1)What themes do you predict will be developed in the Outsiders? What evidence leads you to make this prediction? I think that self-identity and group identity will develop as themes as we continue to read the book. Rich vs. Poor can also be a theme. In the first few chapters of the book, we learn that the greasers are outcasted and looked down upon from the rest of society. They are known as “hoods” and get treated harshly by the Socs. We also learn that Ponyboy himself doesn’t really feel like he belongs in the gang. He believes he is only accepted because he is Darry and Soda’s little brother.
2) Look back at the predictions you made about the themes that might be developed in the outsiders. How does chapter 2 change your prediction if at all what details either support your prediction or suggest a themes? I feel that chapter 2 helps strengthen my predictions. We get to see how Cherry treats the three greasers and how Pony reacts to Dally’s behavior. Ponyboy is embarrassed by Dally’s behavior to the two girls and doesn’t want Cherry to think of him as a hood. After telling Dally to get lost, Cherry asks if Pony is going to do the same to her. Although she does warm up to Pony and Johnny, she treats Dally coldly and throws her drink at him. 3) Which two characters do you find most likable? Which is the most interesting to you? What makes those characters stand out? I personally find Soda and Johnny the most likable. I find Johnny interesting because of his Personality. He is shy and quiet unlike the rest of the gang and he is considered the gang’s “pet.” You wouldn’t really expect someone like Johnny to kill a person or stand up to someone he practically worships. I think that Soda and Johnny stand out from the rest of the gang because they show a lot of compassion. We see how much Soda loves Pony and how he cares for him. Unlike Darry, Soda comforts Ponyboy and sticks up for him. Johnny tries to see things the way Ponyboy does. He went along with Pony without hesitation and saved him when they were attacked by the Socs.
4) what are readers waiting to find out by the end of chapter five of the Outsiders? What events keep them from learning how the stories conflict will be resolved? At the end of chapter 5, readers are waiting to find out more about the rumble that is set to happen. The chapter ended with Dally telling Pony and Soda about having a spy within the Socs and it being Cherry. During this time, Johnny and Ponyboy are still hiding out in the Church and cannot leave. 5) predict how all the conflicts in the outsiders will be resolved. Then, For each conflict, predict a complication that could prevent the characters from solving the problem. I think that the Greasers will end up winning the Rumble, but as Dally stated, nothing will change with how the greasers are treated. I think that Johnny and Pony will end up going back home. Johhny feels a lot of guilt about what he did and he doesn’t want Pony to have to live like this. Johnny will probably have to turn himself in and he most likely will have to go to jail. 6) Can characters act as symbols in a novel? What about the events settings? Identify an element in the outsiders that is not an object and explain what it could symbolize. Yes, I do think that characters and event settings can act as symbols in a novel. Ponyboy getting jumped in the first chapter can symbolize how differently the rich and poor are treated or how being different can have a negative impact. Pony gets jumped because he is a greaser. He comes from a lower-class background and dresses differently from the Socs, who come from upper-class backgrounds. Because of this, Ponyboy is looked down upon and is treated badly. Even today we can see that people deal with Rich vs. Poor, so this part helps us view and understand the motives. 7) based on what you've read so far, would you recommend the Outsiders to a friend who is looking for a good book to read? Why or why not? I would recommend the Outsiders to a friend. I believe that this story is great to read if you like a lot of action. This book is interesting and it also holds a lot of meaning. You can easily connect with the characters in the book and comprehend their emotions
I apologize if I got anything wrong, I base everything off the end of chapter 5. (Where I assume your at) I read the book in 7th grade and even now as a sophomore, I absolutely adore the book and I just wanted to help. The outsiders is my favorite book