The Outsiders Chapters 7-9 Comprehension

Pony has a sick feeling in his stomach about the rumble that night. Infer what you think he was worried about.

He's second guessing about the Socs following the rules and not bringing weapons. He's imagining every single possible thing that can go wrong at the rumble.

Why does Johnny really want to live , even though he has thought of suicide in the past, and he will never be able to walk again?

He's too young, he hasn't seen everything he wanted to see.

When Dally asks Two-Bit his fancy black-handled switchblade, what do you think was his reason for asking? Why does Two-Bit hand it over without hesitation?

Dally is asking for it without directly saying "give it to me". He gives it to Dally without hesitation because they give each other what they ask for because that's what their gang does for each other.

Who actually steps up to start the rumble? Who is his opponent and how does it happen that he is able to take the first swing? What is ironic about the two boys fighting against each other?

Darry steps up and starts with his ex-friend Paul. Paul is the first to swing.

Why do the Curtis boys always leave their door unlocked?

In case if anyone from the gang is having trouble at home they can always access the Curtis house. Plus, Darry would rather have them in their house than running away and breaking laws/stirring up trouble.

What do you think the doctor means when he says to the nurse, "Let them go in. He's been asking for them. It can't hurt now."?

Johnny is almost dead. It can't hurt to let the boys see him when it might be the last time they get to see him.

When the nurse announces to Johnny that his mother is there to see him, how does he react? When Two-Bit and Ponyboy see Johnny's mother, what happens? How do they react?

Johnny rejects his mother. His mother blames his friends for her failure with Johnny. The gang ignores her.

What is the extent of Johnny's injuries? How are the boys able to get the doctor to tell them of Johnny's prognosis?

Johnny's back is broken, has severe burns, and is paralyzed from the waist down. They convince the doctor that they were the closest thing to family Johnny had.

What were Johnny's last words to Ponyboy? What do you think he meant?

Johnny's last words are stay gold. By that he meant keep your innocence no matter what.

To what is Pony referring to when he says "it's time for those guys from the state to come by and check up on us."

Pony is referring to the child welfare to see that everything is decent in the Curtis house.

What does Pony mean by "If? Please, no, I thought. Please not 'if'."

Pony means that they think Johnny will probably die while Pony wants Johnny to live.

Recount the story of Pony's recurring dream.

Pony's reoccurring dream is very upsetting. He always wakes up screaming, and the dreams started when their parents died.

Cherry tells Ponyboy about the kind of person Bon really was. How does she describe him?

She describes Bob like Sodapop; the same kindness and humor, except when he's drunk. (Sober vs. Drunk)

Pony believes that he and Darry are both going to "get somewhere." What does he mean by that? Do you believe they have a choice in the matter?

They are going to de better for themselves economically. Yes, they have a choice, everyone does.

How do the boys show their excitement about the rumble when they are at the Curtis house getting ready to head out?

They get spruced up and tease each other/get each other excited.

From their discussion, what did you learn about the privileged class to which the Socs belong? How do you think some people come to feel entitlement?

You learn that Socs have problems like everyone else. They have money, and no boundaries. They want some sort of boundary.

Cherry says about Bob, "He could be sweet sometimes, and friendly. But when he got drunk...It was that part of him that beat up Johnny." Explain the difference between reason and excuse. Do you believe that if someone is drinking, it is an excuse or a reason for inappropriate behavior?

I believe that it is a reason and an excuse. You shouldn't drink if you can't handle yourself.

Randy says "You get a little money and the world hates you." Pony replies "No, you hate the whole world." Which of these statements, in your opinion, is true? Explain your answer.

In my opinion, both are true. Socs have the money and dislike the people that don't have the money. The people who don't have the money are jealous of the people who do.

What are the rules for the rumble?

No weapons and first to run away loses.

Pony thinks the only good reason to fight is...?

Self defense

Describe what Soda is doing while the police are trying to interview Pony.

Soda entertains everyone by taking a reporter's hat and camera to make fun of the reporters. The reporters enjoy it

What has happened to Soda's girlfriend, Sandy? Why?

Soda's girlfriend moved to Florida because she got pregnant.

Briefly describe the conversation between Randy and Pony.

The conversation is about Johnny being okay. Also, Randy breaks down stereotypes for Ponyboy. He also tells Pony that he is running away and not participating in the rumble.

Where do the boys go as soon as the rumble ends? Convey what happens as they are on their way in Buck's car. How do they manage to get let off by the police?

The gang goes and visits Johnny. They get pulled over, but Dally lied and said Pony got hurt in a motorcycle incident so they got let off.

Which side wins the rumble? What determines the winner?

The greaser win because the socs run away.

What does the newspaper say about the "heroes"? What does Two-Bit have to say about the wording the reporter chose?

The newspaper says "child delinquents become heroes." Two-Bit and the gang doesn't accept the title of a delinquent.

Why, according to Ponyboy, do people usually think that any trouble is the fault of the greasers and not the socs? In your opinion, is that a true assumption?

The stereotype of the Socs being well behaved and well dressed. Since the greaser aren't well dressed, they aren't well behaved.

Explain the reference to chocolate cake.

Usually people don't have chocolate cake for breakfast but the Curtis boys do.