussion Questions: Chapters 1–3 (1 class period)

� = Corresponding remedial activity located on the disk


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23


Characterization: LabelsGroup Activity

Characterization is the method used by a writer to develophow the character looks, acts and thinks. This activity givesyou an understanding of personality types and howsometimes labels are placed on others.

Directions: In groups of four, pretend you are creating apersonality profile for each of the greaser characters. Comeup with a name or label for each person (examples: TheShy One, The Tough One, etc.), or an animal type (TheBear, The Dog, etc.). Next, give a one-paragraphdescription of each personality type and how it fits thatparticular character. Select one person in your group totake notes for the group. Here is a list of characters:

Ponyboy:

Sodapop:

Darry:

Two-Bit:

Johnny:

Dally:

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 1Handout 1


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24


Research: Teen ViolenceGroup Activity

This activity gives you experience researching current topics and applying critical thinkingskills to issues and problems.

Directions: In groups of four, research the topic of teen violence in your school’s libraryand on the Internet. Assign one of the following tasks to each group member.

1. Create a list of three statistics regarding teen violence.

2. Make a list of five causes of teen violence.

3. Create a list of three things that might prevent teen violence.

4. Develop a list of five warning signs that violence might occur among specific teens orgroups of teens (for example, a teen sends a threatening email to another teen).

In the next class period, create a poster together that illustrates three facts and ideas aboutteen violence.

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 1Handout 2

Rolling Stone Magazine began publication in Novemberof 1967, the year The Outsiders was published.


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25


Essay: Theme

A theme is a general concept or idea, such as love, justice, orsorrow. One way to help you think of themes is to completethe following sentence: “This is a book about __________ .”

Directions: Select one passage or quotation that stands out the most, or which you feel will set the mood for therest of the novel. Write a three-paragraph essayexplaining why you feel it is important.

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 2Handout 1


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26


SettingGroup Activity

Setting determines time, place, and tone in fiction. This activity helps you visualize thesetting and compare it to a modern day setting.

Directions: In pairs, brainstorm an alternate setting for the novel. For example, instead of being set in an urban area in the 1960s, what would the novel be like if it were set in anurban area in the present day? What about in a rural area? Comparing your imaginedsetting to the current setting of the novel, make a list of five characteristics that aredifferent. Put a star by the ones that would have the greatest impact on the story or mightchange the outcome of the story. For example, if this story were set in the present day, thecharacters might be hanging out at the mall rather than the drive-in movies.

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 2Handout 2

Current Setting Imagined Setting

1. 1.

2. 2.

3. 3.

4. 4.

5. 5.

Then make a list of five things about the two settings that are constant and would not change(for example, teens might be concerned about violence whether it is set in the 1960s or the present day).

Constants1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


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27


Role Play ActivityGroup Activity

This activity gives you an understanding of character motivation and behavior through roleplaying various scenes.

Directions: In groups of three, choose one of the following activities below. Assign eachperson in your group a role or task for the presentation. Create a script and practice actingout the roles of the characters. Create a title for your scene that reflects the main theme orissue addressed in that scene.

1. Choose a scene from Chapters 1–2 of the novel and create a presentation for the class inwhich you act out that scene.

2. Create an imagined scene in which you and your peers encounter violence or anuncomfortable situation involving rival groups. Present your scene to the class.

Write a three-paragraph essay discussing the following:

1. Do you feel the social situations presented in the novel are realistic? How might thesesituations be different in today’s world?

2. Do you think movies accurately portray issues and problems that face teenagers?

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 2Handout 3

In 1950, the year S. E. Hinton is born,the world population is 2.556 billion.


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28


Theme AnalysisGroup Activity

A theme is a general concept or idea, such as love, justice, or sorrow. One way to help youthink of themes is to complete the following sentence: “This is a book about __________ .”This activity gives you experience working with specific parts of the text in terms of howthey illustrate specific themes.

Directions: In groups of three, select one of the following themes below and have eachperson in the group select a passage or quotation from the book that illustrates that theme.

AlienationStereotypesFamily/Love

Violence

Group’s Theme: _____________________________________________________________

Passage/Quotation:

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 3Handout 1


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29


Vocabulary

A synonym is a word that has the same or nearly the same meaning as another word. Thisactivity reinforces the new words you’ve learned and helps you secure them firmly in yourmind.

Matching

Directions: Match each word on the left with the best synonym on the right.

1. ______ Disgrace a. Speech

2. ______ Feud b. Careless

3. ______ Lecture c. Disfavor

4. ______ Heaved d. Stress

5. ______ Abbreviation Shortened version e. Shaking

6. ______ Undisturbed f. Stumbling

7. ______ Loping g. Flinched

8. ______ Madras h. Quickly

9. ______ Comical i. Coal

10. ______ Tension j. Alone

11. ______ Winced k. Threw

12. ______ Vaguely l. Funny

13. ______ Principle m.Walking

14. ______ Reckless n. Plaid

15. ______ Gallantly o. Belief

16. ______ Reeling p. Fight

17. ______ Quivering q. Unclearly

18. ______ Hastily r. Indifference

19. ______ Ember s. Bravely

20. ______ Aloofness t. Shortened version

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 3Handout 2

In 1950, the yearS. E. Hinton isborn, CharlesSchulz introducesthe Peanutscomic strip.


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3030


Creative Writing: Figurative Language

A simile is a comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as”(for example, “My love is like a red, red rose”). Creative writers use similesto make their writing more descriptive and more interesting. A cliché is asimile that has been overused (for example, “The bed was as hard as arock”).

Writers try to avoid using clichés, however, sometimes they willcreate characters who think and speak in clichés. In this case, the useof clichés is acceptable because it reveals who the character is. Thisactivity familiarizes you with figurative language in creativewriting.

Directions: Create a simile by filling in the blanks for thefollowing. Try to avoid using clichés.

1. The room was as small as _________________________________ .

2. The woman was as scared as _________________________________ .

3. The puppy kicked and rolled around like _________________________________ .

4. I was as mad as _________________________________ .

5. He is as crazy as _________________________________ .

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 3Handout 3


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Discussion Questions: Chapters 1–3

Directions: Use the following questions to review what’s happened in Chapters 1–3. Usethese questions to generate discussion about the author’s ideas and techniques.

Chapter 1

1. What are the benefits to writing a story in the first person?Example: It helps the reader focus attention on one character and really get involved with thatindividual.

2. Why do you think the author begins her story with Ponyboy being jumped?Example: It sets a tone of violence and fear.

3. Why does the author set it up so that Ponyboy gets along with one brother but hasproblems with the other brother?Example: It mirrors the outside world where they have fierce loyalties to some and fierce hatredfor others.

Chapter 2

1. What makes a person choose to act like Dally (for example, purposefully look for theillegal way to do something)?Example: One reason is the person feels a need to show he is better than others, and, when heacts like he is above the law, it makes him feel superior.

2. On the surface, the difference between the greasers and the Socs is money. Whatdifferences do you think lie beneath that surface?Example: I think money is just a reflection of a different set of values that guides their lives.

3. Why do you think Ponyboy opens up to Cherry?Example: It demonstrates his inner nature, one that prefers to trust people and be kind.

Chapter 3

1. Why does the author include the story about Mickey Mouse?Example: It shows a tender side to the greasers that doesn’t come out often.

2. How would you describe Cherry’s attitude toward Ponyboy?Example: She likes him as a person, but she reverts to her social code when other people fromher class are around.


32

The Outsiders

3. For Ponyboy, the country equals freedom while the city brings oppression. How wouldyou compare the city and the country in your world?Example: With the Internet and 24-hour cable news, it seems like there is no escape from theoppression of the city.

4. What is the effect of the last line of Chapter 2 and of Chapter 3, “I know better now”and “I was wrong”?Example: They foreshadow something ominous.




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Teaching Essentials... Just for YOU!Chapters 4–6

Chapter 4 SummaryMore details about the setting are revealed, including a detailed description of the park,where one of the novel’s major conflicts will take place. The rivalry between the Socs andthe greasers goes too far in this chapter, as Ponyboy and Johnny must bear the full force of the conflict. Ponyboy and Johnny decide to take a walk in the park and are attacked bythe group of Socs in the blue Mustang. As a couple of them attempt to drown Ponyboy in the fountain, Johnny stabs and kills one of the others with his switchblade. Afterwards,Ponyboy and Johnny go to Dally for help. He gives them some money, a gun, andinstructions to flee to the old church on Jay Mountain.

Chapter 5 Summary A new setting (the church on Jay Mountain) is introduced and described. Ponyboy andJohnny make an important decision about the violent act they have experienced. Once at the church, Johnny and Ponyboy disguise themselves and hide out. Dally finally arrives with word from home, and a letter from Sodapop, who has also sent some money to helpthem. Dally informs them that there is to be a major rumble between the Socs and thegreasers the next night, and that Cherry has been helping the greasers get information.

Chapter 6 Summary After the three of them go for a meal and return to the church, they find that it is on fire.They discover that some kids picnicking nearby are trapped in the fire, and Ponyboy andJohnny go in to rescue them. Barely escaping with the kids and their lives, they wake up inthe hospital, where Ponyboy is reunited with Soda and Darry.


• analyze character motivation and personality• discuss the major conflicts in the story• create a collage to help visual issues relevant to teens• discuss themes from a personal perspective• use creative writing to explore themes and characters• examine the setting and how it affects the story• compare and contrast characters and situations


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Chapter 4� 1. Character Analysis—hand out and have students complete in class (30 minutes)

2. Plot: Turning Point—hand out and have students complete in class (40 minutes)3. Art Activity—hand out and have students complete at home (1 hour)

Chapter 51. Theme—hand out and have students complete in class (30 minutes)

� 2. Journal Writing—hand out and have students complete in class (1 class period)

Chapter 61. Heroism—hand out and have students complete in class (30 minutes)

� 2. Setting—hand out and have students complete in class (1 class period)3. Comparison Activity—hand out and have students complete in class (45 minutes)




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35


Character Analysis

A character analysis helps you understand the individualpersonality of each character and gives you practice inlooking for information in the text. This activity helpsyou understand character motivation and behavior.

Directions: For each of the following characters,describe a major decision they are facing or somethingimportant that they do or say. Include one quote fromthe book.

Ponyboy:

Johnny:

Dally:

Sodapop:

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 4Handout 1


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36


Plot: Turning Point

A turning point in the plot is when things are irreversibly changed. The turning point hasan impact on the major conflict that is being represented in the story.

Directions: What is the major conflict in this story? What do you think the turning pointup to Chapter 5 is? Why can things never be the same after this event? How will this eventaffect the characters? How will it affect the rest of the story? Write two paragraphs usingquotations or passages from the novel to illustrate your ideas.

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 4Handout 2

In 1950, the year S. E. Hinton is born,the first Xerox machine is produced.


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37


Art Activity

This activity helps you visualize problems and issues relevant totoday’s teens.

Directions: Create a collage using pictures andimages from magazines for one of thefollowing:

1. Issues facing teens today2. Best places to escape or ways to escape

a bad situation, stress, problems, etc.3. The 1960s4. Symbols of wealth and poverty5. Stereotypes

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 4Handout 3


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38


ThemeGroup Activity

A theme is a general concept or idea, such as love, justice, or sorrow. One way to help youthink of themes is to complete the following sentence: “This is a book about __________ .”This activity gives you experience identifying themes.

Directions: In pairs, determine the main theme of Chapters 4–6. To do this, begin bywriting down two possible themes on your own in the box below, and then share themwith one another.

As a team, decide which one of the possible themes most accurately describes the maintheme of Chapters 4–6 and write it below. Share your results with the class.

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 5Handout 1

1.

2.


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39


Journal Writing

Journal writing is designed to give you personalinsight into themes present in the novel. Thisactivity encourages you to explore your ideas, notnecessarily to create a perfect essay.

Directions: Choose one of the following topics.Without discussing your ideas with anyone else, writefor the entire designated time. Get as much as you canon paper without worrying so much about spelling,grammar, or punctuation.

1. Have you ever felt like running away? Why? What did you doabout it?

2. Have you ever been in a fight or felt like getting in a fight? How did you respond?3. Have you ever witnessed an act of violence? Who was involved? How did you react?4. Did you or do you now go to church or other place of worship? How is religion a part

of your life? If it isn’t a part of your life, why?5. Describe an early experience at your place of worship as a child. This can be an

experience such as something you learned in a religious or faith-based class, an activityat your place of worship, or an event or ritual that is an important part of your faithtradition (for example, your baptism).

6. What would you do if your best friend killed someone and came to you for help?

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 5Handout 2


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40


Name

Date Hour

Chapter 6Handout 1

Heroism

A theme is a general concept or idea, such as love, justice, orsorrow. One way to help you think of themes is to completethe following sentence: “This is a book about __________ .”One of the themes up to this point is heroism. Ponyboy andJohnny exhibit heroic behavior when they rescue thechildren from the fire.

Directions: Consider your own views of heroism. Respondto the following questions:

1. What makes a hero/heroine? What qualities make aperson heroic?

2. Who is your personal hero/heroine?


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41


Setting

Setting determines time, place, and tone in fiction.

Directions: Create a map of the setting for Chapters 4–6 that includes the following:

The parkThe trainThe road to Jay MountainThe church on Jay MountainThe restaurant where Dally takes Johnny and PonyboyThe place where the kids are picnickingThe hospitalPonyboy’s houseDally’s house

Using arrows, show Johnny and Ponyboy’s movements. Indicate their starting pointwith a star.

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 6Handout 2


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4242


Comparison ActivityGroup Activity

Comparing and contrasting characters and events helps you identify specific developmentsin the story and whether or not you feel they are important. This activity helps youunderstand characters and their relationships to one another.

Directions: In pairs, compare and contrast one of the following pairs of characters. Make alist of the characteristics on the chart below.Ponyboy and DarryPonyboy and JohnnySodapop and DarryPonyboy and Dally

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 6Handout 3

Trait or situation Character 1 Character 2

Interests or concerns Example (Ponyboy): Sunsets, reading Example (Darry): Football, working

Family

Intelligence

How to deal with conflict

Physical appearance

Fears, worries

Dreams for the future

Discuss your findings above. Why do you think the characters are loyal to each otherdespite their differences?


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Chapter 41. Why do you think Ponyboy is agitated but Johnny is calm?

Example: Johnny may be in a greater state of shock because he is the one who committed thecrime; Johnny’s rational side just takes over.

2. Ponyboy says that Dally’s “fight for self-preservation had hardened him beyond caring.”Explain whether or not you believe this is common or even possible. What are someexamples?Example: Yes, I think that people whose entire life is devoted merely to finding their next mealand next temporary shelter may eventually reach a point where very little affects their emotions;they can’t afford to be emotional.

3. Why do you think Dally rides ponies honestly?Example: It’s the one place where he can excel within the rules, and so he does.

4. Why do people’s appearances carry so much weight in our society?Example: We look for a quick way to judge people in order to interact with them, andappearance can reflect who people are and what they believe.

Chapter 51. What does it tell us about Ponyboy when we learn that he’s always wanted a paperback

copy of Gone with the Wind?Example: It’s another instance of not fitting the stereotype; we learn that he has a philosophicaland intellectual side.

2. What do you think of Johnny’s interpretation of “gallant”?Example: It is an accurate definition that fits his world.

3. Why does Dally help Johnny and Ponyboy above and beyond just getting them out oftown?Example: He loves them like brothers.

Chapter 61. Why does Johnny persist in asking Dally about his (Johnny’s) parents when he knows

what the answer is?Example: Human beings rarely give up hope, and the hope/desire to be loved is probably thestrongest emotion of all.

2. Why do you think Ponyboy and Johnny aren’t scared when they enter the burningchurch?Example: They are focused on doing something good and right; that feeling supersedes their fear.

3 Why doesn’t Ponyboy realize how important he is to Darry before the night at thehospital?Example: He is young and only sees what’s on the surface.



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Teaching Essentials... Just for YOU!Chapters 7–9

Chapter 7 SummaryPonyboy, Darry and Soda wait at the hospital for news about Johnny and Dally’s condition.As they wait, numerous reporters approach them. They finally learn that Dally is badlyburned, but will recover fine. They learn that Johnny is in critical condition and may beparalyzed. The next morning at home, Two-Bit and Steve arrive over breakfast with anewspaper announcing Ponyboy and Johnny as heroes. As Two-Bit and Ponyboy go for a walk later that morning, they are approached by the Socs in the blue Mustang. A Socnamed Randy gets out of the car and he and Ponyboy have a discussion about the incidentat the park. Randy says he misses his friend Bob and is tired of fighting, and that he won’tfight in the rumble.

Chapter 8 SummaryPonyboy and Two-Bit go back to the hospital to visit Johnny, who is now paralyzed. WhenJohnny’s mom shows up, they leave to go visit Dally, who asks for Two-Bit’s knife. Hetucks it under his pillow, suggesting that he will be at the rumble later that night. As Two-Bit and Ponyboy leave, they run into Cherry Valance, who refuses to visit Johnny. She isstill upset over her boyfriend Bob getting killed, even though she wants to help thegreasers at the same time. Ponyboy accuses her of being disloyal and of not really wantingto help them, but she tells him that isn’t true.

Chapter 9 SummaryThe greasers prepare for the big rumble with the Socs. They meet the Socs, and it is Darrywho begins the fighting, stepping forward to find that the Soc he is challenging is one ofhis old friends from the football team in high school. Dally arrives as the rumble is in fullswing. The greasers finally defeat the Socs as they begin retreating to their cars. Dally andPonyboy go to see Johnny immediately after the rumble to give him the good news. Theyarrive just as he dies..


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• analyze the plot• use creative thinking and writing to understand character motivation• examine symbolism used in the book• foreshadow events• role play in front of the class• analyze major decisions and problems facing the characters


Chapter 7� 1. Plot Analysis—hand out and have students complete in class (15 minutes)

2. Theme: Loyalty—hand out and have students complete in class (30 minutes)

Chapter 8� 1. Symbolism Activity—hand out and have students complete in class (30 minutes)

2. Foreshadowing—hand out and have students complete in class (20 minutes)3. Role Play—hand out and have students complete in class (1 class period)

Chapter 91. Ethics—hand out and have students complete in class (30 minutes)2. Character Analysis—hand out and have students complete in class (40 minutes)




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Plot Analysis

Plot is the series of events that make up the story. This activity helps you comprehend theplot elements.

Directions: In the circles below, describe in order what Ponyboy does from the time Two-Bit and Steve arrive at breakfast at the Curtis house:

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 7Handout 1


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Theme: Loyalty

A theme is a general concept or idea, such as love, justice, or sorrow. One way to help youthink of themes is to complete the following sentence: “This is a book about __________ .”One of the themes of this section is loyalty. This activity gives you experience workingwith specific parts of the text in terms of how they illustrate specific themes.

How would you define loyalty? Is it possible to be loyal to more than one person or groupat the same time, even if they are in opposition to one another?

Direction: Choose one of the following characters and write a brief essay describing towhom or what that character is most loyal:

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 7Handout 2

Ponyboy Two-BitDally CherryJohnny


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Symbolism Activity

A symbol is an object or action that stands for something else. This activity helps youunderstand the use of symbolism in the novel.

Directions: Answer the questions below in the space provided.

What do you think are the four most important symbols up to Chapter 8?

1.

2.

3.

4.

Explain who is most affected by each symbol or image:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Find at least two places (list page numbers) throughout the novel where the images orsymbols described above are mentioned:

1.

2.

3.

4.

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 8Handout 1


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Foreshadowing

Foreshadowing is a technique authors use to drop hints about future events in a novel.This activity helps you understand foreshadowing (seeing hints about or predicting) storyelements.

Directions: Predict what each event from Chapter 8 below foreshadows about the rest ofthe story. Keep this handout and check your guesses with the facts after you finishedreading this novel.

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 8Handout 2

Foreshadows

Johnny tellsPonyboy, “I don’twant to die now. Iain’t long enough.”

Two-Bit says,“We could get alongwithout anyone butJohnny”.

Dally asks forTwo-Bit’s knife


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Role PlayGroup Activity

Role playing is a creative way to explore specific scenes in a story. It helps you toempathize with the characters and the situations. This activity helps you to understandcharacter motivation.

Directions: In pairs, create a dialogue between Ponyboy and Bob in which you imaginewhat they would talk about if Bob were still alive. Then, present the dialogue to the class.

Discuss the following:1. The incident in the park2. The upcoming rumble between the Socs and the greasers3. Cherry’s involvement in the rivalry

Brainstorm ideas below:

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 8Handout 3


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Ethics

Ethics are the values or beliefs by which we live and make decisions everyday. This activity helps you understand how we make moral decisions andjudgments, and how they are represented in the novel.

Directions: Answer the following questions that deal with ethical issues:

1. Who’s most at fault for what happens to Johnny?

2. Should Randy fight in the rumble? Why or why not?

3. Should Two-Bit have given Dally his knife? Why or why not?

4. Should Cherry help the greasers? Why or why not?

5. Is Darry setting a good example for Ponyboy and Sodapop by joining in the rumble?

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 9Handout 1


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Character Analysis

Characterization is the method used by a writer to develop how the character looks, acts,and thinks. This activity helps you understand character motivation and behavior.

Directions: For each of the following characters, describe one major issue, concern, orproblem facing him/her. Then, describe how the character resolves the problem orconcern, or explain the outcome:

1. Randy:

2. Ponyboy:

3. Cherry:

4. Johnny:

5. Dally:

6. Darry:

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 9Handout 2

In 1950, the year S. E. Hinton is born,Phonevision, the first pay-per-viewservice, becomes available.


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Chapter 71. Explain whether the doctor would have accepted friends as family members if Johnny

had been a Soc.Example: I think the doctor would have forbidden it, believing that the Soc patient would havecaring parents at his side.

2. What do you think of the Curtises’ open door policy?Example: It shows their loyalty and love toward their friends; it also shows another way friendsreplace family.

3. Why do you think Darry never got over missing college?Example: Darry knew that education was his way into another lifestyle; he could have risenabove his station in life if he’d been able to go to college.

4. Why is the conversation between Ponyboy and Randy pivotal? Or is it?Example: It’s a conversation between two people who aren’t hiding behind their labels; it’s amoment of truth.

Chapter 81. Why do you think the gang needed Johnny as much as he needed them?

Example: Johnny was someone they could love and protect; his presence allowed them to care forsomebody.

2. Why do you think Johnny refuses to see his mother?Example: He wanted her to care for him when he was missing, and she didn’t; now that he iscritically ill, he feels her actions are worthless.

3. Why does Ponyboy accuse Cherry of acting high and mighty?Example: Ponyboy is afraid and scared; he also blames a lot of the greasers’ problems on theSocs so he uses Cherry as a scapegoat.

Chapter 91. Why do you think some people like fights?

Example: Some people might like fights because it gives them an opportunity to win, and mostof the time they feel like they are losing out compared to other people.

2. Why does the author have Darry confront an old high school buddy at the rumble?Example: It underscores Darry’s emotions, who he is, because it’s a moment where he sees whathe could have had but never will.

3. What does it mean to “stay gold”?Example: It means to keep the beauty and innocence and truthfulness that everyone else seemsto have lost.


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Teaching Essentials... Just for YOU!Chapter 10–12

Chapter 10 SummaryPonyboy leaves the hospital in a daze, and wanders around nearly all night. When astranger finally takes him home, he finds the gang waiting for him. He tells the gang thatJohnny is dead, and when a phone call reveals that Dally has robbed a store and fled, theyall run out to look for him. They find him in an alley, surrounded by cops, and as heflashes a gun, the police shoot him dead in front of them. Ponyboy faints.

Chapter 11 Summary Ponyboy wakes to find that he has been in and out of consciousness for four days. He hasto stay in bed for a week. During that time, Randy visits him, on the eve of their hearingregarding the incident at the park. Ponyboy tries to convince Randy it was he who killedBob, not Johnny, and that Johnny is not dead. Hearing the commotion, Darry comes intothe room and asks Randy to leave. Ponyboy is worried about the judge putting him andSoda into a foster home.

Chapter 12 Summary At the hearing, Ponyboy is acquitted of any crime, and he returns home. After the hearing,Ponyboy suffers a severe depression. His schoolwork suffers and he stops eating. HisEnglish teacher tells him he will give him a chance to rescue his grade if he writes a goodtheme for his class. One day while walking with Two-Bit and Steve, Ponyboy pulls abroken bottle on a Soc. Two-Bit warns him not to become too hardened in life. Ponyboygoes home and tries to write, finding it difficult. Later, Darry tells him the news thatSandy (Soda’s girlfriend) has left Soda. As Soda runs out of the room, Ponyboy and Darrychase him. They catch up to him, rediscovering their bond to one another. With hisrenewed sense of family, Ponyboy goes home and decides to write the whole story fromthe beginning.

Target Objectives:At the end of this section, students are able to:

• describe the five stages of grief and Ponyboy’s behavior• discuss and find quotations that illustrate the themes• perform research on related topics• use creative thinking and writing in different points of view to understand

character motivation and behavior• discuss the overall messages and themes of the book and describe personal responses


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Chapter 101. Character Activity: Stages of Grief—hand out and have students complete in class

(1 class period)2. Theme Analysis—hand out and have students complete in class (30 minutes)

Chapter 111. Journal Activity—hand out and have students complete in class (20 minutes)

� 2. Research Topic: Role Models—hand out and have students complete at home (2 hours)

Chapter 121. Creative Writing Activity—hand out and have students complete in class

(30 minutes)� 2. Ethics Activity—hand out and have students complete in class (1 class period)

3. Interview With the Author—hand out and have students complete in class (1 class period)




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Character Activity: Stages of Grief

Characterization is the method used by a writer to develop how the character looks, acts,and thinks. This activity helps you understand the stages of grief in Ponyboy.

Directions: Locate a website or book that describes five stages of grief and list them in thecircles below. Then, underneath each circle, describe how Ponyboy’s behavior reflects thatstage of grief.

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 10Handout 1


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Theme AnalysisGroup Activity

A theme is a general concept or idea, such as love, justice, or sorrow. One way to help youthink of themes is to complete the following sentence: “This is a book about __________ .”This activity gives you experience working with specific parts of the text in terms of howthey illustrate specific themes.

Directions: Together with a partner, choose one of the following themes from Chapter 10and locate five passages or quotations which illustrate that theme:

GriefHeroismJusticeBraverySelf-expression

Passages/Quotations:

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 10Handout 2

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.


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Journal Activity

Journal writing is designed to give you personal insight into themes present in the novel.This activity encourages you to explore your ideas, not necessarily to create a perfect essay.

Directions: Choose one of the following topics. Without discussing your ideas withanyone else, write for the entire designated time. Get as much as you can on paper withoutworrying so much about spelling, grammar, or punctuation.

1. Have you ever experienced the death of someone close to you? How did you deal withit?

2. Describe an experience in which you were asked to do something important for a causebut were afraid to do it or were not sure it was the right thing to do.

3. Have you ever been untruthful for someone else’s benefit? Explain.4. Do you think violence is ever an appropriate way to solve a problem or dispute?5. Have you ever been depressed, or do you know someone who has experienced

depression? Describe the experience.6. If you had a chance to change the world by writing about something important or

telling a story, what would it be?

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 11Handout 1


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Research Topic: Role Models

This activity gives you experience researching current topics and applying critical thinkingskills to issues and problems.

Directions: The following question is the basis for your paper. Use the suggestions belowto organize your essay. Your paper needs to be five paragraphs, with a clear thesis.

What qualities in a person make him or her a good role model for teens? Compare andcontrast good and bad role models that teens have today.

Suggestions:

a. Interview peers about what they think makes a hero, and who their heroes are.

b. Give examples from the media and discuss how the media represents heroes. Is heroisma popularity contest?

c. What happens when a role model does something morally wrong?

d. Do you believe teens today have the right role models? Why or why not?

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 11Handout 2


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Creative Writing ActivityGroup Activity

This activity helps you use creative thinking to understand characters, point of view, andthemes present in the novel.

Directions: In groups of two, imagine how this story would begin if told from the point ofview of each of the following characters. Provide an alternate first paragraph for the novel.

DarryFirst Paragraph:

JohnnyFirst Paragraph:

CherryFirst Paragraph:

DallyFirst Paragraph:

BobFirst Paragraph:

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 12Handout 1


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Ethics Activity

Ethics are the values or beliefs by which we live and make decisionsevery day. This activity helps you understand how we makemoral decisions and judgments, and how they are representedin the novel.

Directions: Brainstorm all the things that might influence thefollowing characters to make the decision indicated:

1. Dally pulls out a gun as cops surround him.

2. The cops shoot Dally.

3. Ponyboy tells Randy he is the one—not Johnny—who killed Bob.

4. The judge acquits Ponyboy.

5. Ponyboy pulls a broken bottle on a Soc.

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 12Handout 2


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Interview With the AuthorGroup Activity

Often, the end of a reading experience leaves you feeling a little sad, satisfied, and curiousThis activity allows you to interact with the writer, S.E. Hinton! Be as creative, humorous,or serious as you like, but you must ask some fundamental questions regarding TheOutsiders that only Hinton could answer.

Directions: Write ten questions regarding the novel that you would like to ask S.E.Hinton. Use a separate piece of paper to do this assignment. After you write yourquestions, exchange papers with another student who will answer the questions.

Name

Date Hour

Chapter 12Handout 3


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Chapter 101. How did you feel when Dally died?

Example: Even though he’d done bad things, I felt sad because it seems as if he had no choice butto live a terrible life.

2. Why do you think Ponyboy has difficulty talking to Darry?Example: He sees Darry as an adversary, and he never thinks of him in a positive manner.

Chapter 111. Why does Ponyboy describe Bob as “the person we had killed”?

Example: Ponyboy feels that their collective lifestyle culminated in Bob’s death; it didn’t happenbecause of one person at one time.

2. Why does Ponyboy care about middle class school friends seeing his messy house butnot about rich Randy seeing it?Example: He wants his friends to have a good impression of him, but a Soc will never thinkwell of him no matter how clean his house is.

3. What is Randy’s purpose in visiting Ponyboy?Example: It seems that he just wanted to talk to someone else who was there, someone whomight understand how he felt.

Chapter 121. Why do Darry and Sodapop have different emotional reactions when explaining that

Dally was their friend?Example: Darry works hard and does the right thing, which includes standing by their friendDally; he doesn’t have time to be emotional about it. Sodapop is still immature and doesn’t bearthe weight of responsibility for the family, so he can let his feelings overwhelm him.

2. Why do you think Ponyboy is failing his classes?Example: School seems unimportant in light of what has happened to him. He just can’t focuson it when his mind is consumed with grief and wondering.

3. What makes Ponyboy brandish the broken bottle at the Socs?Example: It seems that he’s trying out the greaser philosophy that violence reigns supreme andlife has no meaning; he wants to see how that approach feels.

4. Why is Two-Bit relieved when Ponyboy picks up the broken pieces of glass?Example: It shows that Ponyboy’s nature is unchanged; he’s still a decent, civilized kid.

5. How did you feel when you were reading the letter from Johnny?Example: It was sad that someone who saw life so clearly, someone who might be able to changethings, was dead now.


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Reflect on Reading

he following activities require students to work with the novel as a

whole. This includes discussion questions, activities, a pre-reading

question review, and a final test.

LESSON PLAN DETAILS

Discussion Questions (2 class periods)

1. “Nothing Gold Can Stay”—hand out and have students complete in class (1 class period)

2. Interview the Greasers—hand out and have students complete in class (2 class periods)

3. Pre-Reading Question Review—hand out and have students complete in class(1 class period)

Final Test—hand out and have students complete in class (1 class period)

T



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Reflect on Reading

Discussion Questions

Directions: Use the following questions to review what’s happened in the novel and todiscuss ideas and themes.

1. What do you feel is the overall message of this story?Example: When you remove the factors that make people different on the outside, the sameemotions are inside of everyone.

2. Do you think this is a realistic representation of the problems teens faced during thistime period?Example: Some elements are realistic, but, as the story itself illustrates, no generalizations areever entirely accurate.

3. What effect does the fact that Hinton was herself a teenager have on the story?Example: She probably captured their emotions well, but she also lacked some maturity.

4. What do you think of the fact that Hinton was a female writing from a maleperspective?Example: It was a bold move that shed new light on certain issues.

5. What is the effect of ending the story with the same line as the beginning?Example: It brings the story full circle; it also suggests that the same types of events willcontinue to repeat themselves, but maybe there can be a different ending if there is moreunderstanding.

6. This is a story of how we stereotype and place labels on others. What have youlearned from it?Example: You cannot judge someone without getting to know them personally.

7. This is a story about heroism. Who is your hero? Why?Example: Anyone who sacrifices his or her desires for other people is my hero, whether they doit on a large scale or a small one.

8. Who was the most “gallant” character in this story? Why?Example: Ponyboy was because he thought beyond his current situation and tried to apply thoselessons despite the dire circumstances of his life.

9. Would you help someone you love if you knew he or she had committed a terriblecrime? How exactly would you help?Example: If it was a truly terrible crime, I’d probably turn them over to the authorities becausethey wouldn’t be safe to be around. But if they’d done it in self-defense, I’d probably try to hidethem.


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10. Do you think some people are so hardened that they are beyond help or rescue?Example: Yes, some people seem to lack all moral sense.

11. Do you think someone’s particular circumstances affect how they are judged aftercommitting a crime?Example: The circumstances should affect their sentences, but not a guilty or not guilty verdict.

12. Who’s responsible for teens that commit violent or criminal acts?Example: Teens have to be responsible for their actions. If, however, their parents created theawful situation that led the teen to commit the crime, the parents should be punished, too.

13. Do you think a fight or violent acts are ever justified?Example: Violence is only justified in self-defense.

14. What is the one thing you will remember most about this story in five years?Example: I’ll remember Ponyboy’s line about greasers watching sunsets too; it shows thateveryone is the same no matter how different they look or live.

15. How is this a story about hope—for the future, humanity, for those struggling withtheir own battles?Example: It shows that people survive difficult situations, and where there’s life there’s hope.

16. How would you find out that someone you knew was in trouble—with drugs, gangs,depression, etc.?Example: I would discover it once their behavior began to change, when their actions no longermatched the personality they once had.

17. What is the best way to deal with violence when you are confronted with it?Example: Finding help is the best way, particularly with bullies because they are really justcowards underneath it all.

18. What are the top three problems facing teens today, in your opinion? What are thecauses of these problems?Example: Violence, drugs, and lack of close relationships. Kids need to feel more connected toimportant people in their lives and when they don’t feel that, they turn to violence, drugs, etc.,to find a sense of belonging.

19. Do you think your problems today are as bad as those of 1960s teens?Example: I think they are different and equally bad in their own way.

20. How can we as a society help solve these problems?Example: We have to spend more time with kids and less time letting them watch violenttelevision shows and play violent video games.

Reflect on Reading, continued Discussion Questions


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“Nothing Gold Can Stay”

Essays help you synthesize what you have learned regarding a character, theme, or literarydevice.

Directions: Write a five-paragraph essay in which you discuss Robert Frost’s poem,“Nothing Gold Can Stay,” that is mentioned in the novel. Here are the guidelines:

1. What is the overall message of this poem?2. Why do you think Ponyboy remembered this poem?3. Why is this poem important to the meaning of the novel?

Your essay needs to have an introduction, a body, and a conclusion. The above guidelinesserve as the topics for the three paragraphs in the body of your essay.

Name

Date Hour

Reflect on ReadingHandout 1


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Interview the GreasersGroup Project

Role playing is a creative way to explorespecific scenes in a story. It helps you toempathize with the characters and thesituations.

Directions: In groups of five, createa script for a mock televisioninterview with the membersof the greaser gang, askingthem questions about whatit’s like to be a member of agang, how they respond to the violence, what they plan to do with their lives, etc. Take a humorous or serious approach to this project. One person in your group needs to playthe interviewer and everyone else needs to play various greaser roles. Write down thequestions and answers, practice your roles, then present your interview in front of the class.


Name

Date Hour

Reflect on ReadingHandout 2


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Pre-Reading Question Review

Take out the pre-reading questions that you completed before you read The Outsiders.Determine if the novel has changed your beliefs.

Directions: Complete the chart below in preparation for a discussion with your classmates.

Reflect on ReadingHandout 3 Name

Date Hour

1. How do social groups play apart in school?

2. How does someone’sappearance affect how othersview him or her?

3. What do you think contributesto violence among teenagers?What can be done to preventteen violence?

4. How do you define the word“family”? Does a family meandifferent things to differentpeople?

5. Is it acceptable to commit anact of violence againstsomeone else to protect or getrevenge for someone you love?

Pre-Reading Answers Before Answers After Changes?Question Reading Reading Write Yes

or No



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Final Test

The following test assesses your knowledge and understanding of The Outsiders.

Directions: Read all the directions and questions carefully.

Multiple ChoiceDirections: Circle the letter of the correct answer. (1 pt. each)

1. Who narrates The Outsiders?a) Dally c) Johnnyb) an outside observer d) Ponyboy

2. What happens when the Socs are attempting to drown Ponyboy?a) Johnny stabs the Soc named Bob. c) A cop breaks up the fight.b) Dally intervenes d) none of the above

3. Ponyboy says the Socs have madras shirts and Corvairs. What does he say thegreasers have?a) leather jackets c) their hairb) strength d) chains

4. What impressed Johnny most about Gone with the Wind?a) the description c) the Southern gentlemenb) the religious references d) the poetry

5. Dally brings a letter to Ponyboy at the church. Who is it from?a) Cherry c) Sodapopb) Darry d) Two-Bit

6. Why does Dally knock Ponyboy down as he comes out of the burning church?a) He is mad at Ponyboy. c) Ponyboy’s back is on fire.b) He is proud of Ponyboy. d) He can’t see where he is going.

7. At the hospital, what does Ponyboy tell reporters he wishes he could do more thananything?a) smoke a cigarette c) save Johnny’s lifeb) become a hero d) take a bath

Name

Date Hour


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8. Ponyboy remembers what words from Cherry Valance?a) Those are the breaks. c) Things are rough all over.b) It’s bad over here too. d) Don’t get too tough.

9. What does the front page of the newspaper say the day after Ponyboy goes homefrom the hospital?a) Children Saved From Fire c) Juvenile Delinquents Turned Heroesb) The Outsiders Win d) Things Are Rough All Over

10. Ponyboy has a recurring nightmare about what?a) his first camping trip c) hiding at the churchb) he can’t remember d) Sodapop getting attacked by Socs

11. Why does Dally want to fight in the rumble, even though he is in no condition tofight?a) He wants to get revenge for Johnny. c) He wants to die.b) He has to protect Ponyboy. d) Randy threatened him

12. What does Two-Bit say is the only thing that keeps Darry from being a Soc?a) his job c) his parentsb) the other greasers d) himself

13. Why do the greasers dress in their best outfits before a rumble?a) They want to get them dirty. c) They want to prove to the Socs

that they aren’t trashy.b) They plan on going to the movies d) They have grease on their other

after the rumble. clothes.

14. What are Johnny’s last words to Ponyboy?a) Don’t get too tough. c) stay greatb) You’re the only family I had. d) stay gold

15. Who tells the gang that Johnny is dead?a) Ponyboy c) the copsb) They read it in the newspapers. d) Randy

Final Test, continued Final Test


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MatchingDirections: Choose the letter that fits the description. Make sure that you use each letterjust once and that you have no letters left over. (1 pt. each)

1. _____ Author of “Nothing Gold Can Stay” a. Two-Bit

2. _____ Steve’s favorite past time b. movies

3. _____ Narrator of The Outsiders c. Darrel

4. _____ Soc who watches sunsets d. Robert Frost

5. _____ Owner of a black-handled switchblade e. Soda

6. _____ Handsome dropout who works at the gas station f. fights

7. _____ Soc Johnny kills g. Ponyboy Curtis

8. _____ Oldest Curtis brother h. Cherry Valance

9. _____ Hurt by his parents’ neglect i. Johnny

10. _____ Ponyboy’s favorite pastime j. Robert Sheldon

Event Sequencing Directions: Order the following events chronologically from 1 to 10. (1pt. each)

_______ a. Ponyboy writes a theme for English

_______ b. Dally is shot

_______ c. Ponyboy is attacked by Socs after leaving the movie theater

_______ d. Ponyboy and Johnny walk Cherry and Marcia home

_______ e. Ponyboy reads a letter from Johnny

_______ f. The greasers defeat the Socs

_______ g. Ponyboy is sick in bed for a week

_______ h. Dally gives Johnny and Ponyboy money and a gun

_______ i. Johnny and Ponyboy disguise themselves

_______ j. Ponyboy pulls a broken bottle on a Soc



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Short Answer Directions: Write your answer to each question on a separate piece of paper. Use completesentences. (4 pts. each)

1. At the movies, Cherry tells Ponyboy she could fall in love with whom?2. What personal story does Ponyboy tell Cherry about?3. Why does Ponyboy want to live in the country?4. What happened to Ponyboy’s parents?5. Who does Ponyboy love more than anyone else?6. How are the Soc girls different than most of the girls the greasers date?7. How do Ponyboy and Johnny get to their hideout?8. What book do Ponyboy and Johnny read while in hiding?9. What does Randy tell Ponyboy when he comes to visit him?

10. What is Dally doing when he is shot?

Essay QuestionsDirections: Choose one of the three essay questions listed below to answer. The lengthneeds to be approximately 350 words. Make sure your response is well organized andgrammatically correct. Use a separate piece of paper. (20 pts.)

1. What is the message of The Outsiders?2. What does Two-Bit mean when he tells Ponyboy not to get too tough?3. How are the greasers and the Socs really different? How are they similar?



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Answer Key

This section provides answers to activities and the test in the order in which they appear inthe guide.

Novel Road Map to SuccessBefore We StartHandout 5Chapter 1

1. Ponyboy2. He likes to be alone, and the movies are a way for him to escape his present reality by

experiencing a world that is more pleasant, more positive, etc.3. He is jumped by some Socs.4. rocks5. Since Ponyboy’s parents were killed when he was young, family for him includes his two older

brothers, Darry and Soda. (Darry is more like a parent because he established rules, etc.) Insome ways, he also thinks of the gang as family because they look out for one another.

6. A Soc is a member of the well-to-do, rich social class, and a greaser is a member of the poorer, lower class. They seem to be rivals because they seem so different on the outside. Each side is threatened by what it doesn’t know or understand about the other side.

7. Madras shirts8. Tim Shepard’s gang9. his brothers, Sodapop and Darry

10. Ponyboy is close to his brother Sodapop because he sees him as more fun. Darry is strict, soPonyboy is not as close to him.

11. Ponyboy loves Soda (or says he does) more than Darry. Ponyboy is very close to Soda, who ismore fun-loving and adventurous. Darry is more like a parent and is strict with Ponyboy.

12. football13. at the gas station14. He is so good-looking.15. Sandy16. Book sense is about knowing the facts, but common sense is about recognizing and dealing

with situations that are affected by facts (in other words, common sense is the application ofbook knowledge).

17. He describes Johnny as a “little dark puppy,” Two-Bit as a clown, Dally as dangerous, andSteve as an expert with cars who doesn’t like Ponyboy very much.

18. Besides his brother Sodapop, he seems to have an affection for Johnny, who is the youngest,next to Ponyboy.

19. their hair20. They were killed in a car wreck.

Chapter 21. Dally2. Cherry and Marcia see them as unthreatening, and they are curious.3. He thinks they are prettier and smarter than the girls the greasers usually go out with.4. He was brutally attacked by the Socs several months before, and because he has a rough family

life.5. only if they are called so by other members of their gang


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6. According to the greasers, a rough fight is one that involves weapons such as knives and chains. When the greasers fight among themselves, it’s a fair fight (skin-to-skin or fist fight)between two. The Socs are rough. They gang up on one or two, or they rumble each otherwith their social clubs.

7. Because Johnny has such a rough home life, because they are always getting jumped by theSocs, and because his brother Darry has to work so hard.

8. They are more cultured and prettier—not loud and rough like greaser girls.9. She says that the Socs have problems too, and, though they are not the same kinds of

problems, they have it just as rough as the greasers.10. No, Cherry believes they are people too.

Chapter 31. walk them home2. He tells her about Sodapop’s horse, Mickey Mouse.3. Cherry seems to be intrigued by the other side and by the unknown. She would like to escape

her seemingly “perfect world.”4. He is telling her that the greasers are really just like the Socs—they are all human and can

appreciate sunsets.5. She means that when you have everything you want, you are continually unsatisfied with your

life.6. Because Darry is so strict with Ponyboy and wants to keep him out of trouble, he has a

detached way of loving Ponyboy that Ponyboy doesn’t understand.7. Ponyboy sees the country as a place of escape, a place where there are no labels placed on

people and life is perfect.8. Darry slaps him for being out too late.

Chapter 41. a blue Mustang2. They are walking with the Socs’ girlfriends, Cherry and Marcia.3. They try to drown him in the fountain.4. Johnny is afraid that the Socs will kill Ponyboy. He acts out of pure fear. Sample answer: It is

difficult to say whether one’s actions are morally right or wrong when they are done in the heat of the moment.

5. He says, “Good for you,” and seems pleased. Then, he offers to help them escape.6. at Buck’s house7. bootlegging8. He gives them some money, a jacket, instructions on where to go, and a gun.9. They are frightened and say they would never use a gun.

10. They hop on a train to the country.11. He sees that Johnny really is rough around the edges and has truly had it rough. For the first

time, he sees him as a stranger.12. He means that never seeing his friends and family again and living with the knowledge of a

brutal crime would be far worse than being a greaser.

Chapter 51. They decide to disguise themselves. Ponyboy bleaches his hair, and Johnny cuts his hair.2. Their hair is a form of self-identity. It is the one thing that really sets them apart.3. They break down in tears and regretfully acknowledge the terrible consequences.4. They play cards, read from the book Gone with the Wind and recite a poem by Robert Frost.5. Robert Frost6. He is fascinated by Southern gentlemen.


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7. bologna sandwiches8. For Ponyboy, what are “real” are the tough actions and attitudes that sometimes go along with

“real” life. Somehow, he has managed to maintain a certain innocence, despite the roughthings he has experienced. He believes that some people lose who they are in the bitternessand hardened attitude that goes along with life’s difficulties.

9. The sunset is a symbol of hope and understanding for Ponyboy. It comes to represent thethings that unite all of us as human beings, regardless of whether we are a greaser or a Soc.

10. Sodapop. He is not angry with Ponyboy.

Chapter 61. Cherry is someone who bridges the gap between the world of the greasers and the world of

the Socs. She represents the hope that we can all understand each other as human beingsinstead of a social label.

2. Showing one’s emotions is a sign of weakness, and greasers have to keep their guard up inorder to protect themselves.

3. He believes that, because the crime was self-defense, they will get off easy. He also seems tiredof hiding and wants to end it.

4. They discover that it is on fire and some kids are trapped inside.5. Ponyboy and Johnny6. He slaps him on the back to put out the fire.7. Johnny8. They are just glad to see him and that he is safe.

Chapter 71. reporters2. to take a bath3. He means that because they look out for him and care about him, that is more family than his

real family at home who do not care about him.4. They have to keep up the front of being tough in order to protect themselves.5. that he and Johnny are being called heroes6. He doesn’t see himself as a hero because he feels anyone in that situation would have acted the

same way.7. Answers will vary. Sample answer: They put themselves in front of others, or seemed to. That

is a heroic act. Yet, they may also have acted on the fear that they would be blamed for the fireand that helping rescue the kids would somehow help them.

8. He can never remember; he just wakes up in a cold sweat or screaming.9. It might seem helpful to be “of the same kind” if you met someone in an alley. It seems to say

greasers see themselves in a negative light, but that that is a safe place to be.10. When Ponyboy gets in trouble, the authorities might think Darry isn’t sufficiently responsible

and place Ponyboy and Sodapop in a foster home.11. He tells him that he is tired of the fighting between the Socs and the greasers and that he is

not going to fight any more.12. He means that the greasers will always be greasers and the Socs will always be Socs.13. Answers will vary. Sample answer: Parents are responsible for teaching kids right and wrong,

but they cannot always control their actions. There is a saying, “Prepare your child for thepath, not the path for the child.”

Chapter 81. He broke his back and will never walk again.2. a copy of Gone with the Wind3. a knife


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4. He wants to get revenge for Johnny.5. He says it teaches you all the wrong things and none of the things you want to see.6. He doesn’t want to see her because she has always treated him badly and selfishly.7. Darry was a football player in school and was always clean-cut and popular. He just never had

the money to really be of the Soc group. Two-Bit is saying that they all keep him back frombecoming who he should be.

8. He is more grown-up and has more responsibilities. He is like the parent.9. Answers will vary. Sample answer: She feels a sense of obligation to help her fellow human

beings. She sees them as real people with real problems and not as just greasers. She is tired ofall the fighting between the Socs and the greasers.

10. that Socs are going to play fair

Chapter 91. Because they want to really express that they are greasers by exaggerating their features. Yet,

they want to show the Socs that they aren’t trash, so they clean themselves up and put on good clothes.

2. at the vacant lot3. They are much rougher than the members of his own gang.4. Darry steps forward and starts the rumble. Ironically, the person he meets is an old friend

from high school.5. Dally6. Answers will vary. Sample answer: The greasers may have won the battle, but not the war—

yet. In the future, with more greasers like Ponyboy who understand the common humanity ofthe two groups, the war may come to an end.

7. They go visit Johnny.

Chapter 101. He wanders around almost all night in a daze.2. Because he doesn’t want to give up hope that there is good in the world. In some ways,

Johnny represented hope because he was the one who had a more difficult time than theothers, yet he was still a good person at heart—not hardened by experience.

3. a stranger4. Ponyboy5. They learn that he has robbed a grocery store and is on the run.6. Answers will vary. Sample answer: Dally may have loved Johnny because he admired his

ability to stay true to himself despite the hard knocks of life. He may also have been like achild to Dally—someone for him to protect.

7. He believes that this is what Dally really wanted in life.8. he faints9. Sodapop. He is concerned that he might not have asked for Darry and doesn’t want Darry to

think he doesn’t love him.10. Answers will vary. Sample answer: In Ponyboy’s view, Dally may have been better off because

he probably would not have changed—he would have just become more and more hardenedand bitter in life. Johnny may have been better off if the world doesn’t change—if goodcontinued to fall in the face of evil.

11. Answers will vary. Sample answer: Dally was gallant because it took bravery to pull out thegun—it was equivalent to committing suicide in Ponyboy’s view. Johnny was brave because henever lost who he was, even in the face of death.

Chapter 111. stay in bed for a week


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The Outsiders


2. Randy3. Answers will vary. Sample answer: Maybe because he is still in denial or he wants to accept

responsibility or punish himself for Johnny’s death.4. He was still full of hope despite all the hard times, and because of what they had been through

together.

Chapter 121. The judge acquits him.2. if he likes living with Darry3. He goes into a depression.4. He pulls a broken bottle on them.5. He tells him not to become too hardened by his experiences.6. It is possible to love someone and yet hate what they do.7. He learns that we are all people, regardless of the labels we place on each other and the

battles we wage against one another.8. He is like Johnny, in that he will keep his hope and positive outlook despite the hard

experiences he has had.9. He is tired of the fighting between Darry and Ponyboy.

10. They realize that all they really have is each other and how much they need and love eachother. They realize what true family is.

11. his copy of Gone with the Wind and a letter12. He tells him to “stay gold” and to keep his childlike, hopeful outlook on life.13. He decides to tell the story of the greasers and the Socs and the conflicts and problems of

young boys.

VocabularyChapter 3Handout 2

Character AnalysisChapter 4Handout 1

1. Ponyboy—Concerned about being sent to a foster home, worried about his friends, wants toprove his manhood by fighting in the rumble.

2. Cherry—Wants to help the greasers, but feels guilty too.3. Johnny—He is fighting for his life.4. Dally—Fighting his injuries, wants to get revenge at the rumble, upset when Johnny dies.

ForeshadowingChapter 8Handout 2Answers will vary but may include:

1. Johnny will die and the greasers will talk about his life being too short; Johnny will live andtalk about having a chance to live longer.

2. The greasers will have to learn how to live without Johnny; they will lose another member oftheir gang and have to learn how to live without someone else; Two-Bit will realize they needeveryone in order to get along.

1. c2. p

3. a4. k

5. t6. j

7. m8. n

9. l10. d

11. g12. q

13. o14. b

15. s16. f

17. c18. h

19. i20. r


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The Outsiders


3. Dally will use the knife to escape from the hospital; Dally will use the knife to kill Socs who hefeels are responsible for Johnny’s death; Dally will have Two-Bit’s knife and Two-Bit will beunable to defend himself against a Soc.

Final TestReflect on ReadingMultiple Choice

Matching

Event Sequencing

Short Answer1. Dally2. Sodapop’s horse, Mickey Mouse3. He sees it as an escape, a place where there are no labels placed on people.4. They were killed in a car wreck.5. Sodapop6. They are cleaner and smarter.7. hop a train8. Gone with the Wind9. that he is tired of fighting

10. pulling out a gun

Essay QuestionsThese are general answer suggestions. Answers may include some or all of the points listed below.

1. The Outsiders gives commentary on several prominent social issues including the importanceof family/love, the negative consequences of senseless social/class divisions, and the extent towhich violence ruins lives. The characters that draw strength from close family ties are able tosurvive despite the tragedies; for example, Ponyboy lives but Johnny dies. The author suggeststhat recognizing sameness of humanity over the differences is key to ending stereotypes,misunderstandings, and violence.

2. Two-Bit knows that Ponyboy, like his older brother Darry, has the qualities needed to escapehis current situation. Two-Bit also knows that becoming hardened and isolating yourself fromemotions is the path to self-destruction, much like Dally. Two-Bit is clearly relieved whenPonyboy picks up the broken glass because it shows Ponyboy’s inherent nature has notchanged; he is considerate and caring despite the environment in which he lives.

3. Greasers and Socs are different in the following ways: 1) The Socs have money and theluxuries money can buy. Their parents can buy them out of jail and provide fancy cars andclothes. The greasers lack the financial foundation to move up in the world. 2) They havedifferent values and parental expectations. The Socs are expected to go to college and have asuccessful career. The greasers are left to their own devices; no one thinks they will amount toanything. The greasers and Socs are similar in the following ways: 1) Both groups strugglewith a set of problems specific to their circumstances in life. 2) Both groups watch sunsets, cansee the beauty in life, and can inflict pain through violent actions. 3) Both groups rely heavilyon their friends and are influenced by their peer groups.

1. d2. a

3. c4. c

5. c6. c

7. d8. c

9. c10. b

11. a12. b

13. c14. d

15. a

1. d 2. f 3. g 4. h 5. a 6. e 7. j 8. c 9. i 10. b

a. 10 b. 6 c. 1 d. 2 e. 9 f. 5 g. 7 h. 3 i. 4 j. 5


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