English Finals
Write an essay explaining why you believe each of the Greasers-Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally- could be considered a hero. Include your definition of hero in the essay, and be sure to explain how each character, in his own way, meets your definition. Remember to support your ideas with examples.
The Outsiders" is a story about the life of this 14-year-old boy, named Ponyboy Curtis, who dealt with many struggles of the right and wrongs in society. In the book you have two main groups in society known as the Socs, short for Socials, and the Greasers. The Greasers is a class term that refer to the young men on the East Side, the poor side of town while the Socs are their rivals, and are the "West-side rich kids". The Greasers were poorer than the Socs or the Middle Class but they were wilder too. When a Soc or Middle Class saw a greaser they would immediately think dirty troublmaker but if you actually got to meet the Greasers, they were nice, kind, caring poeple. They loved to hang out in gangs in which they considered family. From this you can pretty much conclude that the Socs and the Greasers had a pretty bad relationship. Because of this, at one point of the novel Johnny Cade, the gang's pet, and Ponyboy had to run away with Dallas Winston's help because of this terrible act they committed. But they didn't know that this was the start of the path to becoming heroes. In the end of the book you will agree that Ponyboy Michael Curtis, Dallas Winston, and Johnny Cade are all three heroes due to their bravery, and inspiration. My definition of a hero is a person who would put their life on the line to save another person's life, show great bravery, as well as be amazing role models for others. Dallas Winston is a hero because he helped save these kids from a Chruch fire and saved Johnny and Ponyboy from it as well. Dally grabbed the kids form the indies bringing them to safety and when all the kids were out he save Ponyboy and knocked him out when he was on fire so he could take the fire out. He was later able to pull Johnny out of the fire but not before a large piece of wood fell on him and broke his back. Two-bit at one point said that he was always a hero although he doesn't like being called a hero. In the text it said "For once, there weren't any charges against Dally, and I knew he'd be mad because the paper made him out a hero for saving Johnny and didn't say much about his police record, which he was kind of proud of." Unfortunately, Johnny ended up dying and because of that, Dally eventually commits suicide out of grief from Johnny's death. Another reason why I would consider Dally a hero is because of his impact on Johnny's life. Johnny idolized and loved Dally. Dally also loved Johnny, who was the only person he ever loved. Johnny was unloved and abused by his parents. The only people in his life that though of him were the Greasers. Whenever Johnny got beat up by the Socs it was Dally that stood up for him and it is Dally who looked out for him in the fights between the Socs and Greasers. To Johnny, Dally was like the "Southern Gentlemen in Gone With The Wind." Johnny felt Dally was gallant. It was Dally that Johnny and Ponyboy went to when they got into trouble. Johnny accidentally killed Bob of the Socs because he was trying to stop them from drowing Ponyboy in the fountain. Dally helped them out of the jam and then saved them again at the church. Johnny is a hero because of the many of his brave actions. One of them was protecting his best fiend Ponyboy by killing Bob. Ponyboy was being drowned by the Socs who had just ganged up n them and Johnny stepped up to the plate and killed Bob in order to save Ponyboy. He must have been very scared but he reacted on behalf of his friend's protection. Another time Johnny acted as a hero was during the fire at the abandoned church when he without hesitation to save the kids stuck in the fire and putting his own life at risk. Lastly, Jonny was also a hero when he died because he inspired Ponyboy to "stay gold" instead of just thinking of himself. He was selfless even at a time he was near death. Ponyboy is a hero because he also went straight into the burning Church to save the children who were in danger. Since a hero is also a person that is to be admired, the other reason why I would consider Ponyboy a hero is because he decided to "stay gold". He was a hero is in his willingness to take heed to Johnny's words and to step forward to make changes in his life. He demonstrates this by writing the story about their lives. Also when jonnhy was young, he lost both of his parents and losing both parents at a young age is incredibly hard on a child, but Ponyboy and his brothers were able to make it on their own, even if it's by just barely getting by every month. I also have a tremendous amount of respect for Ponyboy because he knows the value of education. He is a dedicated student and a hard worker. Most kids would have just given up, thinking their futures futile if they had no money and no parents. Ponyboy, however, continues to work hard and do well, with the hope of receiving a college scholarship. He could have very easily gone the other way and decided school wasn't for him. Instead, though, he makes the wiser descision to stay in school and do well. In "The Outsiders" I agree that Ponyboy Michael Curtis, Dallas Winston, and Johnny Cade are all three heroes due to their bravery, and inspiration. They all worked together in that firm to help save the younger children, and they each have done something important towards someone else or done something inspiring that can be admired. Although it didn't end well for Dallas and Johnny, they will still be r,entered as heroes in the hearts of all those who thought they were. As for Ponyboy, he will live a life and "stay gold" just like how Johnny said.
What are predicate adjectives?
A predicate adjective modifies the subject of the sentence, and is connected to the subject by a linking verb. In the sentence "The wall is purple," the subject is "wall," the predicate adjective is "purple" and the linking verb is "is." Some examples are: Children grow older every day. The baby remains happy during her bath. Her lasagna smells scrumptious. Andy's sports car is Italian. Bosses can be demanding. His horses appear well-groomed. Mount Rushmore looks amazing.
What are demonstrative pronouns?
Demonstrative adjectives are this, that, these, and those. They are used to point out specific people or things. This and that are used to modify singular nouns. This is used to point out something very close. Example: This plate is very hot. That is used to point out something farther away. Example: Can you see that ranch? These and the are used to modify plural nouns. These is used to point out something close. Example: These flowers smell nice. These is used to point out something farther away. Example: Do no approach those dogs.
What pronouns go after than and as?
If it is after than then you use objective pronouns: him, her, them, us If it is after as you use subjective: she, he, they, I
What are interrogative pronouns?
Interrogative adjectives are whose, what, and which. These adjectives modify nouns and are used in interrogative sentences. Examples: Whose care will they give us? What car will they give us? Which car will they give us?
What are personal pronouns?
Personal pronouns represent specific people or things. We use them depending on: number: singular (eg: I) or plural (eg: we) person: 1st person (eg: I), 2nd person (eg: you) or 3rd person (eg: he) gender: male (eg: he), female (eg: she) or neuter (eg: it) case: subject (eg: we) or object (eg: us)
What are linking verbs?
A linking verb connects the subject with a word that gives information about the subject, such as a condition or relationship. They do not show any action; but, they link the subject with the rest of the sentence. For example, in the sentence "They are a problem," the word "are" is the linking verb that connects "they" and "problem" to show the relationship between the two words.
Explain the agreement of Pronouns antecedents?
A pronoun usually refers to something earlier in the text (its antecedent) and must agree in number — singular/plural — with the thing to which it refers. One The indefinite pronouns anyone, anybody, everyone, everybody, someone, somebody, no one, and nobody are always singular. This is sometimes perplexing to writers who feel that everyone and everybody (especially) are referring to more than one person. The same is true of either and neither, which are always singular even though they seem to be referring to two things. Two The need for pronoun-antecedent agreement can create gender problems. If one were to write, for instance, "A student must see his counselor before the end of the semester," when there are female students about, nothing but grief will follow. One can pluralize, in this situation, to avoid the problem: Students must see their counselor before the end of the semester. Or, one could say A student must see his or her counselor. . . .
What are adjectives?
Adjectives are describing words. Large, grey, and friendly are all examples of adjectives
What are adverbs?
An adverb is a word used to modify a verb, an adjective, or another adverb. For example: She swims quickly. (Here, the adverb quickly modifies the verb swims.) She swims extremely quickly. (Here, the adverb extremely modifies the adverb quickly.) She is an extremely quick swimmer. (Here, the adverb extremely modifies the adjective quick.) When an adverb modifies a verb, it usually tells us when, where, how, in what manner, or to what extent the action is performed. Here are some examples of adverbs modifying verbs: How: He ran quickly. When: He ran yesterday. Where: He ran here. In what manner: He ran barefoot. To what extent: He ran fastest. In the examples above, each adverb is a single word, but an adverb can be made up of more than one word. For example: How: He ran at 10 miles per hour. When: He ran when the police arrived. Where: He ran to the shops. In what manner: He ran like a man possessed. To what extent: He ran quicker than me.
What are indefinite pronouns?
An indefinite pronoun does not refer to any specific person, thing or amount. It is vague and "not definite". Some typical indefinite pronouns are: all, another, any, anybody/anyone, anything, each, everybody/everyone, everything, few, many, nobody, none, one, several, some, somebody/someone.
Name the four types of sentences?
Declarative, Interrogative, Exclamatory, and imperative .Declarative sentences make a statement to relay information or ideas. They are punctuated with a simple period. Formal essays or reports are composed almost entirely of declarative sentences. *Examples of Declarative Sentences:* The concert begins in two hours. July 4th is Independence Day. Declarative sentences make a statement. You're a good man, Charlie Brown. Green is my favorite color. Hawaii is a tropical climate. Imperative sentences issue commands or requests or they can express a desire or wish. They are punctuated with a simple period or they can be exclamations requiring an exclamation mark. It all depends on the strength of emotion you want to express. Exclamatory sentences can consist of a single verb or they can be more lengthy and complex. *Examples of Imperative Sentences:* Halt! Yield. Watch for oncoming traffic. Respond immediately. Please lower your voice. Meet me at the town square. Drop what you're doing and come celebrate with us! Exclamatory sentences express strong emotion. It doesn't really matter what the emotion is, an exclamatory sentence is the type of sentence needed to express it. Exclamatory sentences always end in an exclamation mark, so it's pretty easy to spot them. Use exclamatory sentences to portray emotion but take care to use them sparingly. Otherwise, your writing will lack sincerity. *Examples of Exclamatory Sentences* The river is rising! I can't wait for the party! I don't know what I'll do if I don't pass this test! Oh, my goodness, I won! Suddenly, a bear appeared in my path! This is the best day of my life! Please don't go! Interrogative sentences are also easy to spot. That's because they always ask a question and end in a question mark. *Examples of Interrogative Sentences:* Is it snowing? Have you had breakfast? Do you want Coke or Pepsi? Who are you taking to the prom? You like Mexican food, don't you? Notice that the interrogatives may require a simple yes/no response or are more open ended, each end in a question mark.
What are objective and subjective pronouns?
Examples (in each pair, the first sentence shows a subject pronoun, the second an object pronoun): I like coffee. / John helped me. Do you like coffee? / John loves you. He runs fast. / Did Ram beat him? She is clever. / Does Mary know her? It doesn't work. / Can the man fix it? We went home. / Anthony drove us. Do you need a table for three? / Did John and Mary beat you at doubles? They played doubles. / John and Mary beat them.
What are dependent and independent clauses?
Independent Clause An independent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb and expresses a complete thought. An independent clause is a sentence. Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz. Dependent Clause A dependent clause is a group of words that contains a subject and verb but does not express a complete thought. A dependent clause cannot be a sentence. Often a dependent clause is marked by a dependent marker word. When Jim studied in the Sweet Shop for his chemistry quiz . . . (What happened when he studied? The thought is incomplete.)
What are possessive Pronouns?
Possessive nouns are nouns that show ownership or possession. Example: That cat's fur is a mess. Cat's is the possessive noun showing ownership towards it's fur. Possessive nouns can either be singular or plural Singular possessive noun example: Month's work Today's newspaper Sun's rays Plural possessive noun example: Americans' ideals Eggs' color Kites' altitudes When a plural nouns does not end with an "s" add an apostrophe "s" to make it possessive Example: Cattle's pasture Nuclei's form Cacti's thorns We use possessive pronouns depending on: number: singular (eg: mine) or plural (eg: ours) person: 1st person (eg: mine), 2nd person (eg: yours) or 3rd person (eg: his) gender: male (his), female (hers) Below are the possessive pronouns, followed by some example sentences. Notice that each possessive pronoun can: be subject or object refer to a singular or plural antecedent
What are relative pronouns?
There are only a few relative pronouns in the English language. The most common are which, that, whose, whoever, whomever, who, and whom. In some situations, the words what, when, and where can also function as relative pronouns. Because there are only a few of them, there are also just a few rules for using relative pronouns. Keep them in mind as you write. Relative clauses are typically introduced by relative pronouns, and that the relative pronoun can function as a possessive pronoun, an object, or a subject. When relative pronouns introduce restrictive relative clauses, no comma is used to separate the restrictive clause from the main clause. In American English, the relative pronoun whom is used rarely. You may notice this in conversations, but it is best to use the term when writing to ensure that your work is grammatically correct. Relative Pronouns Examples The following sentences contain examples of relative pronouns. The relative pronoun in each example is italicized. The cyclist who won the race trained hard. The pants that I bought yesterday are already stained. The four team leaders, whomever the committee selects, will be at tomorrow's meeting. Spaghetti, which we eat at least twice a week, is one of my family's favorite meals. Where did you buy the dress what you wore last week? The book, when it was finally returned, was torn and stained. The store on the corner, where we usually buy all of our art supplies, burned to the ground.
What are the fragments needed to form a sentence?
When a group of words is missing important information, it no longer expresses a compete thought. There are four possible reasons for why a group of words is a fragment. 1. It is missing a subject. 2. It is missing a verb. 3. It is missing a subject and a verb. 4. It is a subordinate clause. 1. Subjects tell whom or what sentences are about. If the subject is missing, we are left wondering who or what performed the action. Ran around the tree. (Who ran around the tree?) Will walk into the room. (Who will walk into the room?) Shot through the sky. (What shot through the sky?) We can fix each of those fragments and turn them into sentences by adding a subject. The dog ran around the tree. The President will walk into the room. A rocket shot through the sky. 2. Verbs tell what the subject did or is. If the verb is missing, we are left wondering what the subject did or what the subject is. My little sister. (My little sister did what?) My cute little dog. (The cute little dog did or is what?) We can fix these types of fragments by adding a verb. My little sister ran away. My cute little dog is cuddly. 3. Some fragments are missing both subjects and verbs. That means that we don't know whom the sentence is about or what they did or are. On the table. Over there. Do you know how to change these from fragments into complete sentences? You guessed it! We need to add a subject and a verb. The corn is on the table. My doggie ran over there. 4. Subordinate clauses (dependent clauses) are groups of words that contain a subject and a verb, but they don't express complete thoughts. If you use them alone, they are sentence fragments. Whenever I walk the dog. Until my little sister walks into the room. You can fix these kinds of fragments by connecting dependent clauses to independent clauses. Independent clauses are groups of words that contain a subject and a verb, and they also express complete thoughts. You can add independent clauses before or after dependent clauses. Whenever I walk the dog, I feel great. Here, I added I feel great, an independent clause, after the dependent clause. If you add your independent clause after the dependent clause, notice that you need to use a comma to separate them. I will stay here until my little sister walks into the room. For this one, we added the independent clause I will stay here before the dependent clause. When you do this, you don't need a comma between the two.
