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. 

First Impressions of the book 'The Outsiders'

One of the many book covers of 'The Outsider'

First impressions of the book 'The Outsiders'


My first impression on the book 'The Outsiders' is that it is a very well written book. The book posses many qualities a good book should have. The writer S.E Hinton has a way of writing that just sucks you in. 

So far the book is about a young boy, the age of 14 who is a 'greaser'. He talks about his troubles and life throughout the book. The book pretty much revolves around Ponyboy, the main character and his group of friends 'the gang'. The story is about two different groups... One that is given everything and the other who has to work for it. In the novel these two groups are called the socs 'the socials' and the greasers. I think you guys can figure out which are the trust fund kids and the low class. 

I find that when reading the book the more you get into it, the more you don't want to put it down. The book seems to be set in the early 60's or late 50's as the book shows the difference of how they grew up and how they would present themselves. For example how they would dress and the way they would talk. 

Reading the book so far i predict that there will soon be a big brawl between the two groups and someone might possible get severely hurt. I look forward to finishing the book.