1. What ‘circumstance’ does Ponyboy's teacher refer to? What circumstances does Ponyboy think his teacher is referring to?
The ‘circumstance’ that Ponyboy’s teacher refers to is that if he can finish this one assignment and comes up with a really good semester theme, his teacher wouldn’t make him fail right at the moment. Instead, he’ll pass him with a C grade. The circumstance that Ponyboy thinks his teacher is referring to is that he was just giving him an assignment to making in stop goofing around and start thinking about his marks or else he will have to receive a consequence like this.
2. Why doesn't Ponyboy feel scared when the Socs approach him and he threatens them with a broken bottle (p.170-171)? How is this a dramatic change from the Ponyboy we have seen up until this point?
Ponyboy doesn’t feel scared when the Socs approach him and he threatens him with a broken bottle because he started to turn into the rest of the people in the gang, a real greaser who likes to pick fights, when Ponyboy was never like that and hated fight and never found a reason for them. This is a dramatic change from the Ponyboy that we have seen up until this point because the Ponyboy from the beginning was a smart kid who would get really good grades in all his subjects, was interested in books, and art and things that all the other Greasers didn’t really care for. Now Ponyboy is failing in all of his classes, doesn’t eat much anymore, is very forgetful, Pony used to get A’s in English but now he’s only lucky enough to get a D. He was turning into a ‘hood’. Two-Bit and Steve didn’t want Pony to turn into something that he’s not. He even showed it when he said, “Ponyboy, listen, don’t get tough. You’re not like the rest of us and don’t try to be…”
3. What does Darry mean when he says, "you don't just stop living because you lose someone" (p.173)?
When Darry said “You don’t just stop living because you lose someone” he meant that when you lose someone special to you for example, your best friend. You shouldn’t hate the world or want to kill yourself. You should move on with your life and just remember all the great times you’ve had with them. And just treasure more precious times that you are going to live and meet new people. Even though no one is every going to replace that special person you should still go on with your lives and make new great times and fun memories.
4. How do we know Sandy didn't love Soda as much as he loved her?
We know that Sandy didn’t love Soda as much as he loved her because she didn’t even bother to open the letter that Soda sent her, and Soda loved her so much that he wanted to marry her but she just left him hanging and walked out on him.
5. Explain how Darry and Ponyboy play tug of war with Soda.
Darry and Ponyboy play tug-of-war with Soda because when Darry and Ponyboy fight with each other, Soda doesn’t know whose side he should take because both, Darry and Pony always want Soda to take their own side when soda can’t chose because he’s both of their buddies and doesn’t was to be fighting with the other one a bring them down. He just wants them to stop fighting. If they keep on fighting and Soda takes sides every time, they could end up getting separated and put into different homes because they are all they’ve got. And they don’t want to lose each other.
6. What do we learn was so special about Johnny (p.178)?
What we learned that was so special about Johnny was that he was more than just a buddy to all of them. He listened to more things and problems from more than any of them. He was a guy that would really listen to you, listen and care about what you’re saying. They found that to be a rare thing in a friend.
7. What does Ponyboy end up doing for his English assignment?
For his English assignment, Ponyboy ends up doing what happened since he stepped out of the movie theatre from the beginning of this novel. “When I stepped out into the bright sunlight of the movie house, I only had two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home…”
Monday, April 30, 2007
Chapter Eleven
Vocabulary: Find the meaning of the following word from the chapter and use it in a sentence correctly.
acquitted p.168
Acquitted- to declare officially that somebody is not guilty of a charge or accusation
A St. Catharines jury on Sunday acquitted a man accused of kidnapping a teenaged girl.
1. Explain why Pony might rather have anyone's hate than their pity (p.162)?
Ponyboy might rather have anyone’s hate than their pity because he didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for Johnny or himself just because they weren’t rich like them or poorer than the middle class. Pony didn’t care how poor or rich he was he just never wanted anyone to pity them for their lifestyles. He would rather that they hated them because he knows that if they hated them then that would be real. But if they pitied them then he would know that they were just pretending and faking it.
2. What do you think is going on with Ponyboy when he says, "Johnny didn't have anyhing to do with Bob's getting killed" (p.166)?
I think that what was going on with Ponyboy when he said “Johnny didn’t have anything to do with Bob’s getting killed” he meant that Johnny didn’t really mean to kill Bob purposely, it was self defense and if he didn’t kill Bob then and innocent life would have been lost which was Ponyboy and he did nothing wrong he was just in the park with Johnny and out late but he did nothing to offend Bob which would cause Bob to hurt any of them because they were completely innocent.
acquitted p.168
Acquitted- to declare officially that somebody is not guilty of a charge or accusation
A St. Catharines jury on Sunday acquitted a man accused of kidnapping a teenaged girl.
1. Explain why Pony might rather have anyone's hate than their pity (p.162)?
Ponyboy might rather have anyone’s hate than their pity because he didn’t want anyone to feel sorry for Johnny or himself just because they weren’t rich like them or poorer than the middle class. Pony didn’t care how poor or rich he was he just never wanted anyone to pity them for their lifestyles. He would rather that they hated them because he knows that if they hated them then that would be real. But if they pitied them then he would know that they were just pretending and faking it.
2. What do you think is going on with Ponyboy when he says, "Johnny didn't have anyhing to do with Bob's getting killed" (p.166)?
I think that what was going on with Ponyboy when he said “Johnny didn’t have anything to do with Bob’s getting killed” he meant that Johnny didn’t really mean to kill Bob purposely, it was self defense and if he didn’t kill Bob then and innocent life would have been lost which was Ponyboy and he did nothing wrong he was just in the park with Johnny and out late but he did nothing to offend Bob which would cause Bob to hurt any of them because they were completely innocent.
Chapter Ten
Vocabulary: Find the meaning of the following word from the chapter and use it in a sentence correctly.
Indignantly p.159
Indignantly- angry or annoyed at the unfairness or unreasonableness of somebody or something
She protested indignantly. Her face turned pink, filled with anger at the rudeness that the people gave back to her.
1. How does Pony's dreaming, or lying to himself, finally work in this chapter?
Ponyboy’s dreaming or lying to himself, finally worked in this chapter because when ever he would think about Johnny or Dally he would say in his mind that they weren’t dead and that they were probably just out in the lot or something. When he thought things like this he believed himself and felt more comfortable and not as depressed.
2. Why was Johnny's dying so difficult for Dally to handle?
Johnny’s dying was so difficult for Dally to handle because Johnny was the only thing in this world that Dally ever loved, and it hurt to see that one thing that he loved just to be gone in a spilt second, and never to be seen in his life ever again. Dally cared about Johnny a lot and wanted to die because he couldn’t bare the pain anymore because of the loss of Johnny.
3. Why do you think Dally would have wanted to die?
I think that Dally would have wanted to die because he couldn’t take the pain anymore and also because he felt that he had nothing to live for anymore and that he had nothing in this world anymore. Since he risked his life for Johnny when he was saving the kids in the church and then Johnny ended up dying he felt that his live had no meaning to it and he had no reason to live or to be put on earth.
Indignantly p.159
Indignantly- angry or annoyed at the unfairness or unreasonableness of somebody or something
She protested indignantly. Her face turned pink, filled with anger at the rudeness that the people gave back to her.
1. How does Pony's dreaming, or lying to himself, finally work in this chapter?
Ponyboy’s dreaming or lying to himself, finally worked in this chapter because when ever he would think about Johnny or Dally he would say in his mind that they weren’t dead and that they were probably just out in the lot or something. When he thought things like this he believed himself and felt more comfortable and not as depressed.
2. Why was Johnny's dying so difficult for Dally to handle?
Johnny’s dying was so difficult for Dally to handle because Johnny was the only thing in this world that Dally ever loved, and it hurt to see that one thing that he loved just to be gone in a spilt second, and never to be seen in his life ever again. Dally cared about Johnny a lot and wanted to die because he couldn’t bare the pain anymore because of the loss of Johnny.
3. Why do you think Dally would have wanted to die?
I think that Dally would have wanted to die because he couldn’t take the pain anymore and also because he felt that he had nothing to live for anymore and that he had nothing in this world anymore. Since he risked his life for Johnny when he was saving the kids in the church and then Johnny ended up dying he felt that his live had no meaning to it and he had no reason to live or to be put on earth.
Friday, April 27, 2007
Chapter Nine
1. On the bottom of p.133, when Pony asks what kind of a world it is, what comment is he making about how society judges people?
Pony asks what kind of a world it is, the comment that Ponyboy is making about how society judges people is that he wants everything to be how it used to be. When everyone used to get along together and there were no big rumbles or fights between separate gangs. Pony wishes that everyone would stay “gold” and to read that poem to realize the great times that they can have in life.
2. Why do the boys fight? Why is Pony different?
The boys fight because they want their territory all to their selves and they don’t want the Socs to be around there. Also, they fought because they wanted to do it for Johnny who was in the hospital slowly dying and suffering. Ponyboy is different because he realizes he doesn't hate Socs anymore and he doesn't want to fight like this. He wants people to be friends as individuals, not hate each other in groups, while the rest of the gang hates the Socs and love fight and rumbles. Ponyboy is uncomfortable around the rest of the gang. He is friends with them, but they are real criminals. Pony doesn't like them, he likes Johnny.
3. What is the difference between Tim Shepard's gang and Ponyboy's? Explain how Pony feels this difference might give his group the upper hand?
The difference between Tim Shepard’s gang and Ponyboy’s gang is that Tim Shepard’s gang is an actual gang that does juvenile things like vandalizing etc. where Ponyboy's gang is basically just a group of friends that like to hang out along the streets but get into fight with other gangs such as the Socs.
4. What do you think Johnny's last words to Pony mean?
I think that Johnny’s last words to Ponyboy (“Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold…”) meant that since we have ups and downs that we in life, Johnny wants Ponyboy to cherish every moment of his life whether it’s good or bad. We take so much for granted and don’t know how different life would be once it’s gone. Johnny would say this to Ponyboy because this poem can make him see how lucky he is to be young, and to see how important this time is because it only comes once in a life time and you should treasure it and make the most of it while you can. When Johnny dies, he says this to Ponyboy because when he dies, that would be a down, and he wants Ponyboy to move on with his life.
Pony asks what kind of a world it is, the comment that Ponyboy is making about how society judges people is that he wants everything to be how it used to be. When everyone used to get along together and there were no big rumbles or fights between separate gangs. Pony wishes that everyone would stay “gold” and to read that poem to realize the great times that they can have in life.
2. Why do the boys fight? Why is Pony different?
The boys fight because they want their territory all to their selves and they don’t want the Socs to be around there. Also, they fought because they wanted to do it for Johnny who was in the hospital slowly dying and suffering. Ponyboy is different because he realizes he doesn't hate Socs anymore and he doesn't want to fight like this. He wants people to be friends as individuals, not hate each other in groups, while the rest of the gang hates the Socs and love fight and rumbles. Ponyboy is uncomfortable around the rest of the gang. He is friends with them, but they are real criminals. Pony doesn't like them, he likes Johnny.
3. What is the difference between Tim Shepard's gang and Ponyboy's? Explain how Pony feels this difference might give his group the upper hand?
The difference between Tim Shepard’s gang and Ponyboy’s gang is that Tim Shepard’s gang is an actual gang that does juvenile things like vandalizing etc. where Ponyboy's gang is basically just a group of friends that like to hang out along the streets but get into fight with other gangs such as the Socs.
4. What do you think Johnny's last words to Pony mean?
I think that Johnny’s last words to Ponyboy (“Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold…”) meant that since we have ups and downs that we in life, Johnny wants Ponyboy to cherish every moment of his life whether it’s good or bad. We take so much for granted and don’t know how different life would be once it’s gone. Johnny would say this to Ponyboy because this poem can make him see how lucky he is to be young, and to see how important this time is because it only comes once in a life time and you should treasure it and make the most of it while you can. When Johnny dies, he says this to Ponyboy because when he dies, that would be a down, and he wants Ponyboy to move on with his life.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Chapter Eight
1. How does what the doctor first says, on page 119, foreshadow Johnny's condition?
When the doctor says “Let them go in”, it foreshadows Johnny’s condition because of the expression in his voice when he says if and also when the doctor says “He’s been asking for them. It can’t hurt now” that is a possible warning of the doctor saying that Johnny is going to die.
2. "We needed Johnny as much as he needed the gang. And for the same reason" (p.121). What do you think Pony means, and what is the reason?
I think that when Ponyboy says “We needed Johnny as much as he needed the gang. And for the same reason” Ponyboy means that the gang needed Johnny in order to stay together, because without Johnny, things would never be the same again. There would be no one to turn to when a certain person was mad at the rest of the gang, and most of the gang would loose their best buddy, especially Pony. Pony and Johnny were like two peas in a pod, they shared the same interests, they both liked things like reading, and the same books to. The reason was that they all needed a person to talk to which in this case would be Johnny, and Johnny needed the whole gang to talk to about his problems. The gang was like Johnny’s family, because all of them actually cared about him unlike his mother and father. Pony’s house was like everyone’s second home, especially Johnny. Johnny needs the whole gang to survive. Without them he probably would have been dead already. The gang supports each other just like family should and if someone leaves the gang then everything will change.
3. What does Pony mean on p. 123 when he says, "we could get along without anyone but Johnny"?
When Pony said “We could get along without anyone but Johnny” he meant that Johnny was the one who kept the group all together and would never tell any of the other greasers off the way that the others would like Dally. Johnny was the nice, sweet kid of the gang who was the person that people could turn to and tell things when they were mad at the rest of the gang. No one was ever mad at Johnny. He was always just too innocent.
4. If Darry didn't have Soda and Pony, why would he be a Soc?
If Darry didn’t have Soda and Pony, he would be a Soc because he would have a lot more money and he was a lot smarter and was always serious just like the other Socs. If Soda and Pony weren’t born and their parents still got into that accident, Darry would have a lot more money by now. But since he does have Sodapop and Ponyboy, Darry has to send some of his money for Pony’s, Soda’s and his own necessities so that they could all survive.
5. What does Cherry mean when she says Bob "wasn't just anyone" on p.129?
When Cherry says that Bob wasn’t just anyone she meant that he was actually a really nice guy that had something more to his self than just the other Socs, he had a really nice, sweet, understanding personality behind his toughness and when he was drunk. When Bob was drunk he would have a completely different personality, which would turn him to beat up and innocent greaser like Johnny, but on his sweeter side, he was more open, understanding, and nice.
When the doctor says “Let them go in”, it foreshadows Johnny’s condition because of the expression in his voice when he says if and also when the doctor says “He’s been asking for them. It can’t hurt now” that is a possible warning of the doctor saying that Johnny is going to die.
2. "We needed Johnny as much as he needed the gang. And for the same reason" (p.121). What do you think Pony means, and what is the reason?
I think that when Ponyboy says “We needed Johnny as much as he needed the gang. And for the same reason” Ponyboy means that the gang needed Johnny in order to stay together, because without Johnny, things would never be the same again. There would be no one to turn to when a certain person was mad at the rest of the gang, and most of the gang would loose their best buddy, especially Pony. Pony and Johnny were like two peas in a pod, they shared the same interests, they both liked things like reading, and the same books to. The reason was that they all needed a person to talk to which in this case would be Johnny, and Johnny needed the whole gang to talk to about his problems. The gang was like Johnny’s family, because all of them actually cared about him unlike his mother and father. Pony’s house was like everyone’s second home, especially Johnny. Johnny needs the whole gang to survive. Without them he probably would have been dead already. The gang supports each other just like family should and if someone leaves the gang then everything will change.
3. What does Pony mean on p. 123 when he says, "we could get along without anyone but Johnny"?
When Pony said “We could get along without anyone but Johnny” he meant that Johnny was the one who kept the group all together and would never tell any of the other greasers off the way that the others would like Dally. Johnny was the nice, sweet kid of the gang who was the person that people could turn to and tell things when they were mad at the rest of the gang. No one was ever mad at Johnny. He was always just too innocent.
4. If Darry didn't have Soda and Pony, why would he be a Soc?
If Darry didn’t have Soda and Pony, he would be a Soc because he would have a lot more money and he was a lot smarter and was always serious just like the other Socs. If Soda and Pony weren’t born and their parents still got into that accident, Darry would have a lot more money by now. But since he does have Sodapop and Ponyboy, Darry has to send some of his money for Pony’s, Soda’s and his own necessities so that they could all survive.
5. What does Cherry mean when she says Bob "wasn't just anyone" on p.129?
When Cherry says that Bob wasn’t just anyone she meant that he was actually a really nice guy that had something more to his self than just the other Socs, he had a really nice, sweet, understanding personality behind his toughness and when he was drunk. When Bob was drunk he would have a completely different personality, which would turn him to beat up and innocent greaser like Johnny, but on his sweeter side, he was more open, understanding, and nice.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Chapter Seven
1. Explain what Pony means when he says Soda "reminds me of a colt" on p. 101.
When Pony says that Soda reminds him of a colt Pony meant that sometimes Soda can be so filled with excitement that its reminds him of a horse that is kicking around in excitement and has to get its nose into everything that is going on around him.
2. What condition is Johnny in after the fire?
After the fire, Johnny was in critical condition. Johnny’s back was broken after a big piece of timber fell on him. Johnny was crippled and burnt badly. Johnny was so burnt that he can even die. He was in shock and was suffering from third-degree burns.
3. Why would being crippled be worse for Johnny than someone else?
Being crippled would be worse for Johnny than someone else because Johnny just realizes all of the special things that he could do and Johnny was Ponyboy’s best friend and was the one who actually understands him other than Sodapop. Everyone in “the gang” now knows how tuff/tough Johnny can really be and knows what a hero he is now. But after all of this, Johnny gets crippled after all he did to save the children, he is now in a fatal condition. Even if Johnny did live, he would never be able to play football or help them in a rumble. He would have to always stay home where he hated and where he wasn’t wanted by anyone. Things would never be like they used to be.
4. "Maybe people are younger when they are asleep" (p.104). What do you think about this comment?
When I heard the comment “Maybe people are younger when they are asleep” I think that it means that when you are asleep you can make your dreams come true with no one stopping you, when your dreams come true it makes you happier just like a little kid, or when you were younger. I think that dreams keep you young because you can let your imagination run wild and be creative with whatever you’re thinking of. Dreams let you express yourself while being calm at the same time. Dreams can be a good way to express yourself emotionally and let you take your feeling out.
5. What is a juvenile delinquent (p. 107)? Find a definition on the internet, in a dictionary, or create your own based on your own knowledge.
(Found in Dictionary) A juvenile delinquent is a young person who breaks the law as a habit, especially somebody repeatedly charged with vandalism or other antisocial behaviour.
6. Why would Two-Bit think Johnny, Dally, and Pony were heroes all along; before they saved the kids?
Two-Bit would think Johnny, Dally, and Pony were heroes all along even before they saved the kids because he knew that Johnny and Pony were always good and could do something really brave if they tried.
7. What was Bob's ‘real’ problem, according to Randy (p.116)?
According to Randy, Bob’s ‘real’ problem was t hat no one could ever say the word “no” to him. People like his parents would always just feel that it’s their fault for making Bob turn out the way he is, and never let Bob receive the consequences that he should get. People were probably afraid of how Bob would react when what Bob really wanted was for people to just be able to say what they really feel and tell him. He wanted to see how other people lived and felt, in stead of everything always going his own way. At times he can like it but everything you want isn’t always the way it turns out to be, or the way you want it. Money can’t buy you happiness, but Bob’s parent were probably thinking the opposite, they thought that if they gave Bob what he wanted, then he would be happy with his life, when they didn’t even know what Bob really wanted in his life.
8. Why did Pony think it was better to see Socs as “just guys” on p. 118? What do you think he means by this?
Pony thought that I was better to see the Socs as “just guys” because now, after talking to Randy, he would just like to see the Socs as “one of them”, just another person, still human, having problems just like them but with a different life style and different money.
By this I think that Pony meant that the Socs are really just like ordinary people after all. Socs have problems just like the rest of them do problems with in their own families and problems outside on the streets. They might seem tougher and rougher and maybe a lot meaner than the rest of then but really they are just like them in many ways, if they were in the same class (rich or poor), they could probably make pretty good friends. Just if they get to know each other and know what goes on in their lives a little bit more, they could realize how similar they really are after all.
When Pony says that Soda reminds him of a colt Pony meant that sometimes Soda can be so filled with excitement that its reminds him of a horse that is kicking around in excitement and has to get its nose into everything that is going on around him.
2. What condition is Johnny in after the fire?
After the fire, Johnny was in critical condition. Johnny’s back was broken after a big piece of timber fell on him. Johnny was crippled and burnt badly. Johnny was so burnt that he can even die. He was in shock and was suffering from third-degree burns.
3. Why would being crippled be worse for Johnny than someone else?
Being crippled would be worse for Johnny than someone else because Johnny just realizes all of the special things that he could do and Johnny was Ponyboy’s best friend and was the one who actually understands him other than Sodapop. Everyone in “the gang” now knows how tuff/tough Johnny can really be and knows what a hero he is now. But after all of this, Johnny gets crippled after all he did to save the children, he is now in a fatal condition. Even if Johnny did live, he would never be able to play football or help them in a rumble. He would have to always stay home where he hated and where he wasn’t wanted by anyone. Things would never be like they used to be.
4. "Maybe people are younger when they are asleep" (p.104). What do you think about this comment?
When I heard the comment “Maybe people are younger when they are asleep” I think that it means that when you are asleep you can make your dreams come true with no one stopping you, when your dreams come true it makes you happier just like a little kid, or when you were younger. I think that dreams keep you young because you can let your imagination run wild and be creative with whatever you’re thinking of. Dreams let you express yourself while being calm at the same time. Dreams can be a good way to express yourself emotionally and let you take your feeling out.
5. What is a juvenile delinquent (p. 107)? Find a definition on the internet, in a dictionary, or create your own based on your own knowledge.
(Found in Dictionary) A juvenile delinquent is a young person who breaks the law as a habit, especially somebody repeatedly charged with vandalism or other antisocial behaviour.
6. Why would Two-Bit think Johnny, Dally, and Pony were heroes all along; before they saved the kids?
Two-Bit would think Johnny, Dally, and Pony were heroes all along even before they saved the kids because he knew that Johnny and Pony were always good and could do something really brave if they tried.
7. What was Bob's ‘real’ problem, according to Randy (p.116)?
According to Randy, Bob’s ‘real’ problem was t hat no one could ever say the word “no” to him. People like his parents would always just feel that it’s their fault for making Bob turn out the way he is, and never let Bob receive the consequences that he should get. People were probably afraid of how Bob would react when what Bob really wanted was for people to just be able to say what they really feel and tell him. He wanted to see how other people lived and felt, in stead of everything always going his own way. At times he can like it but everything you want isn’t always the way it turns out to be, or the way you want it. Money can’t buy you happiness, but Bob’s parent were probably thinking the opposite, they thought that if they gave Bob what he wanted, then he would be happy with his life, when they didn’t even know what Bob really wanted in his life.
8. Why did Pony think it was better to see Socs as “just guys” on p. 118? What do you think he means by this?
Pony thought that I was better to see the Socs as “just guys” because now, after talking to Randy, he would just like to see the Socs as “one of them”, just another person, still human, having problems just like them but with a different life style and different money.
By this I think that Pony meant that the Socs are really just like ordinary people after all. Socs have problems just like the rest of them do problems with in their own families and problems outside on the streets. They might seem tougher and rougher and maybe a lot meaner than the rest of then but really they are just like them in many ways, if they were in the same class (rich or poor), they could probably make pretty good friends. Just if they get to know each other and know what goes on in their lives a little bit more, they could realize how similar they really are after all.
Chapter Six
Vocabulary: Find the meaning of the following word from this chapter and use it in a sentence correctly.
bewildered p. 88
bewildered- extremely confused
Twenty million things where going through my head right now. How did this happen? Why did it have to? I was so bewildered. I didn’t know where I was or what was going on. I just knew that I had to find out.
1. Do you think Dally's parents have influenced the way he is; his personality? Explain.
Yes, I do think that Dally’s parents have influenced the way his personality is because. For example, if a parent abuses its child and tells them negative things such as they mean nothing and are useless, then the child can feel like they are useless and they will keep thinking that and will eventually feel very miserable and badly about themselves
2. Why doesn't Dally want Johnny to turn himself in?
Dally doesn’t want Johnny to turn himself in because Dally has been in prison, and he knows how bad it can be. He says that he knows he’s become a hard, unhappy person and he doesn't want that to happen to Johnny.
3. What "other side" of Dallas is revealed in this chapter?
The “other side” of Dallas which is revealed in this chapter is that he can also be emotional at times and think of what he could have been if he didn’t do certain things. There are some things which Dally regrets doing and feels bad about it, like going to jail for a certain crime which he did.
4. What's your own definition of a hero? Do the three boys prove themselves to be heroes, according to your definition? Explain.
My definition of a hero would have to be some one who thinks of others before himself/herself. A hero could be a courageous and brave person who makes heroic acts. A hero could also be just a role model who inspires someone. For example a friend because you know that they are always there for you and they help you when you’re in need.
According to my definition, the three boys, Johnny, Ponyboy, and Dally, did prove themselves to be heroes. They proved themselves to be heroes because they were brave enough to go inside of a burning building to save the lives of little children while knowing that they could still risk their own lives. They were sacrificing their own lives for the children which to me would be considered as a heroic act.
5. Why do you think Johnny wasn't scared, despite the obvious danger, on page 92?
I think that Johnny wasn’t scared even with the fire because I think that Johnny feels that he can do anything now and he knows that he is not the same shy, scared boy that he used to be.
Example: Johnny probably thought that he would never be able to kill Bob until he knew how much he cared about Pony and knew that Pony was his friend and if Johnny feels that he can really do something then he can. Also Johnny probably though that before, he wouldn’t be saving children from a fire until he realizes that they have a long life ahead of them and that they are innocent and have mistakes that they also regret doing just like himself. So, when Johnny realizes that the children can be just like them he knows that he has to save them.
bewildered p. 88
bewildered- extremely confused
Twenty million things where going through my head right now. How did this happen? Why did it have to? I was so bewildered. I didn’t know where I was or what was going on. I just knew that I had to find out.
1. Do you think Dally's parents have influenced the way he is; his personality? Explain.
Yes, I do think that Dally’s parents have influenced the way his personality is because. For example, if a parent abuses its child and tells them negative things such as they mean nothing and are useless, then the child can feel like they are useless and they will keep thinking that and will eventually feel very miserable and badly about themselves
2. Why doesn't Dally want Johnny to turn himself in?
Dally doesn’t want Johnny to turn himself in because Dally has been in prison, and he knows how bad it can be. He says that he knows he’s become a hard, unhappy person and he doesn't want that to happen to Johnny.
3. What "other side" of Dallas is revealed in this chapter?
The “other side” of Dallas which is revealed in this chapter is that he can also be emotional at times and think of what he could have been if he didn’t do certain things. There are some things which Dally regrets doing and feels bad about it, like going to jail for a certain crime which he did.
4. What's your own definition of a hero? Do the three boys prove themselves to be heroes, according to your definition? Explain.
My definition of a hero would have to be some one who thinks of others before himself/herself. A hero could be a courageous and brave person who makes heroic acts. A hero could also be just a role model who inspires someone. For example a friend because you know that they are always there for you and they help you when you’re in need.
According to my definition, the three boys, Johnny, Ponyboy, and Dally, did prove themselves to be heroes. They proved themselves to be heroes because they were brave enough to go inside of a burning building to save the lives of little children while knowing that they could still risk their own lives. They were sacrificing their own lives for the children which to me would be considered as a heroic act.
5. Why do you think Johnny wasn't scared, despite the obvious danger, on page 92?
I think that Johnny wasn’t scared even with the fire because I think that Johnny feels that he can do anything now and he knows that he is not the same shy, scared boy that he used to be.
Example: Johnny probably thought that he would never be able to kill Bob until he knew how much he cared about Pony and knew that Pony was his friend and if Johnny feels that he can really do something then he can. Also Johnny probably though that before, he wouldn’t be saving children from a fire until he realizes that they have a long life ahead of them and that they are innocent and have mistakes that they also regret doing just like himself. So, when Johnny realizes that the children can be just like them he knows that he has to save them.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Chapter Five
Vocabulary: Find the meaning for the following words and write one paragraph that uses all 6 words correctly.
Reluctantly p. 71,
Sullen p. 73,
Eluded p. 78,
Imploringly p. 72,
Gallant p. 76,
Indignant p. 80
Reluctantly- feeling no willingness or enthusiasm to do something
Sullen- showing bad temper or hostility by a refusal to talk, behave sociably, or cooperate cheerfully
Eluded- to escape from or avoid somebody or something by cunning, skill, or resourcefulness
Imploringly- earnestly asking for something (to beg)
Gallant- brave, spirited, and honourable
Indignant- angry or annoyed at the unfairness or unreasonableness of somebody or something
1. Why does Pony have a problem with Johnny's idea to disguise themselves?
Pony has a problem with Johnny’s idea to disguise themselves because Ponyboy loves his hair and didn’t want to get it bleached. But Johnny told him that they have to disguise themselves. With his hair lightened, Ponyboy is miserable. He thinks he looks like a wimp.
2. What does Pony mean when he says, "I was supposed to be the deep one" (p. 75)?
When Pony said “I was supposed to be the deep one” he meant that he usually is the one who understands things better because he reads more and is interested in more things like that (art, shows, books, etc.). Ponyboy never thought that Johnny would understand something out of a book better than he could.
3. Why does Johnny think he is a hero (p. 76)? Do you think Dally is a hero based on what he did?
Johnny thinks that he is a hero because Dally got questioned by the police and kept calm the whole time. He was in trouble for breaking out windows in the school building, but it was Two-Bit who did that. So Dally was taking the blame for him. No, I don’t think that Dally is a hero based on what he did.
4. Why does Pony realize he doesn't like Dally? Can you explain what he means by this?
Pony realized that he doesn’t like Dally because he didn’t have Soda’s understanding or dash, or Two-Bit’s humour, or even Darry’s superman quality. He realized that those three appealed to him because they were like the heroes in the novels he read.
5. Examine Robert Frost's poem, Nothing Gold can Stay. What do you think the poem is saying? How might this apply to the characters in the novel?
“Nature’s first green is gold
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So down to day.
Nothing gold to can stay.”
I think that when the poem says “her” they are referring to Mother Nature. I think that this poem is talking about the ups and downs that we might have in life. The poem also talks about how we take so much for granted and don’t know how different life would be once it’s gone. This might apply to the Ponyboy because this poem can make him see how lucky he is to be young, and to see how important this time is because it only comes once in a life time and you should treasure it and make the most of it while you can.
6. On page 78, Johnny compares Pony and his brothers to their parents. Which one of your parents are you most like? What similarities do you share?
I am most like my mom…
7. What does Pony mean when he says he drinks Pepsis like a friend (p.78)?
When Ponyboy said that he drinks Pepsis like a friend, he meant that he couldn’t go five days with out having one. Just like he probably couldn’t go five days with out seeing any of his friends/the ‘gang’ or Soda because Soda was like a close friend to Pony. He thinks that with out his friends or Pepsi, he wouldn’t be able to survive.
8. What's a 'heater'? Why does Dally have one?
A heater is a ‘hand-gun’. Dally has one because he needs to defend himself and his friends/the ‘gang’ because the Socs are always out to get them and they could come any time at any place. Dally said that he started to carry a ‘heater’ because Bob had a lot of friends and now all over town it’s Soc against Grease. No greaser can walk alone because they can get beaten easily.
9. Why are the Socs and the greasers going to fight in the vacant lot?
The Socs and the greasers are going to fight in the vacant lot because the Socs and the greasers are having all-out warfare all over the city. The kid that Johnny killed (Bob) had a lot of friends all over town. It’s Soc against Grease. Greasers can’t walk alone anymore because everything is getting too brutal. Both gangs agreed to have a fight tomorrow night at the vacant lot.
10. Who's the spy for the greasers? Does this surprise you?
Why or why not?
The spy for the greasers is Cherry Valance. No, this does not surprise me because I know that Cherry is the only Soc that the greasers or Ponyboy can trust. I am also not surprised because he is good friends with her.
Reluctantly p. 71,
Sullen p. 73,
Eluded p. 78,
Imploringly p. 72,
Gallant p. 76,
Indignant p. 80
Reluctantly- feeling no willingness or enthusiasm to do something
Sullen- showing bad temper or hostility by a refusal to talk, behave sociably, or cooperate cheerfully
Eluded- to escape from or avoid somebody or something by cunning, skill, or resourcefulness
Imploringly- earnestly asking for something (to beg)
Gallant- brave, spirited, and honourable
Indignant- angry or annoyed at the unfairness or unreasonableness of somebody or something
1. Why does Pony have a problem with Johnny's idea to disguise themselves?
Pony has a problem with Johnny’s idea to disguise themselves because Ponyboy loves his hair and didn’t want to get it bleached. But Johnny told him that they have to disguise themselves. With his hair lightened, Ponyboy is miserable. He thinks he looks like a wimp.
2. What does Pony mean when he says, "I was supposed to be the deep one" (p. 75)?
When Pony said “I was supposed to be the deep one” he meant that he usually is the one who understands things better because he reads more and is interested in more things like that (art, shows, books, etc.). Ponyboy never thought that Johnny would understand something out of a book better than he could.
3. Why does Johnny think he is a hero (p. 76)? Do you think Dally is a hero based on what he did?
Johnny thinks that he is a hero because Dally got questioned by the police and kept calm the whole time. He was in trouble for breaking out windows in the school building, but it was Two-Bit who did that. So Dally was taking the blame for him. No, I don’t think that Dally is a hero based on what he did.
4. Why does Pony realize he doesn't like Dally? Can you explain what he means by this?
Pony realized that he doesn’t like Dally because he didn’t have Soda’s understanding or dash, or Two-Bit’s humour, or even Darry’s superman quality. He realized that those three appealed to him because they were like the heroes in the novels he read.
5. Examine Robert Frost's poem, Nothing Gold can Stay. What do you think the poem is saying? How might this apply to the characters in the novel?
“Nature’s first green is gold
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf’s a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf.
So Eden sank to grief,
So down to day.
Nothing gold to can stay.”
I think that when the poem says “her” they are referring to Mother Nature. I think that this poem is talking about the ups and downs that we might have in life. The poem also talks about how we take so much for granted and don’t know how different life would be once it’s gone. This might apply to the Ponyboy because this poem can make him see how lucky he is to be young, and to see how important this time is because it only comes once in a life time and you should treasure it and make the most of it while you can.
6. On page 78, Johnny compares Pony and his brothers to their parents. Which one of your parents are you most like? What similarities do you share?
I am most like my mom…
7. What does Pony mean when he says he drinks Pepsis like a friend (p.78)?
When Ponyboy said that he drinks Pepsis like a friend, he meant that he couldn’t go five days with out having one. Just like he probably couldn’t go five days with out seeing any of his friends/the ‘gang’ or Soda because Soda was like a close friend to Pony. He thinks that with out his friends or Pepsi, he wouldn’t be able to survive.
8. What's a 'heater'? Why does Dally have one?
A heater is a ‘hand-gun’. Dally has one because he needs to defend himself and his friends/the ‘gang’ because the Socs are always out to get them and they could come any time at any place. Dally said that he started to carry a ‘heater’ because Bob had a lot of friends and now all over town it’s Soc against Grease. No greaser can walk alone because they can get beaten easily.
9. Why are the Socs and the greasers going to fight in the vacant lot?
The Socs and the greasers are going to fight in the vacant lot because the Socs and the greasers are having all-out warfare all over the city. The kid that Johnny killed (Bob) had a lot of friends all over town. It’s Soc against Grease. Greasers can’t walk alone anymore because everything is getting too brutal. Both gangs agreed to have a fight tomorrow night at the vacant lot.
10. Who's the spy for the greasers? Does this surprise you?
Why or why not?
The spy for the greasers is Cherry Valance. No, this does not surprise me because I know that Cherry is the only Soc that the greasers or Ponyboy can trust. I am also not surprised because he is good friends with her.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Chapter Four
Vocabulary: Find the meaning for the following words in this chapter and write one paragraph that uses all 3 words correctly.
Ruefully p. 60,
Hermit p. 65,
Premonition p. 67
Ruefully- feeling, showing, or causing regret
Hermit- somebody who chooses to live alone and to have little or no contact with other people
Premonition- a strong feeling, without a rational basis, that a particular thing is going to happen
Following paragraph is not true about what happens in the movie…
On the weekend my friends and I went to go see the movie Premonition. The film was about a woman who would wake up and her husband would be dead and the next morning would wake up and her husband would be alive. She tried to figure out how to save him before he’d die once again. “I’ve made a big mistake” she said ruefully when she was not able to save him. She regretted not being able to save her husband so much that she wanted to be left alone and become a hermit.
1. What does Pony mean when he says the Socs were "reeling pickled" on page 54?
When Ponyboy says that the Socs were “reeling pickled” he meant that he thought that they just looked drunk by the way that they were swaying and acting.
2. What major event happens in this chapter?
The major event that happens in this chapter is when Johnny kills one of the Socs named Bob. The reason why Johnny killed him is because they were just about to kill Ponyboy, who was his best friend and he couldn’t risk losing him. If Johnny did not kill Bob then Ponyboy probably would have been dead and Johnny would have been beaten up worse than the last time. After Johnny stabbed Bob all of the other Socs ran away because they were scared.
3. How did the author foreshadow that Johnny would use his knife in Chapter 2?
The way that the author foreshadowed that Johnny would use his knife in Chapter 2 is that when the author was explaining how beat up Johnny was, he was very sad yet angry at the same time. Johnny knew that if the Socs were going to beat up any of his friends badly like how they did to him-self, then he would surely get them back for doing it one way of another.
4. What would your advice be to Johnny and Ponyboy if they'd come to you for help instead of Dally? Explain.
My advice to Johnny and Ponyboy, if they’d come to me for help instead of Dally would be to go to Darry and Sodapop for help (mostly Sodapop). I would give them this advice because Sodapop could possibly understand what situation that they are in and try to help them in ways that Ponyboy and Johnny wouldn’t get into more trouble then they already are.
Ruefully p. 60,
Hermit p. 65,
Premonition p. 67
Ruefully- feeling, showing, or causing regret
Hermit- somebody who chooses to live alone and to have little or no contact with other people
Premonition- a strong feeling, without a rational basis, that a particular thing is going to happen
Following paragraph is not true about what happens in the movie…
On the weekend my friends and I went to go see the movie Premonition. The film was about a woman who would wake up and her husband would be dead and the next morning would wake up and her husband would be alive. She tried to figure out how to save him before he’d die once again. “I’ve made a big mistake” she said ruefully when she was not able to save him. She regretted not being able to save her husband so much that she wanted to be left alone and become a hermit.
1. What does Pony mean when he says the Socs were "reeling pickled" on page 54?
When Ponyboy says that the Socs were “reeling pickled” he meant that he thought that they just looked drunk by the way that they were swaying and acting.
2. What major event happens in this chapter?
The major event that happens in this chapter is when Johnny kills one of the Socs named Bob. The reason why Johnny killed him is because they were just about to kill Ponyboy, who was his best friend and he couldn’t risk losing him. If Johnny did not kill Bob then Ponyboy probably would have been dead and Johnny would have been beaten up worse than the last time. After Johnny stabbed Bob all of the other Socs ran away because they were scared.
3. How did the author foreshadow that Johnny would use his knife in Chapter 2?
The way that the author foreshadowed that Johnny would use his knife in Chapter 2 is that when the author was explaining how beat up Johnny was, he was very sad yet angry at the same time. Johnny knew that if the Socs were going to beat up any of his friends badly like how they did to him-self, then he would surely get them back for doing it one way of another.
4. What would your advice be to Johnny and Ponyboy if they'd come to you for help instead of Dally? Explain.
My advice to Johnny and Ponyboy, if they’d come to me for help instead of Dally would be to go to Darry and Sodapop for help (mostly Sodapop). I would give them this advice because Sodapop could possibly understand what situation that they are in and try to help them in ways that Ponyboy and Johnny wouldn’t get into more trouble then they already are.
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Chapter Three
Vocabulary - Find the meaning for the following words in this chapter and write one paragraph that uses all 4 words correctly:
Aloof p. 38
Impersonally p. 38
Ornery p. 39
Resignedly p. 44
Aloof- uninvolved or unwilling to become involved with other people or events, often out of a sense of lofty superiority to them.
Impersonally- not referring to individuals or reflecting personalities but focusing on events and facts
Ornery- uncooperative and irritable
Resignedly- agreeing in something unwillingly, but without protest.
When I was going out for a walk in the park with my friends there were many aloof birds near by, scared to come to close. We had a picnic and when we went to go feed the birds they became very ornery with us. Suddenly I felt a very distinguished pain in my back. I asked my friends “Is pain impersonally bad?” My friends said “Let’s take you back home” and I said resignedly, “okay, fine” knowing that the pain was not that bad and would go away easily.
1. What does Cherry explain as the difference between the Socs and the Greasers?
What Cherry explains the difference between the Socs and the Greasers is that Socs are too cool and aloof to acknowledge their emotions and that they live their live trying to fill up their emotional void, while the Greasers feel everything too intensely.
2. What does Ponyboy mean on p. 39 when he says "Johnny and I understood each other without saying anything"? Have you ever had a relationship with someone who you understood, or who understood you, without having to say anything?
When Ponyboy says “Johnny and I understood each other without saying anything” he meant that even when they don’t say anything they know what each other are going to say next. Yes, I have had a relationship with someone who understood me and who I understood with out saying anything because of a certain face that the person makes or I can just tell what they are going to say next.
3. When and how did Pony's parents die?
The way that Pony’s parents died was from a car-accident. Ever since Pony’s parents died, he had to live with his two older brothers, Darry and Sodapop, but only as long as they all behave or else they will be taken to foster homes. Their father died when he was only forty years old, although he only looked twenty-five, and exactly like Darry except had the complete opposite personality. People had often mistaken Darry and their dad of being brothers instead of father and son, although they were pretty close. Pony’s parents died when he was still 14 which were only 8 months ago. Pony’s mother loved to bake, especially chocolate cakes.
4. What happens when Pony comes home after his curfew?
When Ponyboy comes home after his curfew Darry ends up hollering and him, threatening him and hitting him. When Ponyboy came home after his curfew as shown on page 49 Darry and Ponyboy got into a big fight. The biggest fight they’ve ever had, and that’s the loudest that Ponyboy has ever heard Darry yell, after living with him for fourteen years. He doesn’t like it when Darry yells or fights with anyone, especially if he were to yell at Soda. Pony felt that Darry had pushed it too far and had no need to yell at Soda because Soda was the only one who would ever really understand. So, it should be the other way around, Darry should be listening to Soda for once and let people speaking instead of hollering at them with out even giving them a chance to explain their selves.
5. Why does Johnny like it better when his father is hitting him?
Johnny likes it better when his father is hitting him because Johnny would hate it if he had a sibiling that would hit him because if his father hits him he would have his siblings to turn to for advice and help or just to talk to, to make him feel better, but Johnny doesn’t have that. Johnny wishes he had siblings that he could turn to. But Ponyboy wishes that he had a father, so everything would be back to how it used to be when everyone would get along together. In the past before their parents died, everything would be okay and they would feel safer. But Johnny is lucky enough to have “the gang” and Ponyboy.
6. At the end of the chapter, how does the author foreshadow that bad things are to come?
At the end of the chapter the way that the author foreshadows that bad things are to come is when the author talks about how Darry and Pony got into a big fight. Pony felt like running away because he didn’t understand. And he has never been so furious and mad with Darry before, which could lead to a bad event coming up.
Aloof p. 38
Impersonally p. 38
Ornery p. 39
Resignedly p. 44
Aloof- uninvolved or unwilling to become involved with other people or events, often out of a sense of lofty superiority to them.
Impersonally- not referring to individuals or reflecting personalities but focusing on events and facts
Ornery- uncooperative and irritable
Resignedly- agreeing in something unwillingly, but without protest.
When I was going out for a walk in the park with my friends there were many aloof birds near by, scared to come to close. We had a picnic and when we went to go feed the birds they became very ornery with us. Suddenly I felt a very distinguished pain in my back. I asked my friends “Is pain impersonally bad?” My friends said “Let’s take you back home” and I said resignedly, “okay, fine” knowing that the pain was not that bad and would go away easily.
1. What does Cherry explain as the difference between the Socs and the Greasers?
What Cherry explains the difference between the Socs and the Greasers is that Socs are too cool and aloof to acknowledge their emotions and that they live their live trying to fill up their emotional void, while the Greasers feel everything too intensely.
2. What does Ponyboy mean on p. 39 when he says "Johnny and I understood each other without saying anything"? Have you ever had a relationship with someone who you understood, or who understood you, without having to say anything?
When Ponyboy says “Johnny and I understood each other without saying anything” he meant that even when they don’t say anything they know what each other are going to say next. Yes, I have had a relationship with someone who understood me and who I understood with out saying anything because of a certain face that the person makes or I can just tell what they are going to say next.
3. When and how did Pony's parents die?
The way that Pony’s parents died was from a car-accident. Ever since Pony’s parents died, he had to live with his two older brothers, Darry and Sodapop, but only as long as they all behave or else they will be taken to foster homes. Their father died when he was only forty years old, although he only looked twenty-five, and exactly like Darry except had the complete opposite personality. People had often mistaken Darry and their dad of being brothers instead of father and son, although they were pretty close. Pony’s parents died when he was still 14 which were only 8 months ago. Pony’s mother loved to bake, especially chocolate cakes.
4. What happens when Pony comes home after his curfew?
When Ponyboy comes home after his curfew Darry ends up hollering and him, threatening him and hitting him. When Ponyboy came home after his curfew as shown on page 49 Darry and Ponyboy got into a big fight. The biggest fight they’ve ever had, and that’s the loudest that Ponyboy has ever heard Darry yell, after living with him for fourteen years. He doesn’t like it when Darry yells or fights with anyone, especially if he were to yell at Soda. Pony felt that Darry had pushed it too far and had no need to yell at Soda because Soda was the only one who would ever really understand. So, it should be the other way around, Darry should be listening to Soda for once and let people speaking instead of hollering at them with out even giving them a chance to explain their selves.
5. Why does Johnny like it better when his father is hitting him?
Johnny likes it better when his father is hitting him because Johnny would hate it if he had a sibiling that would hit him because if his father hits him he would have his siblings to turn to for advice and help or just to talk to, to make him feel better, but Johnny doesn’t have that. Johnny wishes he had siblings that he could turn to. But Ponyboy wishes that he had a father, so everything would be back to how it used to be when everyone would get along together. In the past before their parents died, everything would be okay and they would feel safer. But Johnny is lucky enough to have “the gang” and Ponyboy.
6. At the end of the chapter, how does the author foreshadow that bad things are to come?
At the end of the chapter the way that the author foreshadows that bad things are to come is when the author talks about how Darry and Pony got into a big fight. Pony felt like running away because he didn’t understand. And he has never been so furious and mad with Darry before, which could lead to a bad event coming up.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Chapter Two
Vocabulary - Find the meaning for the following words in this chapter and write one paragraph that uses all 3 words correctly:
Incredulous p. 24
Vaguely p.33
Nonchalantly p. 25.
Incredulous- unable or unwilling to believe something or completely unconvinced by it
Vaguely- not clear in meaning or intention
Nonchalantly- calm and unconcerned about things
The teacher was reading a story quietly and nonchalantly about a true story. While the teacher read the story, everyone in the class was not paying attention, figuring that the story would be long and boring, except for one student who was incredulous and curious about some facts as he listened to the story. When the student was listening to this story he was picturing what was happening in his mind, but since the other students were carrying on with their own conversations his imagination became vague.
1. Who is the fuzz? (p. 20)
The fuzz is the name/slang that they used meaning cops or police in 1967. The fuzz is an offensive term for the police.
2. Are the names Ponyboy and Sodapop nicknames? Explain.
No, the names Ponyboy and Sodapop are not nicknames. In the second chapter Ponyboy says that his brother’s real name is Sodapop and that it even says it on his birth certificate. I think that Ponyboy is his real name and not a nickname because Ponyboy says that he doesn’t like telling people his first name when they first meet because he feels that they will think that he is weird or that it is a strange name to have. So, if Ponyboy wasn’t his real name he wouldn’t tell them that.
3. Who are Cherry and Marcia?
Cherry and Marcia are both two beautiful Soc girls. Cherry’s real name is Sherri Valance but people like to call her Cherry because of the colour of her hair. Marcia is Sherry/Cherry’s best friend.
4. Why doesn't Ponyboy like referring to Sodapop as a dropout?
Ponyboy doesn’t like referring to Sodapop as a dropout because the word “dropout” made Ponyboy think of some poor dumb-looking street hoodlum wandering the streets breaking out the street lights. Ponyboy didn’t like to picture his brother the way that he pictures a dropout because Ponyboy knows that Sodapop is not anything like that. Soda has a happy-go-lucky personality.
5. What is Ponyboy comparing Two-Bit to when he calls him a "chessy cat" on page 27? What figure of speech is this besides a simile?
What Ponyboy is comparing Two-Bit to when he calls him a “chessy cat” is a Cheshire cat which is the kind of cat in the movie Alice in Wonderland who has a very big smile. The figure of speech which this is besides a simile is a noun.
Chessy Cat-
6. What is "a weed" slang for in 1967?
“A weed” was slang for drugs or cigarettes in 1967.
7. Why does Dally look sick now (p. 33)?
The reason why Dally looks sick now is because he knows that if Johnny got beat up pretty badly by the Socs, then that means that he can get beat up easily soon one night when he is walking all alone. Anything can happen unexpectedly, one second you can be walking down the street all by yourself, the next you've been hit by a blue mustang full of Socs. I think that Dally now realizes what can happen to him when he’s not being careful.
8. What literary device does the author use to describe Johnny's mugging (pgs. 31-34)?
The literary device that the author used to describe Johnny’s mugging was visualizing.
Example: “He had told us stories about muggings in New York that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up”
And
“Johnny’s face was cut up and bruised and swollen, and there was a wide gash from his temple to his cheekbone. He would carry that scar all his life. His white T-shirt was splattered with blood”.
Incredulous p. 24
Vaguely p.33
Nonchalantly p. 25.
Incredulous- unable or unwilling to believe something or completely unconvinced by it
Vaguely- not clear in meaning or intention
Nonchalantly- calm and unconcerned about things
The teacher was reading a story quietly and nonchalantly about a true story. While the teacher read the story, everyone in the class was not paying attention, figuring that the story would be long and boring, except for one student who was incredulous and curious about some facts as he listened to the story. When the student was listening to this story he was picturing what was happening in his mind, but since the other students were carrying on with their own conversations his imagination became vague.
1. Who is the fuzz? (p. 20)
The fuzz is the name/slang that they used meaning cops or police in 1967. The fuzz is an offensive term for the police.
2. Are the names Ponyboy and Sodapop nicknames? Explain.
No, the names Ponyboy and Sodapop are not nicknames. In the second chapter Ponyboy says that his brother’s real name is Sodapop and that it even says it on his birth certificate. I think that Ponyboy is his real name and not a nickname because Ponyboy says that he doesn’t like telling people his first name when they first meet because he feels that they will think that he is weird or that it is a strange name to have. So, if Ponyboy wasn’t his real name he wouldn’t tell them that.
3. Who are Cherry and Marcia?
Cherry and Marcia are both two beautiful Soc girls. Cherry’s real name is Sherri Valance but people like to call her Cherry because of the colour of her hair. Marcia is Sherry/Cherry’s best friend.
4. Why doesn't Ponyboy like referring to Sodapop as a dropout?
Ponyboy doesn’t like referring to Sodapop as a dropout because the word “dropout” made Ponyboy think of some poor dumb-looking street hoodlum wandering the streets breaking out the street lights. Ponyboy didn’t like to picture his brother the way that he pictures a dropout because Ponyboy knows that Sodapop is not anything like that. Soda has a happy-go-lucky personality.
5. What is Ponyboy comparing Two-Bit to when he calls him a "chessy cat" on page 27? What figure of speech is this besides a simile?
What Ponyboy is comparing Two-Bit to when he calls him a “chessy cat” is a Cheshire cat which is the kind of cat in the movie Alice in Wonderland who has a very big smile. The figure of speech which this is besides a simile is a noun.
Chessy Cat-
6. What is "a weed" slang for in 1967?
“A weed” was slang for drugs or cigarettes in 1967.
7. Why does Dally look sick now (p. 33)?
The reason why Dally looks sick now is because he knows that if Johnny got beat up pretty badly by the Socs, then that means that he can get beat up easily soon one night when he is walking all alone. Anything can happen unexpectedly, one second you can be walking down the street all by yourself, the next you've been hit by a blue mustang full of Socs. I think that Dally now realizes what can happen to him when he’s not being careful.
8. What literary device does the author use to describe Johnny's mugging (pgs. 31-34)?
The literary device that the author used to describe Johnny’s mugging was visualizing.
Example: “He had told us stories about muggings in New York that made the hair on the back of my neck stand up”
And
“Johnny’s face was cut up and bruised and swollen, and there was a wide gash from his temple to his cheekbone. He would carry that scar all his life. His white T-shirt was splattered with blood”.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Chapter One
1. Describe each of the characters in this chapter and their relationship with one another.
Ponyboy Curtis is the narrator of this story and he is a "Greaser", Ponyboy also has light-brown, almost redish hair and greenish-grey eyes, he is fourteen years old. He has two brothers, one of Ponyboy's brothers names are Sodapop, who is the middle child and is sixteen-going-on-seventeen. The other brother’s name is Darrel, who is the eldest child and who they like to call Darry. Sodapop is the brother who cares about Ponyboy a lot and understands everything he feels, where Darry/Darrel is the complete opposite. Darry is always serious and doesn't understand how people feel at times, because he works too long and hard to be interested in certain things, Darry like to hollar and threaten Ponyboy. Darry is six-feet-two, and broad shouldered. He has dark-brown hair that kicks out in front and a slight cowlick in the back. His eyes are like two pieces of pale blue-green ice. A boy named Paul Newman is one of the popular "Socs", who were the rich people unlike the greasers who were poorer than the Socs and the middle class.
Johnny Cade, who was one of Ponyboy’s friends, was once beaten up by the Socs when he was walking alone one night. Johnny was the sad, small, frightened pet of the gang. Steve Randle is Soda’s best friend, but Ponyboy doesn’t like him because Steve thinks that Pony is a baby. Two-Bit Matthews is one of the gang members and never stops joking around. Dallas Winston is tougher and meaner than the rest of them. He is angry at the world and enjoys being a criminal. His nickname is Dally. Dally spent time in rough neighbourhoods in New York, but now he fights the Socs.
2. Who are the Socs? Who are the Greasers?
The Socs are also known as the socials, because they are a gang of rich, violent boys. The greasers are the poor, tough gang of boys who fight with the Socs, and are poorer than the middle class. The greasers are known as the greasers for their greasy, long hair.
3. How does Ponyboy's relationships with Darry and Sodapop differ? Explain.
Ponyboy’s relationship with Darry differs because Ponyboy and Darry always get into fights and Darry always threatens him, which can affect his confidence level. For example if when they fight, Darry can prove Ponyboy wrong which could make Ponyboy feel like he is always wrong about things. And when Darry threatens Ponyboy he can feel scared sometimes, which could make Ponyboy think that he can’t stand up for him self, and if he is scared of his own brother at times then he must because of the Socs around him.
Ponyboy’s relationship with Sodapop differs because Sodapop is always there for Ponyboy and understands him, but when he is alone and if Sodapop leaves him, he can feel that he can’t take care of himself or that no one understands him the way that Soda does. Sodapop encourages Pony and thinks that he is a smart kid.
4. Why is the 'gang' important to Johnny?
The ‘gang’ is important to Johnny because when Johnny is with the gang he probably feels well protected and safe. Where if he is walking alone at night where there are Socs, he could get beat up pretty easily just like he did in the past and how Pony did in the beginning of the book. The gang could also be important to Johnny because that’s where all of his friends are and he feels that he has some stuff in common with them.
5. How does Ponyboy react to what Sodapop tells him about Darry?
When Sodapop tells Ponyboy about Darry, Ponyboy reacted surprised and as if Soda was lying to him because it never seems like Darry ever loves him or anyone.
Pony just feels like Darry is a person who is too serious to ever love somebody.
6. Do you think Darry loves Ponyboy? Why does he treat Ponyboy the way he does?
Yes, I do think that Darry loves Ponyboy. I think that Darry treats Ponyboy the way he does is just because Darry is too over protective. Darry just wants to keep Ponyboy out of trouble and makes sure that he does get into a bad fight with the Socs because some fight with the Socs could lead to death if they get taken too far and Darry would not want Ponyboy to get killed in some fight with the Socs.
7. What does Ponyboy mean on page 8 when he says, "I lie to myself all the time"? Do you ever lie to yourself? Why?
When Ponyboy says "I lie to myself all the time", he means that sometimes he says stuff to his self that he knows that aren't true.
Example: Ponyboy said "I don't care about Darry" even though he said it he knows that he really does care about him, he just said it at the moment but he knew that he was lying to himelf.
Ponyboy Curtis is the narrator of this story and he is a "Greaser", Ponyboy also has light-brown, almost redish hair and greenish-grey eyes, he is fourteen years old. He has two brothers, one of Ponyboy's brothers names are Sodapop, who is the middle child and is sixteen-going-on-seventeen. The other brother’s name is Darrel, who is the eldest child and who they like to call Darry. Sodapop is the brother who cares about Ponyboy a lot and understands everything he feels, where Darry/Darrel is the complete opposite. Darry is always serious and doesn't understand how people feel at times, because he works too long and hard to be interested in certain things, Darry like to hollar and threaten Ponyboy. Darry is six-feet-two, and broad shouldered. He has dark-brown hair that kicks out in front and a slight cowlick in the back. His eyes are like two pieces of pale blue-green ice. A boy named Paul Newman is one of the popular "Socs", who were the rich people unlike the greasers who were poorer than the Socs and the middle class.
Johnny Cade, who was one of Ponyboy’s friends, was once beaten up by the Socs when he was walking alone one night. Johnny was the sad, small, frightened pet of the gang. Steve Randle is Soda’s best friend, but Ponyboy doesn’t like him because Steve thinks that Pony is a baby. Two-Bit Matthews is one of the gang members and never stops joking around. Dallas Winston is tougher and meaner than the rest of them. He is angry at the world and enjoys being a criminal. His nickname is Dally. Dally spent time in rough neighbourhoods in New York, but now he fights the Socs.
2. Who are the Socs? Who are the Greasers?
The Socs are also known as the socials, because they are a gang of rich, violent boys. The greasers are the poor, tough gang of boys who fight with the Socs, and are poorer than the middle class. The greasers are known as the greasers for their greasy, long hair.
3. How does Ponyboy's relationships with Darry and Sodapop differ? Explain.
Ponyboy’s relationship with Darry differs because Ponyboy and Darry always get into fights and Darry always threatens him, which can affect his confidence level. For example if when they fight, Darry can prove Ponyboy wrong which could make Ponyboy feel like he is always wrong about things. And when Darry threatens Ponyboy he can feel scared sometimes, which could make Ponyboy think that he can’t stand up for him self, and if he is scared of his own brother at times then he must because of the Socs around him.
Ponyboy’s relationship with Sodapop differs because Sodapop is always there for Ponyboy and understands him, but when he is alone and if Sodapop leaves him, he can feel that he can’t take care of himself or that no one understands him the way that Soda does. Sodapop encourages Pony and thinks that he is a smart kid.
4. Why is the 'gang' important to Johnny?
The ‘gang’ is important to Johnny because when Johnny is with the gang he probably feels well protected and safe. Where if he is walking alone at night where there are Socs, he could get beat up pretty easily just like he did in the past and how Pony did in the beginning of the book. The gang could also be important to Johnny because that’s where all of his friends are and he feels that he has some stuff in common with them.
5. How does Ponyboy react to what Sodapop tells him about Darry?
When Sodapop tells Ponyboy about Darry, Ponyboy reacted surprised and as if Soda was lying to him because it never seems like Darry ever loves him or anyone.
Pony just feels like Darry is a person who is too serious to ever love somebody.
6. Do you think Darry loves Ponyboy? Why does he treat Ponyboy the way he does?
Yes, I do think that Darry loves Ponyboy. I think that Darry treats Ponyboy the way he does is just because Darry is too over protective. Darry just wants to keep Ponyboy out of trouble and makes sure that he does get into a bad fight with the Socs because some fight with the Socs could lead to death if they get taken too far and Darry would not want Ponyboy to get killed in some fight with the Socs.
7. What does Ponyboy mean on page 8 when he says, "I lie to myself all the time"? Do you ever lie to yourself? Why?
When Ponyboy says "I lie to myself all the time", he means that sometimes he says stuff to his self that he knows that aren't true.
Example: Ponyboy said "I don't care about Darry" even though he said it he knows that he really does care about him, he just said it at the moment but he knew that he was lying to himelf.
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