The Outsiders Ch. 1-2 Reading Guide

During Reading Assignment

As you read, look for the following and take notes on these:

At least three clues about Ponyboy’s character traits (not physical): ______

Clues about two conflicts to come (foreshadowing): ______
______

An example of a flashback (a jump back in time). Summarize it below and indicate what you learn about Johnny’s relationship with his father. ______

After Reading Assignment

“I really couldn’t see what the Socs would have to sweat about – good grades, good cars, good girls, madras and Mustangs and Corvairs – Man, I thought, if I had worries like that I’d consider myself lucky.

I know better now.”

This is an example of foreshadowing. What do you think Ponyboy means?

______

Make a prediction based upon these paragraphs.

______

Chapter 1 Questions

1. What do the Greasers value? ______

2. What happened to the Curtis boy’s parents? ______

3. How did Ponyboy feel when he was being followed and why? ______

4. Why does Ponyboy go to the movies alone? ______

5. Where did Steve and Soda work? ______

6. What was Two-Bit’s real name? How did Two-Bit get his name? ______

7. Who does Soda want to marry? Describe her. ______

8. How are the Greasers and Socs alike? ______

How are they different? ______

Chapter 2 Questions

1. Who are the Socs, and what are their values? ______

2. Where do the Greasers hang out? ______What is the place like? ______

3. Why did Dally try to embarrass the girls at the movie? ______

4. Why was Ponyboy uncomfortable with the insults to the girls? ______

5. How did the girls respond to the insults? ______

6. What did Cherry do with her Coke? ______

7. Why do you think she acted this way? ______

8. What did Johnny tell Dally to do? ______

9. How did Dally react? ______

10. Why were Johnny’s actions so unusual? ______

11. Why were the girls not frightened of Johnny and Ponyboy? ______

12. Why were the girls alone and without a car? ______

13. Why was Johnny so afraid when Two-Bit came up behind him? ______

14. What external conflict has made Johnny react the way he does? ______

15. What is the main rule that the Greasers have—besides stick together? ______

16. Describe the attack on Johnny. ______

The opening chapter of this novel introduces the reader to many of the important characters. Fill in the following chart based upon information found in this chapter. Some information will not be found until later chapters…..add the missing information as you find it in the book.

Character / Real Name / Physical Description / Personality Traits
Include behavior & attitude / Ponyboy’s reaction to each character.
Ponyboy
Curtis /
n/a
Sodapop
Curtis
Darry
Curtis
Steve Randle
Two-Bit Mathews
Dally Winston
Johnny Cade

When you meet people your own age, what about them would make you want to know them better?

In the list below, check the qualities that interest you most.

_____ the way they dress _____ where they hang out _____ how they treat people

_____ their athletic abilities _____ their grades in school _____ what they’re interested in

_____ how their family treats them _____ what they do for fun _____ how they treat their friends

_____ the way they talk _____ their sense of humor _____the kinds of homes they live in

_____ their physical appearance _____ how much spending money they have

Think about one of your friends. Which of these qualities do they have? Write a paragraph describing your friend, using the qualities that you identified.

______