Is Ponyboy a Reliable Narrator?
The
Outsiders
Is Ponyboy
a Reliable
Narrator?
Is Ponyboy a Reliable Narrator?
Is Ponyboy a Reliable Narrator?
Is Ponyboy a reliable narrator?
A dramatic narrator is a character in a story who is telling
the story. Ponyboy is a dramatic narrator. While a story
told by a dramatic narrator gives the reader a first-hand
account of events and feelings, the reader is only hearing
what the narrator wants him/her to hear. Write an essay
that examines how reliable Ponyboy is as a narrator. In
this essay you should discuss how Ponyboy’s insights are
only one side of the story. Do this by identifying scenes
where missing information from another’s point of view
can be crucial to the plot. Conclude by considering the
reasons SE Hinton had for telling this story through
Ponyboy and whether this was an effective point of view.
Brainstorm ideas/notes:
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Is Ponyboy a Reliable Narrator?
Outline
Introduction
Hook (question, quote, shocking statement, anecdote)
Provide relevant background info to introduce your topic. (effectively organizes
complex ideas, concepts, and information and supports the writing task.)
Thesis statement-this is where you tell your reader, in one or two sentences, what you
will be writing about. (effectively introduces the topic using a thesis)
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Is Ponyboy a Reliable Narrator?
Body Paragraph 1
Introduce idea (Uses effective and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the
relationships among ideas and concepts.)
Details/Explanations/at least one Quote (Skillfully develops the thesis using facts,
definitions, concrete details, quotations or other information and examples that are
relevant and sufficient. Effectively uses evidence/quotes)
Wrap it up (Provides an effective concluding statement. Uses effective transitions to
create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.)
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Is Ponyboy a Reliable Narrator?
Body Paragraph 2
Introduce idea (Uses effective and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the
relationships among ideas and concepts.)
Details/Explanations/at least one Quote (Skillfully develops the thesis using facts,
definitions, concrete details, quotations or other information and examples that are
relevant and sufficient. Effectively uses evidence/quotes)
Wrap it up (Provides an effective concluding statement. Uses effective transitions to
create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.)
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Is Ponyboy a Reliable Narrator?
Body Paragraph 3
Introduce idea (Uses effective and varied transitions to create cohesion and clarify the
relationships among ideas and concepts.)
Details/Explanations/at least one Quote (Skillfully develops the thesis using facts,
definitions, concrete details, quotations or other information and examples that are
relevant and sufficient. Effectively uses evidence/quotes)
Wrap it up (Provides an effective concluding statement. Uses effective transitions to
create cohesion and clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.)
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Is Ponyboy a Reliable Narrator?
Conclusion
(Provides an effective concluding section that follows from and supports the information
or explanation presented. Uses effective and varied transitions to create cohesion and
clarify the relationships among ideas and concepts.)
Review your ideas...
From Paragraph 1-
From Paragraph 2-
From Paragraph 3-
Final thoughts (connect back to your intro)
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Is Ponyboy a Reliable Narrator?
Writing Checklist: Informative/Explanatory
I clearly introduced the topic and used a thesis.
I organized my ideas, concepts and information into clear paragraphs.
I developed my topic with well-chosen, relevant and sufficient facts,
definitions, details, quotes or other examples from the text.
I used transitions to create cohesion and clarify the relationships among
ideas.
I used precise language and terminology to explain my topic.
I used quotes and evidence from credible sources.
I wrote a conclusion that follows and supports the information or
explanation presented.
I used appropriate language and tone.
I used a variety of sentence types.
I provided bibliographic information for sources.
I reviewed my writing for good grammar, capitalization, punctuation and
spelling.
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Is Ponyboy a Reliable Narrator?
Is Ponyboy a Reliable Narrator?
What is reliable? The narrator of the book The Outsiders is a teenage boy
named Ponyboy. He is a “greaser” or part of the lower class gang. The socs, who were
the richer group were, according to Ponyboy, always starting fights with greasers. But,
Is Ponyboy a reliable narrator? There are three events in the book that question
Ponyboy’s reliability.
First, Ponyboy isn't a reliable narrator because he was passed out when Johnny
killed Bob. Ponyboy was being drowned and Johnny had to defend himself and help
Ponyboy . This is all the reader knows until after Ponyboy wakes up. Johnny tells
Ponyboy,“I killed him, I killed that boy”( Hinton pg.56) The reader has no clue what was
going on before that because Ponyboy passed out. When he finally woke up there was
Johnny saying “I killed him”. The reader has no details of how Johnny killed Bob. Was it
self defense? Was he helping Ponyboy? Could Johnny have scared them off? All the
reader has to rely on is Ponyboy’s word-is that enough?
Second, Ponyboy tells the reader that his brother Darry hated him. So, when
Ponyboy came home at 2 am he knew he was going to get it. Darry was up with
Ponyboy’s other brother Sodapop and Darry went off, he said, “ Where the heck have
you been? Do you know what time it is?” ( Hinton pg 49) Then Darry smacked Ponyboy
and Ponyboy ran out the door right back to Johnny. No one hit Ponyboy not even his
parents. So, Ponyboy and Johnny ran away. But, was Ponyboy fair to Darry? The
reader only knows about Darry’s life from what Ponyboy says. And, Ponyboy’s attitude
toward Darry is not sympathetic. Hearing some of the story from Darry’s point of view
could provide valuable insights into Ponyboy’s family.
Is Ponyboy a Reliable Narrator?
Finally, There are clear reasons why Ponyboy is not a reliable narrator. First,
Ponyboy was getting drowned and the reader doesn't know the details of how Bob was
murdered. Second, when Ponyboy is unsympathetic towards Darry. Ponyboy still has
some good moments and the book works as it is, but an omniscient narrator could
provide valuable information that Ponyboy just can’t offer.This is why Ponyboy is not a
reliable narrator.