Exploring Themes in The Outsiders

What motivates Johnny to save the children from the burning church, despite the danger to himself?

• He wants to prove his bravery to the Greasers.

• He feels a sense of responsibility and guilt for the fire.

• He wants to impress Dally.

• He is trying to escape from the police.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

How does the symbol of the sunset serve to connect Ponyboy and Cherry, despite their different social backgrounds?

• It represents the end of their friendship.

• It symbolizes the shared human experience beyond social class.

• It highlights the differences between the Socs and the Greasers.

• It signifies the beginning of a new conflict.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Evaluate the impact of Bob's death on the development of the plot. How does it change the dynamics between the Socs and the Greasers?

• It leads to a truce between the two groups.

• It escalates the violence and tension between them.

• It causes the Greasers to disband.

• It results in the Socs seeking revenge on the Greasers.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.9

Compare Ponyboy's perspective on the Socs at the beginning of the novel to his perspective at the end. What changes?

• He becomes more resentful towards them.

• He realizes they are not so different from him.

• He decides to join them.

• He remains unchanged in his views.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Make an inference about Dally's behavior throughout the novel. What does his reckless attitude suggest about his internal struggles?

• He is confident and carefree.

• He is deeply troubled and feels hopeless.

• He is trying to impress his friends.

• He is indifferent to the world around him.

Tags

CCSS.RI.6.1

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

Support the argument that the theme of family is central to the novel. Which evidence from the text best illustrates this theme?

• The Greasers' loyalty to each other.

• The Socs' wealth and privilege.

• The rivalry between the two groups.

• The police's involvement in the story.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

Analyze why Ponyboy and Johnny decide to run away after Bob's death. What does this decision reveal about their characters?

• They are impulsive and reckless.

• They are scared and feel they have no other choice.

• They want to start a new life elsewhere.

• They are trying to protect Dally.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

Interpret the significance of the poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" in the context of the novel. What does it symbolize for Ponyboy and Johnny?

• The inevitability of change and loss.

• The permanence of their friendship.

• The beauty of nature.

• The wealth of the Socs.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

Evaluate the role of the rumble in the novel. How does it affect the characters and their relationships?

• It resolves the conflict between the Socs and the Greasers.

• It deepens the divide between the two groups.

• It brings the Greasers closer together.

• It causes Ponyboy to leave the Greasers.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.5.7

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.6.9

Compare the motivations of Dally and Johnny in their final actions in the novel. How do their choices reflect their personalities?

• Both act out of a desire for revenge.

• Dally acts out of despair, while Johnny acts out of hope.

• Both are seeking redemption.

• Dally acts out of hope, while Johnny acts out of despair.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3