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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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

• the illustrations

• the subject or topic

• the title

• the length of the story 

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

CCSS.RL.9-10.2

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.2

CCSS.RL.5.9

CCSS.RL.6.2

CCSS.RL.7.2

CCSS.RL.8.2

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.

Tags

CCSS.RL.5.3

CCSS.RL.6.3

CCSS.RL.7.3

CCSS.RL.8.3

CCSS.RL.9-10.3

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.

Tags

CCSS.RI.7.1

CCSS.RI.8.1

CCSS.RL.6.1

CCSS.RL.7.1

CCSS.RL.8.1