The Outsiders Points to Ponder by Chapter

Chapters 1 and 2:

  1. Why does Pony live with his two brothers? Describe his relationship with each of them.
  2. Describe the Greasers in Pony’s gang (be sure to include Pony in the descriptions).
  3. Why are the gang members so important to each other?
  4. Why is Johnny so nervous all the time?
  5. Why does Cherry tell Pony that things are rough all over?

Chapters 3 and 4:

  1. What does Cherry say is the main difference between Socs and Greasers (It’s not what they wear)?
  2. What do Pony and Johnny decide to do after the girls leave?
  3. What happens when Pony finally gets home?
  4. Describe the incident at the park.
  5. What is Dally’s reaction to the news? Is he shocked?
  6. How do Pony and Johnny feel as they reach the old church? Is it better when they get inside?

Chapters 5 and 6:

  1. Tell what Pony and Johnny do to disguise themselves; explain why the disguise is depressing to them.
  2. Review the news that Dally brings to Pony and Johnny. What reasons does Cherry have for acting as a spy?
  3. Regarding the decision that Johnny makes, discuss Dally’s advice to Johnny (i.e. his parents, the world, etc.)
  4. Review the heroic actions of Pony, Johnny, and Dally when they return to the church.

Chapters 7 and 8:

A. Describe the mood in the Curtis home on Pony’s first morning back.

B. Briefly discuss Pony’s conversation with Randy. How does Pony view Randy

afterwards?

C. Describe Johnny’s feelings about dying and discuss his reactions to his mother’s

visit.

D. Discuss Pony and Cherry’s conversation about Bob and Johnny.

Chapters 9 and 10:

A. Why do Darry, Soda, and Pony clean up before a rumble?

B. Explain Darry’s concern about Pony’s participation in the rumble.

C. Discuss the reasons that the different gang members fight.

D. Discuss Johnny’s reaction to the outcome of the rumble and his advice to Ponyboy.

E. Tell how Pony and Dally handle Johnny’s death.

F. How does Pony say that each will be remembered?

G. Explain the worries that Pony feels when he wakes from his delirious state.

Chapters 11 and 12:

A. Tell why Randy goes to see Ponyboy.

B. Relate how, after the hearing, Pony’s life was still not “back to normal.” What was

normal for him?

C. Tell what Soda does to help improve Darry and Pony’s relationship.

D. Review Johnny’s interpretation of Robert Frost’s poem “Nothing Good Can Stay.”