Monday, May 14, 2007

[chapter 12]

1. Q: What 'circumstances' do Ponyboy's teacher refers to? What circumstances does Ponyboy think his teacher is referring to?
A: The 'circumstances' that Ponyboy's teacher refers to is that everything that he had been through. Pony’s teacher can see all that this 14 year old boy has seen and was involved with and really feels for him. The circumstances that he thinks his teacher is referring to is that since he’s previously been in a lot of trouble that school is now a joke and that Pony’s just goofing off.

2. Q: Why doesn't Ponyboy feel scared when the Socs approach him and he threatens them with a broken bottle (p.170-171)? How is this a dramatic change from the Ponyboy we have seen up until this point?
A: Ponyboy doesn’t feel scared when the Socs approach him because of all the dreadful things that had happened directed off the Socs, he feels that’s its just enough. He feels nothing, nothing for the Socs, he didn’t want to waste one bit of emotion on them and was sick of their existence. He had zero tolerance for any of the stunts they were going to pull, there fore he threatened them with a broken bottle. This is a dramatic change from the Ponyboy we have seem because normally he would have been scared and anxious of what the Socs were going to do to them and be waiting back and worried about what was going to happen next. Instead he took action, he was the leader and he made the first move. He handled the situation with no hesitation. Before he didn’t have a weapon nor the guts to step forward and take charge and now, its much different.

3. Q: What does Darry mean when he says, "you don't just stop living because you lose someone" (p.173)?
A: When Darry says, "you don't just stop living because you lose someone" he means that just because someone you know and care about dies, it doesn’t mean your dead to. It doesn’t mean that you stop your daily routines, give up and stop trying. Life is just way to short for you to let it pass you by and you need to embrace what is good and keep those who are gone in your heart. You have to carry on and keep yourself ‘alive’ or you’ll just end up like that other person.

4. Q: How do we know Sandy didn't love Soda as much as he loved her?
A: We know that Sandy didn’t love Soda as much as he loved her because when she left to Florida she didn’t think twice about Soda and worry about not seeing him again. He took it very badly and missed her very much. He wanted to marry her and spend the rest of her life with her. She doesn’t love him very much since she just sent back the letter that Soda sent her unopened. He had poured his heart and soul into that letter and the showed the most love he had ever expressed in his life. So she didn’t really care for Soda and wasn’t interested in giving her heart to him if she couldn’t even spend the time to read his letter.

5. Q: Explain how Darry and Ponyboy play tug of war with Soda.
A: Darry and Ponyboy play tug of war with Soda by fighting with each other causing him to be caught up in the middle. He can’t stand to see them argue with each other and an even worse feeling when he has undergo the choosing of sides. Soda loves both of his brothers very much and doesn’t want to choose between the two. He feels himself being stuck in-between the two constantly pulling one side then to the other.

6. Q: What do we learn was so special about Johnny (p.178)?
A: We learned about Johnny that he was special, very rare and hard to come by. Along with all the problems of his own he doesn’t complain. He not criticized his own problems and complained about them. Instead he was a guy who will really listen to you and care about your problems and what you are saying. To be like this and have this quality makes Johnny truly rare.

7. Q: What does Ponyboy end up doing for his English assignment?
A: After a couple considerations for his English assignment he decides to do it “novel style” on his life from where everything all started to happen. And it turns out at the end of this novel you realize that this story is his English assignment. He begins the assignment as this book “the outsiders” begins.

[chapter 11]

Vocabulary
acquitted – to relieve from a charge of fault or crime; declare not guilty
The young girl who was framed was acquitted from the crime and justice was brought to the accurate criminal.

1. Q: Explain why Pony might rather have anyone's hate than their pity (p.162)?
Pony rather have someone’s hate than pity because when someone pity’s you it makes you feel inferior and lose you dignity to the cause. But when you are hated it makes you only stronger and makes you try to gain the other person respect.
2. Q: What do you think is going on with Ponyboy when he says, "Johnny didn't have anything to do with Bob's getting killed" (p.166)?

A: I think that it was part of a delusion. And that was the point, because over top of this huge mess and Johnny’s death, he’s a killer. Pony didn’t want to remember his buddy as a killer and this was just karma or a theory like that. But on the other hand I don’t think it was really Johnny acting out on Bob. It was the fear and paranoia of history repeating itself. I think Johnny was in a little bit of a trance because Johnny is the type of person who wouldn’t harm anyone. He was a genuine, endearing soul who was just like a puppy-dog who had been kicked around too much. So, it wasn’t really him who did the killing.

[chapter 10]

Vocabulary
indignantly - expressing strong displeasure at something considered unjust, offensive, insulting
When Jamie wasn’t played on the starting line up he indignantly walked away from the baseball stadium and headed home.

1. Q: How does Pony's dreaming, or lying to himself, finally work in this chapter?
A: Pony’s dreaming, or lying to himself, finally works in this chapter because Johnny, his good friend, was dead and he had to convince himself otherwise; that he is still alive. This was one of the most traumatizing things that had occurred in Pony’s life and he needed to ease the pain. The only way in doing so would to make it seem so realistic that he was alive.

2. Q: Why was Johnny's dying so difficult for Dally to handle?
A: Johnny’s death was so difficult for Dally to handle because he was the one thing he loved. After all his better cold harsh and long days he realized he very much loved Johnny. But who couldn’t love him? He kept love in Dally’s life, which kept him to remain alive.

3. Q: Why do you think Dally would have wanted to die?

A: I think Dally would have wanted to die because it was hard for him to handle all what was occurring. Between his whole life of running, behind bars, fighting or just being bitter and cold and now the one thing he came around to love and his final realization of that was gone. He probably felt there would be no one else like Johnny, which meant nothing else to love. And what was the point of living if there’s no love?

[chapter 9]

1. Q: On the bottom of p.133, when Pony asks what kind of a world it is, what comment is he making about how society judges people?
A: The comment he is making about society and how it judges people when he asked what kind of a world it is, is that Pony isn’t even the way he described and that he isn’t proud of his reputation of being a hood and his greasy hair. He just trained himself to feel this way because everyone around him thinks of the Greasers like that. So what kind of a world is it if society judges people to the extent that they feel that is the way they are?

2. Q: Why do the boys fight? Why is Pony different?
A: The boys fight all for different reasons. Soda fights for fun because its action and competitive like drag races or a dance. Steve fights for hatred because he likes the satisfaction of beating up the Socs and hurting them really good. Darry fights for pride because he likes to show off his muscles and feel strong and tough. Two-bit fights for conformity and just because everyone does. Pony fights only if he has to for his own self defence.

3. Q: What is the difference between Tim Sheppard's gang and Ponyboy's? Explain how Pony feels this difference might give his group the upper hand?
A: The difference between Tim Sheppard’s gang and Ponyboy’s is that Tim Sheppard’s gang has a leader and a bunch of followers. They were organized, acted more tougher and will end up as local convicts. Pony’s gang is a bunch of buddies who stick together. They are realer and can have futures. Ponyboy feels that this difference gives his gang the upper hand because they don’t have to take orders from others to survive on their own. They’re quicker to think and individual leaders who can make it on their own.

4. Q: What do you think Johnny's last words to Pony mean?
A: I think Johnny’s last word meant to Pony a lot. It meant that Johnny feels that Pony is at the perfection of gold. His wholeness and goodness was different and better then any others. He was a really good person that is hard to come by, just really special and rare like gold. Johnny loves Pony so much and just wants him to stay exactly the was he is, golden. Also, just like the poem that was found in "Gone with the wind" it said that things don't always stay gold but Johnny believed in Pony that he can and will always stay gold.

[chapter 8]

1. Q: How does what the doctor first says, on page 119, foreshadow Johnny's condition?
A: The way the doctor first says about Johnny foreshadows his condition by first being very strict about even a glimpse of their friend Johnny. But then the doctor demanded them to see Johnny and said “it can’t hurt now” to the nurse, meaning he’s not doing well and close to death to let them see him in his last hours.

2. Q: "We needed Johnny as much as he needed the gang. And for the same reason" (p.121). What do you think Pony means, and what is the reason?
A: I think that Ponyboy means that Johnny makes the whole gang complete. They weren’t just a group of friends, they were a family. A family that’s like a puzzle. Without Johnny a piece of that whole unit would be missing. The same reason is, even though Johnny actually didn’t have a family, he only had the gang to fall back on and care about him. Everyone had this same reason to be in the gang and dependant on them, because they were lacking parts of their family and could find them in this one. Dally, because his family was in New York. Darry, Soda and Pony, their parents died in a car reck. And two-bit and Steve for other personal reasoning.

3. Q: What does Pony mean on p. 123 when he says, "we could get along without anyone but Johnny"?
A: When Pony says "we could get along without anyone but Johnny", he means that they would be fine if anyone else were to pass because they’ve all had pretty good lives if you really look at it. But nothing was ever good for Johnny and they wanted to see the most out of him in the future. They wanted him to succeed and be happy and be free from his for once in his life. To see him pass living the life he has would just be horrible.

4. Q: If Darry didn't have Soda and Pony, why would he be a soc?

A: Darry would be a Soc if he didn’t have Soda or Pony because when he was in high school, he was pretty popular. He was smart, wore clothes like Socs, has a hair cut like them, is charming and leader on his football team. He would fit in right with them. But he remained with his brothers because they are family and wanted to be able to protect them and be with them. And to do so, he would have to be like them. He feels he is responsable for them which is why he works and didn't go to college.

5. Q: What does Cherry mean when she says Bob "wasn't just anyone" on p.129?
A: Cherry meant when he said Bob "wasn't just anyone" that he was special. He was different and that what she really liked about him. He wasn’t like any other boy, he was Bob. Someone she truly loved and cared for and nothing could change that. It was even very difficult to see his killer, even though it wasn’t his fault and he was in critical condition.

Monday, April 30, 2007

[chapter 7]

1. Q: Explain what Pony means when he says Soda "reminds me of a colt" on p. 101.
A: When Pony said Soda "reminds me of a colt" he meant that a colt is a very sharp, tough looking horse with long legs which resembles Soda. He gets his nose into everything and radiates just as a colt does.

2. Q: What condition is Johnny in after the fire?
A: After the fire Johnny is in critical condition. A piece of timber fell on his back a broke it, was in severe shock and was suffering from third degree burns. He was in much worse condition then Ponyboy and there was always an “if” factor if he were to survive this trauma.

3. Q: Why would being crippled be worse for Johnny than someone else?
A: Being crippled would be worse for Johnny then someone else because he has a very sensitive and week personality. It would be harder for Johnny then anyone else to get through this since he is always paranoid and scared all the time. Plus he doesn’t have any family members to care for him other then the gang, which might make him feel out of place. He has already been through so much and this just makes things much more difficult.

4. Q: "Maybe people are younger when they are asleep" (p.104). what do you think about this comment?
A: I think that the comment “Maybe people are younger when they are asleep” means when people are sleeping they are so still and silent they seem so innocent. When you are innocent you are usually younger and don’t know a lot about the real world. So this would cause people to look younger.

5. Q: What is a juvenile delinquent (p. 107)? Find a definition on the internet, in a dictionary, or create your own based on your own knowledge.
A: A juvenile delinquent is a minor who cannot be controlled by parental authority and commits antisocial or criminal acts, as vandalism or violence.

6. Q: Why would Two-Bit think Johnny, Dally, and Pony were heroes all along; before they saved the kids?
A: Two-Bit thinks Johnny, Dally, and Pony were heroes all along; before they saved the kids because they managed to defend themselves against and defeat the Socs like no one ever before. They kept this whole thing secretive. Not only did the fuzz not know where they were but their family and the gang didn’t also with the exception of Dally.

7. Q: What was Bob's 'real' problem, according to Randy (p.116)?
A: Bob’s “real” problem according to Randy was that he was too spoiled that he felt he could do what ever he wanted. His parents never had any order in his house and he was always looking for something to do that would make them mad and create some discipline. Bob wanted to be disciplined and his parents to say no for once so badly and that was his real problem.


8. Q: Why did Pony think it was better to see Socs as "just guys" on p. 118? What do you think he means by this?
A: I think Pony thinks it was better to see the Socs as “just guys” because then you could talk to them and hang out without judgment or be stereotypical. I think he means that right away when you here “Socs” that you assume a bad person behind that name. But hearing just another guy you rather get to know them and talk to them with no problems involved.

[chapter 6]

Vocabulary
bewildered - confused or befuddled, especially with a lot of conflicting situations, objects, or statements

As the lady in blue explained the instructions for that day of work, Bernice was bewildered because it was like nothing she had done before.
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1. Q:
Do you think Dally's parents have influenced the way he is; his personality? Explain.

A: Yes, I do think that Dally’s parents have influenced the way he is and his personality. I think this because they didn’t care much about him, what he did or what happened to him. They basically had let him run wild, so growing up with no discipline defiantly made him feel like he could do anything and get away with it. Also, he isn’t dependent on anyone because earlier on he couldn’t depend on his parents.

2. Q: Why doesn't Dally want Johnny to turn himself in?
A: Dally doesn’t want Johnny to turn himself in because it would hard for Johnny to prove his innocence and the Greasers “get it worse then anyone else”. He also thought it was pointless since he went through all that trouble to keep them a secret and now they are giving up that easily.

3. Q: What "other side" of Dallas is revealed in this chapter?
A: The “other side” of Dallas that is revealed in this chapter is a very kind, nurturing personality. Up until this point he didn’t care about anyone but him self, but he comforted Johnny when he felt down and didn’t know what to do in a soft voice that was never heard before. He helped Pony and Johnny get through this time of hardship and even helped save the group of small children.

4. Q: What's your own definition of a hero? Do the three boys prove themselves to be heroes, according to your definition? Explain.
A: My own definition of hero would be one who is fighting for someone or a certain cause no matter what the consequence. Yes, I think the three boys demonstrated my heroic definition very well because Johnny, Pony and Dally all fought to save those tiny children even though their own lives were at stake.

5. Q: Why do you think Johnny wasn't scared, despite the obvious danger, on page 92?
A: I think Johnny wasn’t scared despite the obvious danger because he has already been through so much and he felt that this was his fault and he needed to correct this mistake. He was fighting for a good cause for once in his life instead of the wrong one. I think he felt that this was something important he had to do and prove to himself how heroic and brave he really can be.

[chapter 5]

Vocabulary
reluctantly – unwilling; disinclined and unenthusiastic sullen – showing irritation or ill humour by a gloomy silence or reserve eluded – to avoid or escape by speed or cleverness
imploringly – to beg urgently or piteously as or aid or mercygallant - brave, spirited, noble-minded, or chivalrous
indignant - characterized by or filled with indignation

As, tricky little Cindy eluded from Ms. Waken’s house she caught the sight of Daren whom had been watching the whole time. She just kept walking at a quick pace away from that wealthy old lady’s house. She stole some of Ms. Waken’s jewellery when she was supposedly going to the “lady’s room”. Daren caught up to Cindy and had confronted her sullen facial expression, everything she had done. Cindy imploringly asked not for him to tell but he had just shrugged it off indignantly. Daren told Ms. Waken reluctantly what innocent little Cindy had done. Daren was then treated as a gallant young boy from Ms. Waken and she was happy he had notified her what had happened.
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1. Q: Why does Pony have a problem with Johnny's idea to disguise themselves?
A: Pony has a problem with Johnny’s idea to disguise themselves because Pony felt his hair was his pride. He believed his hair was tuff and was proud of it. It labelled the greasers, was their trademark and by losing his hair he would be losing a part of himself.

2. Q: What does Pony mean when he says, "I was supposed to be the deep one" (p. 75)?
A: Pony meant when he said "I was supposed to be the deep one" that since he’s still in school and is very interesting in books that he could interpret profound things & understand more then others could. Although, Johnny surprised Pony in how he could get more meaning of what was happening in the story the story then him because of quietness and lack of learning.

3. Q: Why does Johnny think he is a hero (p. 76)? Do you think Dally is a hero based on what he did?
A: Johnny thinks he’s a hero because he took the fall for Two-bit when he damaged the windows at the school. He calmly took the blame for a crime he didn’t commit to “save” Two-bit. It is very heroic to take the faults of another into your hands and be punished for one others sake. By doing that I think Dally truly is a hero.

4. Q: Why does Pony realize he doesn't like Dally? Can you explain what he means by this?
A: Pony realizes he doesn’t like Dally because he isn’t understanding, or dash like Soda, humorous like Two-bit or has a superman quality’s like Darry. He didn’t appeal to Pony because Dally doesn’t fit into his fantasy lifestyle of his book. He saw the other three are like characters so he understands them and why they acted the way they do. But in Dally’ s case, he was so real which scared Pony because he didn’t know how he thought or how to understand him.

5. Q: Examine Robert Frost's poem, Nothing Gold can Stay. What do you think the poem is saying? How might this apply to the characters in the novel?
A: I think this poem is saying is basically that all good things come to an end. That when something rewarding or excellent comes into your life that if can’t be expected to last forever. I think its saying to try to enjoy what you have and embrace it while its still around.

6. Q: On page 78, Johnny compares Pony and his brothers to their parents. Which one of your parents are you most like? What similarities do you share?
A: I think I’m most like my dad. He has a lot of a lot of common sense & knowledge and I believe I carry a great deal of that. My looks come from his side of the family, his athletic abilities and I write like him. I feel I relate the best with him, it’s hard to express fully what I mean.

7. Q: What does Pony mean when he says he drinks Pepsis like a fiend (p.78)?
A: Pony meant when he says he drinks Pepsis like a fiend is that he drinks them so extensively its almost he feels like he’s doing something wrong. He even said he had a kind of addiction with them and by having this addiction he feels he’s demonstrating some sort of evil. He drinks them like vampire needs blood to survive.

8. Q: What's a 'heater'? Why does Dally have one?

A: A“heater” is a type of gun. Dally has one because after Greaser, Johnny killed Soc, Bob there’s been a even larger feud against the two rivals. So, Dally has one for safety if the Socs ever tried hurting him.

9. Q: Why are the socs and the greasers going to fight in the vacant lot?

A: The Socs and the Greasers are going to fight in the vacant lot to solve the issue of what Ponyboy & Johnny did. The Socs were very upset in what they had done, they were outraged and feel they need to provide revenge on the Greasers. If the Socs win, things will go back to normal and there won’t be as much commotion. If the Greasers win the Socs have to stay away from their territory. They are both attempting to settle this feud by have the fight in the vacant lot.

10.
Q:
Who's the spy for the greasers? Does this surprise you? Why or why not?
A: The spy for the Greasers is Cherry Valance. This doesn’t surprise me. Although she’s a part of the Socs and a cheerleader, she met Ponyboy and some other greasers and saw how real and good people they actually are. She’s the type of person who would like to help them because its for a good cause and benifit the Greasers a great deal. She probably thinks the fighting between the two types of people might end if she gets throught to both types of people.

[chapter 4]

Vocabulary
ruefully - causing sorrow or pity
hermit - any person living in seclusion; recluse
premonition - a feeling of anticipation of or anxiety over a future event


It was the middle of World war 2. Jimmy, a small 9-year-old boy was in a small bomb shelter beneath his house. He was feeling ruefully and mobbed around waiting for his fathers arrival. He has been gone for 2 days searching for supplies for him and Jimmy because their food supply was decreasing and all that was left was a 3 cans of beans a couple pieces of stale bread. Jimmy resembled a hermit and was scared and alone just waiting for he father appearance. Jimmy finally had calmed himself to get some sleep because he’s been two whole days without it. He dosed off for a couple hours and was awoken by a small creek. The premonition arose onto him as he saw his fathers face peek into the shelters opening. He was no longer alone.
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1. Q: What does Pony mean when he says the socs were "reeling pickled"
on page 54?
A: When the Socs were “reeling pickled” Pony meant they were very drunk. When they said pickled it meant he was a raw as something that was pickled so he was zombie-like and reeling means that slurring and roaming about. This resembles a drunk person very well.

2. Q: What major event happens in this chapter?
A: In this chapter Johnny and Ponyboy were out late at night from previous problems, they found themselves in some major trouble. While they were walking through park, the Socs came riding by in their blue mustang. They were angry at Ponyboy and Johnny for being with their girlfriends and partly drunk which caused then to rage against them. They dunked Ponyboy’s head into the a fountain located in the middle of the park, causing him to nearly drowned. This lead up to a major incident, Johnny stabbed and killed Bob with his switchblade in his defense.

3. Q: How did the author foreshadow that Johnny would use his knife in Chapter 2?
A: The author foreshadowed that Johnny would use his knife in Chapter 2 when he said that how traumatized he was by the last time he got jumped. That this scared Johnny so much and he would never walk alone again. So, the next time he were to get jumped he would use his switch blade and even kill the person. Which is exactly what happened. They got jumped and Johnny ended up killing Bob the Soc.

4. Q: What would your advice be to Johnny and Ponyboy if they'd come to you for help instead of Dally? Explain.
A: The advice that I would give to Johnny and Ponyboy if they’d come to me for help would be admit to your mistakes and turn yourself into the police. I believe if they just told them what the story that happen and Johnny’s doings were an action of defense then I think they might understand. They had the evidence that they were trying to kill Ponyboy and what previously happened to Johnny could also be used in the case against the Socs.

Thursday, April 19, 2007

[chapter 3]

Vocabulary
aloof
- reserved or reticent; indifferent; disinterested:

impersonally - not personal; without reference or connection to a particular person: an impersonal remark.
ornery - ugly and unpleasant in disposition or temper:
resignedly - characterized by or indicative of resignation
Jenna and her boyfriend Chad recently became a couple and are trying to get to know one another further. They went to the movies together and just hung out with a group of friends. But, the date after that, Chad resignedly walked with Jenna to the Carnival. They hardly spoke a word and when Jenna did say something Chad would ignore her or change the subject. A group of her friends met up with the two and ornery, Chad told them to “back off.” The next night Jenna told Chad impersonally that this couldn’t go on any longer. As usual, Chad expressed his aloofness in the subject and they both went their separate ways.
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1. Q: What does Cherry explain as the difference between the socs and the greasers?
A: Cherry explains the difference between the Socs and the greasers by explaining to Pony that the Greasers are more real and demonstrate true emotion. The Socs are sophisticated and cool, up to the point that they don’t feel anything. They portray a character that is fake to maintain their coolness. Cherry even gave an example of what she meant. She said, “I’ll catch myself talking to a girlfriend and realize I don’t mean half of what I’m saying”.

2. Q: What does Ponyboy mean on p. 39 when he says "Johnny and I understood each other without saying anything"? Have you ever had a relationship with someone who you understood, or who understood you, without having to say anything?

A: Pony boy means that when he said "Johnny and I understood each other without saying anything" that they don’t necessarily need to speak to know what each other are going through. They both have problems in their life; Johnny his fathers abuse and mother ignoring him, Pony the death of his parents. They both have similar difficulties and recognize them. No, most of my relationships aren’t understood without saying anything, for a person to understand me or me them, I have to be vocal and talk about it.

3. Q: When and how did Pony's parents die?

A: Pony’s parents died 8 months ago, in an automobile accident.

4. Q: What happens when Pony comes home after his curfew?

A: When Ponyboy comes home after his curfew in 2 in the morning, his brother Darry was outraged. He yelled at him with a fierce anger. After Pony stuck up for Soda for sticking up for him, Darry slapped Pony so hard against the face that he knocked him against the door. Pony lost complete interest and respect for Darry and felt the best way to handle this was to ignore him.

5. Q: Why does Johnny like it better when his father is hitting him?

A: Johnny likes it better when his father is hitting him because he feels that this is a way of his father to pay attention to him. Even if it is abuse he feels that by his father doing this he knows who he is.

6. Q: At the end of the chapter, how does the author foreshadow that bad things are to come?

A: The author foreshadows that bad things are to come by having Ponyboy say “that things have to get better and they couldn’t get worse. I was wrong,” meaning that Ponyboy felt that things were going to improve but since he’s wrong then even worse things are to come.

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

[chapter 2]

Vocabulary
incredulous - indicating or showing unbelief: an incredulous smile.
vaguely - not clearly or explicitly stated or expressed: vague promises.
nonchalantly - in an unconcerned manner; "glanced casually at the headlines"


Karen Jones has a secret. She had been keeping this very secret from her friends, family and employees for 14 months to this very day. She wanted to tell someone so urgently about it but thought it would reck her relationships with her family and friends. Today she did. She told her friend Marcel and he looked at Karen incredulously. She asked that he wouldn’t tell anyone since he took is so bad. He had just said a soft “sure” and sruged it off. His promise was vague, and Marcel soon went and told a couple of Karen’s friends and some of her family. Soon everyone around her new. So, few days rolled by Karen had a party at her house for Easter. She sat everyone down and finally grabbed enough guts to tell them her secret. She told them that she was dating this really great guy, his name was Jim. But the only thing is that he is 46 and she is 30, so there is quite a large age difference. Every one looked at Karen in an nonchalantly manner. They thought nothing of it and trusted Karen and her judgment. She discovered that she is surrounded with some really great people also, that Marcel isn’t such a good friend after all.

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1. Q: Who is the fuzz? (p. 20)
A: The “fuzz” are the police men who will control the situation and arrest who is accountable for the actions. Fuzz is just slang and representing that the place is going to become fuzzy and unpleasant to stay at when they come.

2. Q: Are the names Ponyboy and Sodapop nicknames? Explain.

A: The names Ponyboy and Sodapop are not nicknames. Their father was just creative and wanted names that would be original from the rest. It is also stated on Sodapop’s birth certificate that Sodapop is defiantly his name.

3. Q: Who are Cherry and Marcia?

A: Cherry and Marcia are cheerleaders that go to Ponyboy’s high school. They are a part of the Socs and at times seemed to be stuck up when its needed (when Dally was mistreating them) but other times kind and friendly (when Johnny, Ponyboy and Two-bit where with them). Cherry and Marcia are very “tuff” looking, dressed sharp and were really good-looking. They barrel race at rodeos and enjoyed to watch movies but, being drunk wasn’t their idea of fun. They we overall nice people from what I have seen and are just trying to do what’s right.

4. Q: Why doesn't Ponyboy like referring to Sodapop as a dropout?

A: Ponyboy doesn’t like to refer Sodapop as a drop out because he sees that his happy-go-lucky attitude doesn’t fit what “dropout” is referred to. When Ponyboy thinks of a dropout he sees a “poor dumb looking hoodlum wandering the streets and breaking streetlights. Ponyboy loves Soda with all his heart and perceives him as his role model. With the Pony’s idea of a dropout just doesn’t fit Soda’s true description.

5. Q: What is Ponyboy comparing Two-Bit to when he calls him a "chessy cat" on page 27? What figure of speech is this besides a simile?

A: When Ponyboy compared Two-Bit as a “chessy cat” he was trying to describe his grin, a chessy cats grin is a large mischievous looking just as Two-bit's was. An other figure of speech to express it is a

6. Q: What is "a weed" slang for in 1967?

A: “A weed” is slang for a cigarette, it was just a different, cool way to say it in 1967.

7. Q: Why does Dally look sick now (p. 33)?
A: Dally looked sick because he saw his good friend Johnny beaten very seriously. Of all people this is most effective since it happened to Johnny because he already often gets beaten at home by his father and is very nervous, worried and suspicious as it is. Dally feels very bad for him because this will cause him to feel even worse and more nervous, worried and suspicious.

8. Q:
What literary device does the author use to describe Johnny's mugging (pgs. 31-34)?
A: The literary device that the author uses to describe Johnny’s mugging would be a narrative. It was like a mini story being told to the reader.

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

[chapter 1]

1. Q: Describe each of the characters in this chapter and their relationship with one another.
A:
CHARACTERS
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Ponyboy:
- 14, long reddish-brownish hair, greenish-grey eyes
- enjoys movies and books
- does very well in school
- kind, pleasant, warm hearted human being
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Sodapop:
- 16, handsome dark-golden combed back hair, brown eyes
- understanding, always happy-go-lucky & grinning
- one of a kind
- high school dropout who is opened minded and free
- looks out for brother, Pony

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Darry:
- 20, very tall and buff, cold blue-green eyes- determined, tough, cool, smart
- not enough money for college, instead - roofing job
- oldest of brothers Pony & Soda
- misunderstanding especially to Pony
---------------------------------------------------------
Steve Randle:
- 17, tall, curly combed hair
- cocky and smart
- best friends with soda
- interest in cars

---------------------------------------------------------
Dally:
- elfish face, blond ungreased hair, cold eyes
- toughest, coldest, wildest, meanest of the gang
- drinks, rides in rodeo’s, lies, cheats, jumps small kids
- large reputation and police record
---------------------------------------------------------
Two-Bit:
- 18, 6feet tall, oldest of gang, wide grin, grey eyes
- always has to put his “two bits” in
- wise cracker and always makes funny remarks
- shoplifter, carried switchblade, smarted off to cops
- interests – blondes, fights and school
---------------------------------------------------------

Johnny:
- youngest in gang, slight build, black eyes/hair
- nervous and suspicious
- father beats him, mother neglects
- gang is his family
---------------------------------------------------------

2. Q: Who are the Socs? Who are the Greasers?
A: The Soc’s are the socials, who are the higher or middleclass that live on the Westside of town. They jump greasers, wreck houses, and drink lavishly. One day they are in the local paper for being a public disgrace the next, beneficial to society. From what I have seen so far in the novel they don’t seem to be very nice or likeable people, from Ponyboy’s point of view.

The Greasers are “greasy,” who are classified as bellow middleclass and live on the Eastside of town. They are the gritty, tough and mean looking and have greasy combed backed hair. The Greasers are almost like hoods. They steal things, drive old souped-up cars, and have a gang fights at times. Both are different types of people with different ways of living whom are constantly feuding amongst each other.

3. Q: How does Ponyboy's relationships with Darry and Sodapop differ? Explain.
A: Ponyboy has an enormous amount of love for Sodapop. The reasoning for this would be that Soda always accepts Pony and forgives his mistakes. He inspires Ponyboy positively and tells him not only what he wants but needs to hear. For example, when Pony got jumped and Darry yelled at him Soda came in comforted him by saying how Darry didn’t mean any of it. Darry on the other hand is very tough on Ponyboy and makes him feel bad about something’s. Ponyboy sometimes doesn’t feel he loves him and that he's “just and other mouth to feed and someone else to holler at.” He’s always pushing Pony in school and makes sure his marks are high and always improving. When ever Pony makes mistakes instead of discussing the matter, Darry just yells at him and points out all that he did wrong.


4. Q: Why is the 'gang' important to Johnny?
A: The gang is important to Johnny because it gives him a sense of family. The gang is always there for him and treat him as their kid-brother. In Johnny’s real family, his father beats him & his mother neglects him. The gang is a place he feels safe and is where he can find and understand what love and affection is. For example, Johnny attempts to run away but the gang makes him remain.

5. Q: How does Ponyboy react to what Sodapop tells him about Darry?
A: He really didn't think twice about what Soda was trying to express. Inside he felt that this wasn't true since he had to keep in the sarcasm when he said "sure". Also "sure" isn't a very convincing statement either, sarcasm or non.

6. Q: Do you think Darry loves Ponyboy? Why does he treat Ponyboy the way he does?
A: I think that Darry truly does love Ponyboy. He just expresses in a different way. Darry provides Ponyboy with a lot of discipline, he makes sure his homework is completed and his grades are good. He also reminds Ponyboy to use his head even in a rude inconsiderate way, so maybe next time he will. Darry makes sure that he also doesn't get in trouble with the police. He treats Ponyboy the way he does because Ponyboy is the baby and he's just looking out for him. Darry wants him to succeed and do the right thing. And from these examples I think Darry definitely does love Ponyboy.

7. Q: What does Ponyboy mean on page 18 when he says, "I lie to myself all the time"? Do you ever lie to yourself? Why?
A: He means that he tells himself something that isn't true often. The reasoning for this is usually because you are hiding from the truth because it may hurt you or something you are dislike. Sometimes I will lie to myself to make myself feel better about a situation, even though deep down I know by lying its harming me even more.