Jan13

Novel Study: The Outsiders Chp.3-4

How exactly does Cherry define being a Soc to Ponyboy - what do you think of this definition?

The Socials represent an upper social class, they’re wealthy, privileged, spoiled, entitled, respected; it seems that they have no purpose or direction in life and that they are always searching for something more to fulfill them; they have become desensitized and emotionless – nothing phases them.

The Greasers are the underdog, always fighting for respect and always being blamed for the troubles in society; they feel resentment for this mistreatment.

I think that at least the Greasers are more loyal, caring and respectful amongst themselves even though they don’t “get all the breaks”.  I also think that even though you may be “privileged” it doesn’t mean that you should treat others poorly or put them down because of their “social class”.

What do you think about Cherry and Ponyboy's talk about "watching the same sunset"?

I think Cherry and Ponyboy are trying to bridge the gap between the two rival gangs.  Despite social and economic differences between them, people are equal and can appreciate the same thing.  We need to put aside race, religion, wealth and politics and just treat others equally. People can share the exact same interests regardless of their social status.  People are people and aren’t so different at all.

Who is Johnny to the Greasers?

Johnny is the gang’s pet.  The gang is his family since he is abused and neglected from his biological parents.  He is cared for and loved.  He looks to the gang for guidance and support – something that is lacking at his home.

Why does Ponyboy repeat that "things are really rough all over" - why is he resentful?

Ponyboy is very frustrated and angry because he prefers to live in a place where there are no social separations and where people are categorized; he feels that the Greasers always get the bad end of the deal; he looks for equality and respect.

Do Johnny's actions surprise you - do you think he's justified?

I’m not surprised by this at all because Johnny has been on edge and very nervous for a long time and has been consistently beaten up.  At this point, he has had enough and will do anything to protect himself.  He has chosen to fight not flee the situation; above all, he wants to protect Ponyboy – his family.  As a result, I think Johnny feels justified in killing the Soc – it was self-defence.

Ponyboy says Dallas Winston's face shows "a savage defiance of the world" - what do you think this means?

Dallas Winston has reached a point of no return.  He is reckless, he has no respect or patience for any rules, regulations or any kind of authority.  He looks out only for himself.  He is the ultimate rebel.  He doesn’t want to be boxed in by any kind of boundaries or limits.  He takes the law into his own hands.  There still is a small part of him that cares for the gang but opposing authority takes up most of his time.

Reflect on this Robert Frost poem.  What do you think it means and how it relates to the Greasers/Socials?

"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 dawn goes down to day.

Nothing gold can stay."

Math Integers: Money & Youth pg.131-

+positive (credit) = assets something you own, revenue, income, cash flow (earnings, salary)

-negative (debit) = liabilities, something you owe, debt, financial burden, mortgage (loans)

People are borrowing/taking on more debt because of low interest rates, spending more than their income, more than they can afford; they are not saving