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.