Podcast Interview

English Radio Podcast Interview by,

RaphaelJH - Interviewer
Lachie - Ponyboy
Diah - Cherry

(Script)

Good morning, I am Raphael Jefferson Hertanto presenter of ENG Radio 99.9 FM welcome back. I’m here today to interview Ponyboy Curtis and Cherry. Ponyboy and Cherry are 15 years old and they are from New York state, New York. Today, they here to talk about their personal story of their triumph over troubles that they have faced.

1. Hello Ponyboy and Cherry, how are you?

We’re fine, how are you Raphael?

Raphael : I’m great, thanking you once again for coming in today. Lets get down to the questions shall we.

2. Ponyboy, can you tell us about the “Greasers”?

The greaser’s is a group a ruffed up teen’s and hood’s who have a problem with the law and them goddam “SOCS” and we always in trouble.

3. Cherry, can you tell us about the “Socs”?

Socials or what people like to call “Socs” are a group of rich kids from the west side. The Greasers have always thought that the Socs had it better than them but what they don't realise is, the Socs have it just as rough as they do.

4. Ponyboy, Why do the Greasers have a problem with the “Socs?

The always tryna ruff’n one of us while walking alone and everybody think’s there as pure as driven snow but there as mean and feral as us there always in the paper’s for winning football or saving someone but the public don’t see them behind closed door’s.  

5. Cherry, from your side, why do the Socs have a problem with Greasers?

To be honest i think this a crazy misunderstanding which both groups are at fault, this has also been strung along for too long. Both groups just need to toughen up, respect each other already and just deal with it. I don’t even remember how it started….

6. Ponyboy can you describe the chronologist/short story about the Windrixville accident?

Me and Johnny had been running from law the after Johnny shanked bob i can’t seem to get it out of my mind as Johnny someone who couldn’t hurt a fly turning into the monster pulling out that switch and digging it into bob flesh and just to see that “SOC” lay in that pool of blood made  me cold and sick inside .Afterwards me and johnny  fled to windrixville were darry had given me and johnny $50 all we bought soda cigarettes and baloney a lot of baloney.I remember the day of the fire i was awoken by the presence of dally he shook me awake and said “come on use i bet  you are damn hungry” I knew i was hungry and the way johnny looked he was very hungry Dally had taken us to the dinner  me and Johnny ate that much our stomach’s nearly busted the button’s off our shirts when we finished we continued back to the church. As we came across it was on fire the it must of been one of mine or johnny's cigarettes but worst of all there was a bunch of school kid’s at the church which they were trapped me Johnny and Dally jumped out of the car that quick and ran to the church i had grabbed one same johnny and dally a beam or a plank of wood must have of trapped johnny in the fire Dally ran back in and saved only with his life but in the process Dally had received a nasty burn on his right arm.

7. Ponyboy, what does “things are rough all over” mean?   

Well my opinion is that it isnt rough all over and those Socs have it pretty goddamn easy if you ask me with their fancy car’s there big house the big picture’s in the paper they got it easy. Us greaser got nothin yeah and i do think that what you're implying thing’s are rough all over your wrong cause thing’s ain’t rough all over we got hard  were the one’s missing parent’s were the one’s that get singled out in public as hood’s menace to society and were not all bad you know them Soc’s get everything given to them us greaser’s gotta work hard for what we want and just don’t get it that easy.

8. Cherry, what does "things are rough all over” mean?

In my opinion, i say this because well things are rough all over. Greasers think that we Socs have it easy but we don’t. Life in general isnt easy. We all have it rough. Socs do have their own problems as were not this stereotypical rich kids you might think we are. Sure we might get things handed to us but at what costs? Our parents don’t even take the time to spend 2 seconds with us. I envy the Greasers sometimes, Greasers have more emotion, us Socs have to learn to be cool to the point of not feeling anything. Thats not living.

9. Ponyboy, from your side how is Johnny?

From my opinion Johnny was my bestfriend these street’s and these gang’s ruined that boy not more so physically but very strongly mentally i never meant for johnny to die but i still remember the word’s  he had said to me the day of his death “stay gold Ponyboy stay gold”. I knew from then on what it meant he wanted me to stay the same and never change Johnny is good he never had a problem with anybody but i can honestly say Johnny was a lost child the street’s had broken him.

10. Cherry, in your opinion, is Ponyboy a kind man?

He’s….different. I’ve only really met him once but from what i can see he’s different. He’s not like the other Greasers… he’s got a soft side which i like and which proves to me that not all Greasers have to be like Dally who is known for being violent at times. So i guess Ponyboy’s a kind man.

11. Cherry, do you consider Bob’s death to be murder or an accident?

I don’t believe Bob should have died that day. It was a tragic event. Do i wish the accident could have gone differently? Yes, but i understand that it was an accident and i don’t blame Johnny for what he did that day. He did what he had to do to save Ponyboy even if it meant stabbing Bob and i respect that.

12. Cherry, do you believe the rivalry between socs and greasers will ever end?

I hope so. Goodness gracious I can’t stand fights… I can’t stand them. This fight has gone too long. I do hope both groups will come come to their senses and stop all this nonsense.

13. Cherry, do you see yourself falling in love with Dally?

I don’t exactly see myself falling for Dally. I didn’t exactly know him. I could though but i know better than to be associated with Dally. He’s…. What they call bad news.

14. Cherry, do you believe the police were right to shoot down Dally to the point of killing him?

No, in my opinion the situation could have been handled differently. Yes he committed a crime and attempted to flee but does that give them the right to shoot him down? To kill a life? What good does shooting Dally do? Couldn’t they have been less of a barbarian and shot him in the leg instead? That would have at least slowed him down. He didn't need to be shot to the point of killing him.

15. Cherry, do you consider Dally, Ponyboy and Johnny to be heroes or villains?

I don’t exactly consider them heroes nor villains. In some ways yes they would be considered heroes as its not everyday a church is saved by 3 young men.

16. Ponyboy how did you feel when you were called heroes after the horrific windrixville accident?

I was happy and proud for once we weren't  just labelled as the hood’s of our society we were hero’s and i wish we could stay like that but something good is not to last.

Thank you Ponyboy and Cherry for making an appearance on ENG Radio 99.9 FM and to the listeners out there, thank you for listening. My name is Raphael and i bid you all a good morning.

Plot Diagram

My plot diagram.

Chapter 9&10: Quote Analysis

Chapter 9&10: Quote Analysis 

Quote: “I mean…if I see you in the hall at school or someplace and don’t say hi, it’s not personal or anything…”

Context: This quote was said by Cherry when she was saying her goodbyes to Ponyboy before driving off with Bob and the other Socs.  

Paraphrase: What Cherry really means is that no matter how much Cherry would like to say hi to Ponyboy, she is unable to acknowledge him because they are from different social groups and her group would very much not approve. So basically she's saying no hard feelings because of it. 

Inference: In my opinion this shows that although Cherry would very much like to acknowledge Ponyboy she is pressured by her parents and group to not do such a thing. I feel that she is a coward for not caring what others may think as it is her life and she should do whatever she likes. 

Quote: “You take up for your buddies, no matter what they do.  When you’re a gang, you stick up for the members.  If you don’t stick up for them, stick together, make like brothers, it isn’t a gang anymore.  It’s a pack.”

Context: This was said by Ponyboy in the midst of having a conversation with Cherry in the movies.

Paraphrase: I believe that Ponyboy said this because he believes that no matter what happens, when your in a gang you must always stick up for one another because their not just members, their family. 

Inference: I believe this tells us that Ponyboy strongly cares about his fellow gang brothers which is able to shows us his protective, caring side. 

Quote: “All Socs aren’t like that…That’s like saying all you greasers are like Dallas Winston.”

Context: This was said by Cherry after Ponyboy told her that Johnny got jumped by the Socs and thats  which is the reason why Johnny is very sensitive and jumpy now.  This happened when waiting in line to get popcorn. 

Paraphrase: When saying this Cherry points out that not all Socs behave like that, just like not all Greasers behave like Dally. By saying this, it tells me that Cherry truly believes that there are good Socs and Greasers out there that aren't like Dally Winston who is known for being a violent troublemaker.

Inference: In my opinion this tells me that Cherry likes to see the good in others, not the bad. 

Chapter 7&8: Character metaphor mini-poster

Chapter 7&8: Character metaphor mini-poster

Two-bit is.....

as drunk as a lord. 

as strong as an ox.

as laugh as a sea of sadness.  

Chapter 5&6: Poem analysis

Chapter 5&6: Poem analysis

"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."

A poem written by Robert Frost. 

In the novel, Ponyboy recites this same poem to Johnny when witnessing a beautiful and tranquil sunset. In my opinion this poem has a way of saying in some ways that nothing can stay innocent or perfect forever. In other words "Nothing gold can stay" explains that something perfect such as someones innocence can drastically change or vanish. The first line of the poem,"Nature's first green is gold" in my opinion is stating that everything starts innocently or perfect like gold. Another line from the poem, "Her hardest hue to hold" explains that it can be difficult to hold on to the innocence or the perfections of life. A perfect, priceless moment may not last long as it can be explained in the line, "But only so an hour."

In relation to the book, the poem reflects on the events of the life they were accustom to which basically vanished before their eyes. One minute Ponyboy and Johnny casually takes a stroll on the street after movies with friends and two beautiful Socs, then the next minute they're running for their life for a crime Johnny committed. Ponyboy's oldest brother Darry is a great example in relation to the first and last sentence "Nature's first green is gold.....Nothing gold can stay". In the beginning Darry had a fortunate life of loving parents, an accepting group of friends, etc. But as it states in the poem even the most perfect moment cant stay "Nothing gold can stay." Now at the age of twenty, he continues to financially support two of his younger brothers due to their parents death which causes Darry to watch all of his hopes and dreams go down the drain. This poem can also relate to the other greasers as i'm sure they were all innocent and kind once in their younger years but life has a way of screwing things up in a matter of time as it is explained in the line, "Her early leaf's a flower; But only so an hour." 

Chapter 3&4: Point of view piece

Chapter 3&4: Point of view piece

Johnny's Point of View

"Come on, Johnny, we're running away." I hear the desperation in Ponyboy's voice so I think of nothing, I asks no questions and just run. Run until we run out of breath. We run so far we end up in the park. The moon was bright tonight, it spilled some light on the fountain and pool but the pool was empty now in the fall. Nobody was around here at two-thirty in the morning. I snapped up my jeans jacket and flipped up the collar.
"Ain't you about to freeze to death, Pony?" I ask.
"You ain't a'woofin," he replied between drags of his cigarette. A car horn made us jump. I swear under my breath. The blue mustang was circling the park slowly. "What do they want? This is our territory. What are Socs doing this far east?"
"I don't know. But  bet they're looking for us. We picked up their girls." I say. I know I should be freaked out but I remained calm, I didn't want lil old Ponyboy here to start to worry.  I saw them before they even stepped foot on the grass, they're were five of them. A cool deadly bluff could shake them off but we were outnumbered. I was scared to death. My right hand automatically went to my back pocket as I discreetly touch my switchblade. You can never be too prepared.
I recognised the Socs. It was Randy and Bob with three other Socs. I watched the moonlight glint off Bob's rings as memories of the previous night filled my mind. I shivered. No. I need to be stronger this time, I wont let them have the satisfactory of knowing they scared me to death.
"Hey, whatta ya know?" Bob said a little unsteadily. He was all over the place, "here's the little greasers that picked up our girls. Hey, greasers."
"You're outa your territory." I warned in a low, steady voice. I was scared but i wouldn't let them know it. I just wanted them gone. "You'd better watch it." They stepped closer. Damn. I blanked, all I could think of was getting out of here.
"...Give the kid a bath, David." What? I must've missed a whole conversation. The next thing I know, Ponyboy ducks and tries to make a run for it but Bob catches his arm and twists it behind his back putting him under the flowing water of the fountain. I panic. All I could think of was getting Ponyboy out of the fountain. Shoot! Think Johnny, think! I ran towards Bob like my life depended on it. Actually a life did depend on it. I grabbed my switchblade out of my back pocket and aimed it at Bob's heart. Thump. He's dead, dying at least. I barely notice the other Socs running away.
"I killed him."I state out loud. "I killed that boy."
"Johnny?" Ponyboy whispered. At least i think he said something, I couldn't think. I closed my eyes and let blackness swallow me, even if it's just for a few seconds.

Chapter 1&2: Questions

Chapter 1&2: Questions

1. It seems pretty obvious that in the beginning Ponyboy identifies himself in the 'greaser' group. Ponyboy is the youngest in his group and is in my opinion the innocent one out of the group as the other members are much older and troubled in some way. For example, Dally tends to find himself into situations that will get him thrown into jail. 

2. Pony's had a pretty hard life. His parents died in a car accident not to many years ago, fortunately he still has his two older siblings. His two older brothers, Sodapop and Darry. Being the oldest, Darry is considered the father figure to both Sodapop and Pony boy as he is the only older male figure in their life and also pays the bills and provides them with life necessities. Darry's and Ponyboy's relationship is a little strained as Darry can be a little tough and cold towards Ponyboy but fortunately Sodapop is able to balance the relationship as Sodapop is able to always be there for Ponyboy.

The Curtis Brothers

3. Pony's group is made out of 7 members, including himself. The members are Darry 'Darrell' Curtis who is the oldest in the group as he is 20 and is the older brother of Sodapop and Ponyboy. He is also considered the father hen as he is the oldest and wisest out of the group. The second member is Dally Winston and he is possibly the most toughest member of the group. With his icy blue eyes and elfin face, Dally's violent habit makes him the most dangerous greaser in the group.The third member of the group is Two-bit 'Keith' Matthews. Two-bit is considered the joker out of the group and regularly shoplifts. The fourth member of the 'greaser' group is Sodapop Curtis. Sodapop is an older sibling to Ponyboy and an younger sibling to Darry. Sodapop's a happy-go-lucky and is described as the handsomest member of the group. At the age of only 17, Sodapop is a high school dropout. The Fifth member of the group is Steve Randle. Steve is Sodapop's closest and oldest friend since grade school. He is described as an intelligent, cocky and tough guy. He also sees Ponyboy as Sodapop's annoying little kid brother and wishes he doesn't tag along so much. The Sixth member of the group is Johnny Cade. Johnny is described as a young vulnerable and fearful 16 year old greaser with jet black hair and large terrified eyes. Johnny is also a child of an alcoholic and abusive parent therefore he comes across shy and nervous. Last but not least Ponyboy Curtis is the youngest out of the group and is the youngest Curtis boy. He is described as a smart and intelligent individual. He is also the narrator of the book. 

The greaser group

4. In my opinion when Cherry says 'Things are rough all over' she means that the Socs do have their own problems, that their not this stereotypical rich kids the greasers think they are, thinking that the Socs have the good and happy life with no problems.