Questions and Answers
What is the setting at the start of the chapter?
The courtroom - the hearing for the murder of Bob.
How does Ponyboy feel during the hearing?
He feels nervous and wishes he could have a cigarette.
Why was Ponyboy not questioned about Johnny at all?
Most likely because of his fragile emotional state and his concussion.
Describe and list the impacts of the concussion Ponyboy is dealing with.
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Explain what Ponyboy means when he says 'everything tasted like baloney.'
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What opportunity does Ponyboy's teacher give him and why?
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Describe Ponyboy's emotions during everyday life after the hearing.
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What is Ponyboy's reaction to the Socs that pull up at the gas station?
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What does Soda do that causes Ponyboy to wonder about him?
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What serious remarks and threats does Darry make during the fight about school?
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What sad thing does Soda experience?
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Explain why Soda ran out when Darry and Ponyboy were fighting.
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What does Soda mean when he says 'if you don't have anything you end up like Dallas?'
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What can we now say Soda's role in the family is?
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Explain why Ponyboy acted as though he killed Bob.
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What does Ponyboy find when reading a book?
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What is one of Johnny's last requests in his note to Ponyboy?
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What huge realization does Ponyboy come to when thinking about Johnny's note?
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Why does Ponyboy call his teacher late at night?
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How does Ponyboy start his theme and how does the book end?
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Study Notes
Courtroom Setting
- The chapter begins in a courtroom during the hearing for Bob's murder.
Ponyboy's Emotions
- Ponyboy feels nervous during the hearing and desires a cigarette.
- He exhibits a fragile emotional state due to his concussion.
Concussion Effects
- Ponyboy struggles with absentmindedness, clumsiness, and a decline in his academic performance.
- He has troubles with daily activities, such as walking home without shoes.
Grief Manifestation
- Food loses appeal for Ponyboy, comparing all tastes to "baloney" due to his unresolved grief from Johnny's death.
Teacher's Assistance
- Ponyboy's English teacher offers him the chance to write a theme to improve his slipping grades as he copes with Johnny's loss and his concussion.
Emotional State
- Daily life for Ponyboy is marked by aggression and indifference; he feels disconnected from things he once valued.
Confrontation with Socs
- Ponyboy shows more aggression when confronted by Socs at a gas station, threatening them to leave, contrasting with his previous passivity.
Soda's Behavior
- Soda's unusual habit of smoking when troubled raises Ponyboy's concern about his brother's emotional state.
Family Conflict
- A fight between Ponyboy and Darry escalates when Darry threatens that Ponyboy can move out if he disapproves of Darry's rules.
Soda's Heartache
- Soda experiences emotional pain from his unrequited love for Sandy, who moved away, leading him to cry for a week.
Family Peacemaker
- Soda is depicted as the mediator in the family, trying to reconcile the tension between Darry and Ponyboy.
Ponyboy's Guilt
- Ponyboy struggles with guilt, pretending he killed Bob to cope with Johnny's death, thinking it might alleviate his sorrow.
Johnny's Note
- Ponyboy discovers a note from Johnny while reading "Gone with the Wind," which impacts him deeply.
Johnny's Last Wish
- One of Johnny's requests in his note is for Darry to appreciate a sunset, suggesting deeper connections to nature and life.
Broader Realization
- Reflecting on Johnny's note, Ponyboy understands that many boys like him desire more from life and share similar struggles.
Call to Teacher
- Ponyboy reaches out to his teacher late at night, indicating his readiness to work on his theme, symbolizing a step towards healing.
Conclusion of the Book
- The book concludes with Ponyboy beginning his theme, tying back to his journey of self-discovery and reflection on the events that shaped him.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the key elements of Chapter 12 of 'The Outsiders'. This quiz covers significant plot points, character emotions, and critical settings associated with the courtroom and Ponyboy's experiences. Perfect for students reviewing the chapter or preparing for discussions.