The Outsiders: A Study Guide
Name ___________________________
The story is told through a ___ person point of view.
Where does the following quote appear in the novel?
“When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the
movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a
ride home…”
In what decade does The Outsiders take place?
The setting of the story takes place in _____________.
Several times throughout the text, Ponyboy mentions Darry’s icy blue eyes. What do Darry’s eyes
suggest about his personality?
In The Outsiders the color blue is repeatedly mentioned, making it a motif (reoccurring symbol).
What is associated with the color blue?
In chapter 1 Ponyboy says “I was still lying and I knew it. I lie to myself all the time. But I never
believe me” (18). What is he lying to himself about?
Which of the following can be construed as a symbol (or symbols) that represent the greasers?
Which of the following can be construed as a symbol (or symbols) that represent the Socs?
Which of the following factored most into shaping Johnny’s shy, nervous personality?
With whom does Ponyboy feel comfortable discussing clouds, sunsets and poetry?
How does Ponyboy get a concussion?
In chapter 2 Cherry tells Ponyboy “things are rough all over” (35). Finally, in chapter 7, Ponyboy
figured out what she meant by that statement. What did she mean?
Why did Ponyboy say Dally wanted to die?
The major theme for The Outsiders is ______________________.
How is Ponyboy different from the rest of the gang?
True, False, or Opinion
The book never mentions how the parents die
Dally got run over by a police cruiser
Cherry went to the hospital to see Johnny
Ponyboy fainted when Johnny died
Sodapop’s real name is Keith
Ponyboy testified at his court hearing
Johnny left a note for Ponyboy inside his copy of Gone with the Wind
The climax of the story is the rumble
Both Johnny and Dally had to die for Ponyboy’s character to move forward in life
match the character with the correct description to the right.
Dallas
Frightened, abused
Darry
Serious, determined
Johnny
Attractive, like a Greek god
Sodapop
A wise-cracker
Two-Bit
Tough, cold, mean
In Chapter 5, Ponyboy quotes Robert Frost’s poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay.” What type of
figurative language does Frost use in the first line of the poem?
Which of the following statements is not a conflict in the novel, The Outsiders?
When did Ponyboy’s recurring nightmares begin?
A sub-theme in this novel is the power of three. Which of the following is not represented in The
Outsiders?
Which single action starts a series of events that leads Ponyboy on a path of self-examination?
What is the ultimate lesson of this book?
Using Words, describe how Ponyboy changes in 4 stages throughout the course of the novel.
Each stage much have an underlined title.
List three factors that divide the Greases and the Socs
In a paragraph, describe what purpose Cherry Vallance serves to Ponyboy’s
development as a character.
Describe in a paragraph the three ways that Ponyboy is an “outsider.” And in this
case, an outsider is being used not as a member of a gang, but rather, by this
definition:
“One who is isolated or detached from the activities or concerns of his or
her own community.”
Extra Credit: What actors/actresses played the following characters?