Chapters 8–9 Discussion Questions

What point is Ponyboy trying to make when he asks Cherry if she can see the sunset from the West Side?

What are the attitudes of Ponyboy, Darry, Soda, and Dally toward the upcoming rumble?

Why do you think Johnny asks for a copy of Gone With the Wind?

Why do the greasers roughhouse, chant, and sing before the rumble?

What effect does the rumble have on the greasers’ problems?

Johnny’s final words to Ponyboy are “stay gold.” To what is Johnny referring? What do these words tell you about his character?