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The Outsiders: Chapters 1-3

Vocabulary Directions: Please record one synonym and one antonym for each of the defined vocabulary words below. Also, please sketch a small visual of each vocabulary word.

Chapter 1

disgrace:loss of respect, honor, or esteem
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VISUAL: / madras:a light cotton plaid fabric used for clothes
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muttered: spoke in low tones; grumbled
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VISUAL: / cowlick:a tuft of hair that grows in a direction different than the rest of the hair
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reckless:careless; without caution
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VISUAL: / bawl: to cry or wail
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quivering: shaking uncontrollably
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VISUAL: / unfathomable: impossible to understand
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rarities: something rare, unusual, or uncommon
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VISUAL: / savvy:to know; understand
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Chapter 2

roguishly: in a playfully mischievous manner
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VISUAL: / winced:tensed the body; flinched
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incredulous: not inclined to believe; skeptical
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VISUAL: / scowled: made a frowning face
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nonchalantly: unexcitedly; casually
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VISUAL: / scatterbrained:incapable of serious thought
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Chapter 3

gallantly: in a brave way
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VISUAL: / aloofness: disinterest; distant in feeling
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ornery: unpleasant; stubborn
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VISUAL: / elite: person of the highest class
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dumfounded: struck with astonishment and surprise
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VISUAL: / cunning: artfully subtle; sly
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Chapters 1-3 Notes on Plot and Summarizing

Directions: For chapters 1-3, use the chart below to help you keep track of your reading. Summarize the setting or settings, and then summarize each major event in the chapter. Try to keep your summaries short (complete sentences aren’t necessary). Chapter one has been done as an example for you.

Setting / Action Summary (Plot) and Characters Involved / Important Things to Remember From This Chapter
Chapter One / outside movie theatre / Ponyboy gets jumped by a group of Socs; is saved by his friends—the greasers from the East Side / 1)Ponyboy, Soda, and Darry are brothers
2)Socs are the Greasers’ enemy
3)Johnny was beaten badly by the Socs at some point
4)Ponyboy is 14 and good in school
Chapter Two
Chapter Three

Chapters 1-3 Comprehension Check

Directions: As you read and take notes on your plot and summary chart, use the questions below to help guide your understanding of all aspects of the novel. After reading the given chapter, answer the questions on the notebook paper attached to this page.

Chapter One:

1. How does the narrator describe himself?

2. Why does he like to go to the movies alone?

3. What happens to him on the way home from the movies?

4. How does he feel as he is being followed? Why? What signs does he exhibit that tell you this is how he feels? How does he get out of it?

5. What happened to the parents of the narrator?

6. What do we learn is the name of the narrator?

7. Why is Ponyboy so reluctant to tell Darry how he really feels afterwards?

8. Who are Soda and Steve? Where do they work?

9. How did Two-Bit get his nickname? What is his real name?

10. According to Ponyboy, what is different about Dally from the rest of the guys?

11. Why does Darry work so hard?

12. What does Sodapop tell Ponyboy about his plans for Sandy and himself?

13. Describe Ponyboy, Soda, and Darry’s relationship with each other.

Chapter Two:

1.How do the boys get into the Nightly Double? Why do they choose to do that?

2. Why does Dally use vulgar and abrasive language with the girls at the movies?

3. How do the girls respond to the insults? From their reactions, what can you conclude about their personalities?

4. Why is Ponyboy uncomfortable about Dally’s behavior?

5. Explain why the girls are okay with Johnny and Pony, but not okay with Dally.

6. Why are the girls alone and without a car?

7. What does Two-Bit do that scares Johnny and Pony? Relate why it is especially frightening to Johnny.

8. What rule do the Greasers follow, besides “stick together”? How do you think these rules came to be?

9. Describe the attack on Johnny. Why do you think the attack was so traumatic to him?

Chapter Three:

1. What does Cherry tell Ponyboy about the Socs?

2. Relate the story of Mickey Mouse and Soda. Why do you think it was included in the novel?

3. Explain the reference to the watching of the sunset. Why is it an important part of the buildup of the relationship between Cherry Valance and Ponyboy?

4. When the blue Mustang rolls up, what are its occupants hoping to do? What do the Greasers think they want?

5. Give your opinion of Cherry saying. “… if I see you in the hall at school or someplace and don’t say hi, well, it’s not personal…” Explain the reasons for your point of view.

6. What do Pony and Johnny do instead of going home after the movies, and what is the result?

7. Why doesn’t Darry call the police when Ponyboy doesn’t arrive home until 2:00 a.m.?

8. Why do Ponyboy and Johnny run away?

9. Why does Johnny say he likes it better when his father is hitting him?

10. Paraphrase why Darry seems like such an angry person.