The Outsiders by S.E Hinton
Comprehension Questions: Chapters 5-8
Chapter 5
1. Do you think hiding out was the best thing for Johnny and Ponyboy to do? Why or why not?
No, I don't think hiding out was the best thing to do because they are wanted criminals and could possibly be found.
2. What did Johnny admire about Dally?
Johnny admired Dally's cussing.
3. Why did the boys cut their hair? Does the length of hair mean much to the boys? Is it important to you? To adults you know?
The boys cut their hair as a disguise so that no one recognizes them and they won't get caught. The length of their hair means a lot to them because their hair identifies them and it's basically their uniform.
4. Based on the supplies Johnny collected, what can you conclude about Johnny?
Johnny is resourceful and thoughtful because he remembered that Ponyboy wanted the book, "Gone With the Wind". Johnny also has probably been planning on doing this because he knows the gang isn't going anywhere.
5. Do you think crying helped the boys or made them weaker? Why?
Crying helped the boys because they were letting their emotions out and it's understandable because they are only kids and they had just killed someone.
6. What do you think the poem by Robert Frost on page 77 means? What do you think Frost is describing? Why do you think Ponyboy remembered this poem?
The poem by Robert Frost means that nothing is forever and that everything changes. Ponyboy probably remembered this poem because he doesn,t understand it.
7. What is another word for “heater”?
Another word for "heater" is gun.
8. Do you think Ponyboy and Johnny will ever be able to go home again? Why or why not?
Ponyboy and Johnny will eventually be able to go home because they are young and they are homesick. They are not mature or responsible enough to live on their own, so they need someone to take care of them.
9. How does Johnny write a note to Ponyboy?
Johnny writes into the dust.
10. What is the one thing the Greasers are proud of?
Greasers are proud of their hair.
11. How do Johnny and Ponyboy pass the time?
Johnny and Ponyboy read "Gone With the Wind", play poker, and smoke to pass the time.
12. Who comes to visit Johnny and Ponyboy?
Dally comes to visit Johnny and Ponyboy.
13. Where do the police think Johnny and Ponyboy have gone?
The police think Johnny and Ponyboy have gone off to Texas.
14. Who is spying on the Socs for the Greasers?
Cherry is spying on the Socs for the Greasers.
Chapter 6
1. Why do you think Cherry chose to associate with – and later help – Johnny and Ponyboy? Is she a spy?
Cherry chose to help Johnny and Ponyboy because they are nice and she thinks it's her fault that they had to defend themselves. She is a spy because she tells them what the Socs are up to.
2. Why do you think Johnny decided they should turn themselves in?
Johnny decided they should turn themselves in because it's the right thing to do and because they can't hide forever. After all, they might be let off easy because what they did was an act of self-defense.
3. What did Ponyboy learn about Dally?
Ponyboy learns that Dally does care about Johnny and Ponyboy and he starts to understand his behavior and why he acts the way he does.
4. Would you say Ponyboy and Johnny are heroes? Why or why not?
Ponyboy and Johnny are heroes because they saved the kids in the burning building and that saved each other as well. At the same time, they are not heroes because they killed someone and are avoiding the police; they might also have started the fire.
5. Why wouldn’t Dally go into the church for the kids, but he did go in for Johnny?
Dally didn't go in the church for the kids because he does not know them, but he goes in for Johnny because he cares for him and is like his little brother.
6. When they are at Dairy Queen, what does Johnny tell Dally he is going to do?
Johnny tells Dally that he is going to turn himself in to the police.
7. How have Johnny’s parents reacted to his running away?
Johnny's parents don't care and make no effort to find him.
8. What do the boys see when they reach the top of Jay Mountain?
As soon as the boys reach the top of Jay Mountain, they see that the church is on fire.
9. When is the only time Ponyboy can remember seeing Johnny without a defeated, suspicious look in his eyes?
The only time Ponyboy can remember seeing Johnny. without a defeated, suspicious look in his eyes is when they're in the building saving the kids.
10. How does Dally get burned?
Dally gets burned by saving Johnny and pulling him out of the burning building.
11. How does Johnny get hurt?
Johnny gets hurt by a falling beam in the church; he gets badly burned and bruised and passes out.
12. What does Darry do when he sees Ponyboy in the hospital?
Darry doesn't say or do anything besides cry.
13. At the hospital Ponyboy realizes that Darry really cares for him. Why has Darry been so hard on Ponyboy in the past?
Darry has been hard on Ponyboy because he doesn't want to lose anyone else like he lost his parents and he wants what's best for Ponyboy.
Chapter 7
1. How were the boys injured? Why could they be considered heroes?
The boys got burned and bruised while trying to save the kids in the burning building. They could be considered heroes because they saved the kids.
2. What additional problems did the brother face after Ponyboy’s return?
Darry found out that he might get separated from Ponyboy and Sodapop.
3. What did Randy say kids want from parents? Do you agree or would you add some other points?
Randy said that kids want their parents to say no so that they know they have limits and that their parents are trying to discipline them. I would add some points, for example, parents should not just say "no" or "because I told you so", but tell them no and give them an explanation.
4. Why are Ponyboy and Johnny scared of the police?
Ponyboy and Johnny are scared of the police because they are wanted and are afraid they'll get in trouble and go to jail.
5. What do you think it would have been like for Johnny to return to his home in a wheelchair?
If Johnny returned home in a wheelchair his parents wouldn't care and probably wouldn't even notice.
6. What was it about Ponyboy that made others confide in him i.e., Cherry, Johnny, Randy?
Ponyboy is a good listener and is very understanding. He doesn't have a bad reputation and is known for being an honor student and a good person over all.
7. Why didn’t Randy want to fight in the rumble?
Randy did not want to fight in the rumble because he thinks it doesn't do any good and that there is no point in fighting.
8. What do the doctors say about Dally’s injuries?
The doctor says that Dally is going to be fine.
9. What do the doctors say about Johnny’s injuries?
The doctor says that Johnny has a broken back and either may not be able to walk again or he just might not make it.
10. What one food does Ponyboy, Soda, and Darry all like for breakfast?
Ponyboy, Soda, and Darry all like chocolate cake for breakfast.
11. Why does Darry leave the front door unlocked?
Darry leaves the front door unlocked so that if anyone is in trouble and doesn't have a place to stay they can go to Darry's house and stay there.
12. What charges were being brought against Johnny?
Johnny was being charged for manslaughter, resisting arrest, and running away.
13. What will the court decide about Ponyboy?
The court will decide whether he should be put in a boys home or not and if he
if he should be charged with running away.
14. Where did Soda’s girlfriend go?
Soda's girlfriend, Sandy, went to live with her grandmother in Florida because she was to either marry Soda or move because her parents did not want her marrying Soda.
15. Why does Randy say the rumble between the Socs and the Greasers won’t solve anything?
Randy says the rumble between the Socs and the Greasers won't solve anything because at the end, Greasers will still be Greasers and Socs will still be Socs.
Chapter 8
1. Why did Ponyboy and Two-bit think they couldn’t get along without Johnny?
Ponyboy and Two-bit think they can't get along without Johnny because he is like the gang's little brother and they look out for him and take care of him.
2. How did Johnny feel about dying?
Johnny isn't ready to die because he's only 16 and wants to experience the things that the world has to offer.
3. What did Johnny want the boys to get for him in the hospital? Why were these things important?
Johnny wanted the boys to get him "Gone With the Wind" and hair grease because he liked when Ponyboy read to him and hair grease because it is like a prized possession.
4. How close to the truth was Johnny when he said he didn’t want to see his mother?
Johnny didn't want to see his mother because she is never there for him and he is afraid she's just gonna see him and tell him how worthless he is.
5. What was the significance of Ponyboy asking Cherry, “can you see the sunset real good from the West Side”?
Pnyboy was telling Cherry that everyone's the same no matter where they are and that we all have problems.
6. What two things does Johnny tell Two-Bit he wants him to bring?
Johnny wants the book, "Gone With the Wind" and hair grease.
7. Who comes to visit Johnny besides Ponyboy and Two-Bit?
Tim Shepard comes to visit Johnny.
8. What does Two-Bit give to Dally?
Two-bit gives Dally a switch blade.
10. Why does Cherry say she can’t visit Johnny?
Cherry cays she can't visit Johnny because she can't look at the person who killed Bob.
1. Do you think hiding out was the best thing for Johnny and Ponyboy to do? Why or why not?
No, I don't think hiding out was the best thing to do because they are wanted criminals and could possibly be found.
2. What did Johnny admire about Dally?
Johnny admired Dally's cussing.
3. Why did the boys cut their hair? Does the length of hair mean much to the boys? Is it important to you? To adults you know?
The boys cut their hair as a disguise so that no one recognizes them and they won't get caught. The length of their hair means a lot to them because their hair identifies them and it's basically their uniform.
4. Based on the supplies Johnny collected, what can you conclude about Johnny?
Johnny is resourceful and thoughtful because he remembered that Ponyboy wanted the book, "Gone With the Wind". Johnny also has probably been planning on doing this because he knows the gang isn't going anywhere.
5. Do you think crying helped the boys or made them weaker? Why?
Crying helped the boys because they were letting their emotions out and it's understandable because they are only kids and they had just killed someone.
6. What do you think the poem by Robert Frost on page 77 means? What do you think Frost is describing? Why do you think Ponyboy remembered this poem?
The poem by Robert Frost means that nothing is forever and that everything changes. Ponyboy probably remembered this poem because he doesn,t understand it.
7. What is another word for “heater”?
Another word for "heater" is gun.
8. Do you think Ponyboy and Johnny will ever be able to go home again? Why or why not?
Ponyboy and Johnny will eventually be able to go home because they are young and they are homesick. They are not mature or responsible enough to live on their own, so they need someone to take care of them.
9. How does Johnny write a note to Ponyboy?
Johnny writes into the dust.
10. What is the one thing the Greasers are proud of?
Greasers are proud of their hair.
11. How do Johnny and Ponyboy pass the time?
Johnny and Ponyboy read "Gone With the Wind", play poker, and smoke to pass the time.
12. Who comes to visit Johnny and Ponyboy?
Dally comes to visit Johnny and Ponyboy.
13. Where do the police think Johnny and Ponyboy have gone?
The police think Johnny and Ponyboy have gone off to Texas.
14. Who is spying on the Socs for the Greasers?
Cherry is spying on the Socs for the Greasers.
Chapter 6
1. Why do you think Cherry chose to associate with – and later help – Johnny and Ponyboy? Is she a spy?
Cherry chose to help Johnny and Ponyboy because they are nice and she thinks it's her fault that they had to defend themselves. She is a spy because she tells them what the Socs are up to.
2. Why do you think Johnny decided they should turn themselves in?
Johnny decided they should turn themselves in because it's the right thing to do and because they can't hide forever. After all, they might be let off easy because what they did was an act of self-defense.
3. What did Ponyboy learn about Dally?
Ponyboy learns that Dally does care about Johnny and Ponyboy and he starts to understand his behavior and why he acts the way he does.
4. Would you say Ponyboy and Johnny are heroes? Why or why not?
Ponyboy and Johnny are heroes because they saved the kids in the burning building and that saved each other as well. At the same time, they are not heroes because they killed someone and are avoiding the police; they might also have started the fire.
5. Why wouldn’t Dally go into the church for the kids, but he did go in for Johnny?
Dally didn't go in the church for the kids because he does not know them, but he goes in for Johnny because he cares for him and is like his little brother.
6. When they are at Dairy Queen, what does Johnny tell Dally he is going to do?
Johnny tells Dally that he is going to turn himself in to the police.
7. How have Johnny’s parents reacted to his running away?
Johnny's parents don't care and make no effort to find him.
8. What do the boys see when they reach the top of Jay Mountain?
As soon as the boys reach the top of Jay Mountain, they see that the church is on fire.
9. When is the only time Ponyboy can remember seeing Johnny without a defeated, suspicious look in his eyes?
The only time Ponyboy can remember seeing Johnny. without a defeated, suspicious look in his eyes is when they're in the building saving the kids.
10. How does Dally get burned?
Dally gets burned by saving Johnny and pulling him out of the burning building.
11. How does Johnny get hurt?
Johnny gets hurt by a falling beam in the church; he gets badly burned and bruised and passes out.
12. What does Darry do when he sees Ponyboy in the hospital?
Darry doesn't say or do anything besides cry.
13. At the hospital Ponyboy realizes that Darry really cares for him. Why has Darry been so hard on Ponyboy in the past?
Darry has been hard on Ponyboy because he doesn't want to lose anyone else like he lost his parents and he wants what's best for Ponyboy.
Chapter 7
1. How were the boys injured? Why could they be considered heroes?
The boys got burned and bruised while trying to save the kids in the burning building. They could be considered heroes because they saved the kids.
2. What additional problems did the brother face after Ponyboy’s return?
Darry found out that he might get separated from Ponyboy and Sodapop.
3. What did Randy say kids want from parents? Do you agree or would you add some other points?
Randy said that kids want their parents to say no so that they know they have limits and that their parents are trying to discipline them. I would add some points, for example, parents should not just say "no" or "because I told you so", but tell them no and give them an explanation.
4. Why are Ponyboy and Johnny scared of the police?
Ponyboy and Johnny are scared of the police because they are wanted and are afraid they'll get in trouble and go to jail.
5. What do you think it would have been like for Johnny to return to his home in a wheelchair?
If Johnny returned home in a wheelchair his parents wouldn't care and probably wouldn't even notice.
6. What was it about Ponyboy that made others confide in him i.e., Cherry, Johnny, Randy?
Ponyboy is a good listener and is very understanding. He doesn't have a bad reputation and is known for being an honor student and a good person over all.
7. Why didn’t Randy want to fight in the rumble?
Randy did not want to fight in the rumble because he thinks it doesn't do any good and that there is no point in fighting.
8. What do the doctors say about Dally’s injuries?
The doctor says that Dally is going to be fine.
9. What do the doctors say about Johnny’s injuries?
The doctor says that Johnny has a broken back and either may not be able to walk again or he just might not make it.
10. What one food does Ponyboy, Soda, and Darry all like for breakfast?
Ponyboy, Soda, and Darry all like chocolate cake for breakfast.
11. Why does Darry leave the front door unlocked?
Darry leaves the front door unlocked so that if anyone is in trouble and doesn't have a place to stay they can go to Darry's house and stay there.
12. What charges were being brought against Johnny?
Johnny was being charged for manslaughter, resisting arrest, and running away.
13. What will the court decide about Ponyboy?
The court will decide whether he should be put in a boys home or not and if he
if he should be charged with running away.
14. Where did Soda’s girlfriend go?
Soda's girlfriend, Sandy, went to live with her grandmother in Florida because she was to either marry Soda or move because her parents did not want her marrying Soda.
15. Why does Randy say the rumble between the Socs and the Greasers won’t solve anything?
Randy says the rumble between the Socs and the Greasers won't solve anything because at the end, Greasers will still be Greasers and Socs will still be Socs.
Chapter 8
1. Why did Ponyboy and Two-bit think they couldn’t get along without Johnny?
Ponyboy and Two-bit think they can't get along without Johnny because he is like the gang's little brother and they look out for him and take care of him.
2. How did Johnny feel about dying?
Johnny isn't ready to die because he's only 16 and wants to experience the things that the world has to offer.
3. What did Johnny want the boys to get for him in the hospital? Why were these things important?
Johnny wanted the boys to get him "Gone With the Wind" and hair grease because he liked when Ponyboy read to him and hair grease because it is like a prized possession.
4. How close to the truth was Johnny when he said he didn’t want to see his mother?
Johnny didn't want to see his mother because she is never there for him and he is afraid she's just gonna see him and tell him how worthless he is.
5. What was the significance of Ponyboy asking Cherry, “can you see the sunset real good from the West Side”?
Pnyboy was telling Cherry that everyone's the same no matter where they are and that we all have problems.
6. What two things does Johnny tell Two-Bit he wants him to bring?
Johnny wants the book, "Gone With the Wind" and hair grease.
7. Who comes to visit Johnny besides Ponyboy and Two-Bit?
Tim Shepard comes to visit Johnny.
8. What does Two-Bit give to Dally?
Two-bit gives Dally a switch blade.
10. Why does Cherry say she can’t visit Johnny?
Cherry cays she can't visit Johnny because she can't look at the person who killed Bob.