The Outsiders Themes

Make an inference about the role of socioeconomic status in the conflict between the Socs and the Greasers. How does it influence their interactions?

• It has no impact on their interactions.

• It is the root cause of their conflict.

• It is a minor factor in their rivalry.

• It only affects the Greasers' perspective.

Support the argument that Ponyboy's relationship with his brothers is a key element of the novel. Which event best highlights this relationship?

• The rumble between the Socs and the Greasers.

• Ponyboy's conversation with Cherry.

• The moment when Darry slaps Ponyboy.

• Johnny's death.

Analyze the motivations behind Cherry's decision to act as a spy for the Greasers. What does this reveal about her character?

• She wants to betray the Socs.

• She feels guilty about Bob's death.

• She is trying to gain favor with the Greasers.

• She is indifferent to the conflict.

Interpret the role of the drive-in movie theater as a setting in the novel. What does it symbolize for the characters?

• A place of conflict and tension.

• A neutral ground where social barriers are lessened.

• A symbol of wealth and privilege.

• A reminder of their differences.

Evaluate the significance of Johnny's letter to Ponyboy. How does it influence Ponyboy's understanding of his own identity and future?

• It makes him feel more isolated.

• It encourages him to embrace his Greaser identity.

• It inspires him to see the good in the world and pursue his dreams.

• It convinces him to leave the Greasers.

What theme is shown in the excerpts below? "I just don’t get it... I’m a Greaser, and I should have expected that. But I thought I could maybe, just maybe, fit in with the Socs for a little while, and they didn’t even give me a chance."

• class conflict

• friendship

• the innocence of youth

In this excerpt, which theme stands out? “Johnny was looking at me, his eyes filled with a wild sort of gratitude. 'We’ll be okay, Ponyboy,' he said quietly. 'I know we will. We're just a couple of guys from the wrong side of the tracks.' I smiled at him, 'We’re all we’ve got left.'”

• identity and self-discovery

• friendship and loyalty

• class conflict

Choose the correct theme in the excerpt below. “Things were rough all over, but it was better that way. That way you could tell the other guy was human too. It made things more interesting. But the fight that had killed Bob Sheldon, the fight that had started everything, was a mistake. It was a split-second thing, and if Johnny and I hadn’t been there, it wouldn’t have happened.”
This shows how violence in the novel is often impulsive and can escalate out of control, leading to unintended consequences.

• the innocence of youth

• violence and it's consequences

• class conflict

Choose the correct theme for the excerpt below. “'Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold…' he said softly, and I understood what he meant.”

• innocence of youth

• the search for belonging

• violence and it's consequences

Choose the correct theme for the following excerpt. "I just don’t get it... I’m a Greaser, and I should have expected that. But I thought I could maybe, just maybe, fit in with the Socs for a little while, and they didn’t even give me a chance."

• friendship and loyalty

• class conflict

• search for belonging