The Outsiders: Themes and Symbols

A theme in a story or novel is:

• An essay assigned about a book

• A central idea in a piece of literature

• A trendy idea that the book connects to

• The part of the story where the resolution and conclusion merge

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For an idea to be a theme, the idea/subject should:

• Be introduced on the first page

• Be introduced in the first chapter

• Be revisited multiple times throughout the story

• Be literally expressed by the narrator early and often

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True or false:There can only be one theme in a story

• True

• False

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True or False: The central idea is the main theme or idea that the story revolves around. It's the focus and a lesson that the author is trying to convey on a topic.

• True
• False

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Importance of Family is a theme in The Outsiders. Which of these is NOT an example of this theme?

• Johnny's parents are abusive, hurting him physically and emotionally

• The Curtis brothers can stay together ONLY if they stay out of trouble

• The greasers are so close they are like a family

• Cherry Valance stays with her own kind and tells Pony not to be offended if she doesn't say "hi" .

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Which of the following examples best supports the theme "Loyalty and Friendship" in The Outsiders.

• Johnny was beat up in the vacant lot

• Johnny vows he will never allow himself to be beat up again

• Johnny asks Dally not to be rude to the Soc girls

• Johnny shares his desperation with Ponyboy about his life and desire to move away from where Socs and Greasers live.

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"Stereotypes are Harmful" is another theme in The Outsiders. Which one of these is NOT an example of this theme in the book.

• All greasers are "hoods"

• All Socs are unfeeling and cruel

• Greasers can be good citizens

• All Socs have it easy and have no problems

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When Dallas Winston helps Ponyboy and Johnny hide from the police. This is an example of which theme?

• Loyalty and Friendship

• Appearance as Identity

• Stereotypes are Harmful

• None of the above

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Can a bad example of a family demonstrate the theme of Importance of Family in The Outsiders?

• No. Only good examples of how families should act can reinforce the theme of the importance of family.

• No. A bad example of a family would represent a different theme in the book.

• Yes, both good and bad examples of families demonstrate the importance of families, and the author used both to get the point across.

• Yes. Anytime a family interaction is in a book it shows the importance of families.

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Which of the following examples reflects the theme of the Importance of Family best?

• Darry strikes Ponyboy for arguing with him

• Darry works two jobs to keep the family together

• Darry tells Ponyboy he can leave if he doesn't like how he runs the house

• Ponyboy argues with Darry for yelling at him when he is late coming home

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