The Outsiders Theme

Which of the following examples supports the theme "importance of friendship" in The Outsiders.

• Johnny was beat up in the vacant lot

• Johnny vows he will never allow himself to be beat up again

• Johnny asks Dally not to be rude to the Soc girls

• Johnny shares his desperation about his life and desire to move away from where Socs and greasers live.

Can a bad example of a family demonstrate "the importance of family" as a theme?

• No. Only good examples of how families should act can reinforce the theme of the importance of family.

• No. A bad example of a family would represent a different theme in the book.

• Yes, both good and bad examples of families demonstrate the importance of families

• Yes. Anytime a family interaction is in a book it shows the importance of families.

When determining a theme, the reader should first consider...

• the illustrations

• the subject or topic

• the title

• the length of the story 

A theme in The Outsiders is "the importance of friendship." Which one of these is an example of this theme.

• Ponyboy spitting at the Socs in the park

• Bob, Randy and the Socs in the back seat teaming up to beat up Ponyboy and Johnny

• Johnny carrying a switchblade and vowing never to be beat up again

• Two-Bit befriending Marcia at the drive-in

Support the argument that the theme of family is central to the novel. Which evidence from the text best illustrates this theme?

• The Greasers' loyalty to each other.

• The Socs' wealth and privilege.

• The rivalry between the two groups.

• The police's involvement in the story.

Interpret the significance of the poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay" in the context of the novel. What does it symbolize for Ponyboy and Johnny?

• The inevitability of change and loss.

• The permanence of their friendship.

• The beauty of nature.

• The wealth of the Socs.

What motivates Johnny to save the children from the burning church, despite the danger to himself?

• He wants to prove his bravery to the Greasers.

• He feels a sense of responsibility and guilt for the fire.

• He wants to impress Dally.

• He is trying to escape from the police.

Evaluate the impact of Bob's death on the development of the plot. How does it change the dynamics between the Socs and the Greasers?

• It leads to a truce between the two groups.

• It escalates the violence and tension between them.

• It causes the Greasers to disband.

• It results in the Socs seeking revenge on the Greasers.

Compare Ponyboy's perspective on the Socs at the beginning of the novel to his perspective at the end. What changes?

• He becomes more resentful towards them.

• He realizes they are not so different from him.

• He decides to join them.

• He remains unchanged in his views.

Make an inference about Dally's behavior throughout the novel. What does his reckless attitude suggest about his internal struggles?

• He is confident and carefree.

• He is deeply troubled and feels hopeless.

• He is trying to impress his friends.

• He is indifferent to the world around him.