The Outsiders Chapter 9

1. In the first four paragraphs, the concrete descriptions of the injuries suffered

serve to —

• show how seriously both sides take the rivalry

• demonstrate that the greasers are better fighters than the Socs are

• explain why the greasers are so happy when they beat the Socs

• suggest that Ponyboy wasn’t hurt too badly since he can remember the

  details

2. In paragraph 5, the use of the words hauled and dragged emphasizes Dally’s —

• viciousness

• urgency

• strength

• strength

3. In paragraph 15, the lines “How would I know . . . I ain’t no doc” and “Sucker!”

suggest that Dally has a tendency to be —

• considerate

• spiteful

• uninterested

• disrespectful

4. Read the following dictionary entry.

rave (rāv) v. 1. to roar with great fury 2. to speak with joyous enthusiasm

3. to speak wildly and irrationally 4. to express great admiration and praise

Which definition best matches the meaning of the word raving as it is used in

paragraph 18?

• Definition 1

• Definition 2

• Definition 3

• Definition 4

5. The exchange between Dally and the doctor in paragraphs 21 and 22 is most

likely included in order to show that —

• people of different educational levels respond differently

• the doctor has likely met boys like Dally before

• Dally believes violence is the way to get what one wants

• Dally thinks of Johnny as a brother

6. In paragraph 28, Dally most likely says what he does to Johnny because Dally —

• knows this is what Johnny wants to hear

• realizes now it was the right choice to go into the church to help the children

• knows this is what Ponyboy expects him to say to Johnny

• is embarrassed about fighting the Socs

7. Dally’s words and actions in paragraphs 35-37 primarily reflect his feelings of —

• anger at Johnny for never listening to him

• powerlessness to change the situation

• rage against those responsible for Johnny’s death

• hope that the doctors can still do something to save Johnny

8. From this passage, the reader can conclude that —

• Johnny is the first greaser to have editorials in the paper written about him

• Dally borrowed Buck Merril’s T-bird without Buck’s permission

• Ponyboy had never seen a dead person before

• Johnny had done some thinking about fighting during his hospital stay

9. Why does Dally “scold” Johnny in paragraph 34? Support your answer with

evidence from the selection.

Answer explanation

Answers will vary. A good answer will note that Dally is a “tough guy” who

would have difficulty expressing his true feelings of grief, especially in front of

Ponyboy. He is “angry” at Johnny for not being “hard” like Dally is, and thus

losing his life. He is clearly frustrated at not being able to keep Johnny from

dying. The only way for Dally to vent his emotions is to “scold” Johnny for

dying and for never listening to Dally’s advice.

10. What do the doctor’s words to the two boys reveal about the doctor’s character?

Support your answer with evidence from the selection.

Answer explanation

Answers will vary. A good answer will mention the doctor’s forthright

statement to the boys that their friend is dying. He seems to be a no-

nonsense kind of person, while still expressing his sorrow about Johnny’s

coming death. The doctor’s response to Dally’s switchblade shows him to be

strong and dignified and conveys his refusal to be bullied into any action. His

quiet, calm response makes Dally’s gesture with the knife seem particularly

juvenile.