The Outsiders: Chapter 2

Part A: What does Cherry’s character reveal about the Socs?

• They are all spoiled and emotionally shallow.

• They are completely different from Greasers in every way.

• They have problems too, even if they don’t show it.

• They are more dangerous than Greasers because they act violently.

Part B: Which sentence from Chapter 2 best supports the answer to Part A?

• “You’re the first person I’ve ever really gotten through to.”

• “You read a lot, don’t you, Ponyboy?”

• “It’s not just the money… we have troubles you’ve never even heard of.”

• “Johnny’s eyes were fearful under the streetlight.”

Which TWO statements best describe Ponyboy’s personality based on his interactions with Cherry?

• He is bitter and distrustful of Socs.

• He is open-minded and willing to listen.

• He hides his true feelings and avoids deeper conversations.

• He is intelligent and reflective.

• He is indifferent to social class and friendships.

“She gave him a cool look and didn’t say anything. She was sharp.”

What does the word “sharp” most likely mean in this sentence?

(a)  

• Stylish or well-dressed
• Intelligent and observant
• Mean or cruel
• Quick to make fun of others

Which theme is most clearly developed through Cherry and Ponyboy’s conversation?

• True friendship is impossible between different social classes.

• Appearances can hide deeper similarities between people.

• Only the Greasers experience hardship.

• It is dangerous to trust people outside your group.

Why does S.E. Hinton include Dally’s rude behavior and Cherry’s firm response at the drive-in?

• To add comic relief in an otherwise serious chapter

• To emphasize Dally’s jealousy of Ponyboy

• To highlight how Cherry is different from a stereotypical Soc

• To show that Dally is secretly trying to protect Ponyboy

Part A: How does Ponyboy begin to change his understanding of the Socs in this chapter?

• He realizes Socs are pretending to be kind to Greasers for entertainment.

• He understands that Socs might feel empty inside despite their wealth.

• He believes Socs are just as violent as Greasers but better at hiding it.

• He is convinced Socs only want to pick fights and cause trouble.

Part B: Which line from Chapter 2 best supports the answer to Part A?

• "Maybe the two different worlds we lived in weren’t so different."

• "I didn’t think a Soc would go for anything like that."

• "I knew better than to get mouthy with anyone."

• "He gave a low whistle and grinned."

Which TWO words best describe the tone of Ponyboy and Cherry’s conversation?

(a)   (b)  

• Tense
• Curious
• Reflective
• Excited
• Angry
• Dramatic
• Emotional

Match each character with the trait they most clearly show in Chapter 2.

• Stands up to Dally without hesitation

• Dally

• Thoughtful, curious about people beyond labels

• Cherry

• Disrespectful toward girls and authority

• Ponyboy