The Outsiders Chapters 1 & 2 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

Why does Ponyboy repeatedly say 'I don't use my head'?

He never uses his common sense and always gets into trouble because of this.

What is this an example of: 'So I stood there like a bump on a log while they surrounded me'?

Simile

What is this an example of: 'They walked around slowly, silently, smiling'?

Alliteration

What does Steve think of Ponyboy?

Just a kid; tag along. Signup and view all the answers

What does Soda think about Ponyboy?

A friend and doesn't mind his company. Signup and view all the answers

Darry tells Soda that he never thinks. What does this show about Darry?

He is very harsh and wants the best for Ponyboy, not afraid of what to say. Signup and view all the answers

Who said 'Need a haircut, greaser?' and what does it mean?

Socs said it to Ponyboy. He was walking to his house at night and was beat up by the Socs and was asked this while being beat up with a knife to his throat. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Ponyboy Curtis?

Main character. Long hair, greenish eyes, red-brown hair. Quiet, likes to read, watches movies. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Soda Curtis (Sodapop)?

Older brother of Ponyboy. Dark brown eyes, dark gold hair. Doesn't drink or smoke, understanding, always happy. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Darry Curtis?

Oldest brother. Very tall, muscular, 6'2, blue-green eyes, dark brown hair. No emotion, understands hard facts, tries to be like dad, strict with Ponyboy. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Steve Randle?

Greaser friend. Thick hair, tan, skinny, 17 years old, hair combed back with swirls. Soda's best friend, didn't like Pony, liked cars, gas station with Soda. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Two-bit Matthews?

Oldest of the gang. 6', built, rusty colored sideburns, grey eyes, wide smile. Funny remarks, shoplifting, smarting off to the cops. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Dally Winston?

Real character of the group. Elfish face, pointed chin, sharp animal-like teeth, white/blonde hair, blue eyes. Tough, mean, arrested at 10 years old. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Johnny Cade?

One of the youngest. Small, not built, black eyes and hair, used a lot of grease. Always being beat up, wouldn't live if he wasn't in the gang. Signup and view all the answers

What clothing styles differentiate Greasers and Socs?

Socs: preppy, neat, frat boys Signup and view all the answers

How do Greasers and Socs differ in their hairstyles?

Socs: short, combed back Signup and view all the answers

What types of cars do Greasers and Socs typically drive?

Socs: nice and expensive Signup and view all the answers

How do Greasers and Socs typically behave when it comes to relationships with girls?

Socs: preppy, tattletales Signup and view all the answers

Greasers have a bad reputation and weren't good enough for the ___

Socs Signup and view all the answers

Greasers don't like to express themselves and feel judged, while Socs are ___ and careless.

cocky Signup and view all the answers

What does the fight between Darry and Ponyboy symbolize?

Darry and Ponyboy fight for coming home late. Signup and view all the answers

What does the scene describe concerning drinking among Greasers and Socs?

Greasers: Two-bit was drunk; Socs: all of them were drunk. Signup and view all the answers

Who said 'Take your feet off my chair and shut your trap' and what does it mean?

Cherry said this to give him a sign that he is annoying. This showed that she is very bold and aware of her surroundings. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Dally deserve what he gets?

He was always in trouble and never gets caught. Signup and view all the answers

Why weren't Cherry and Marcia alike?

They had two totally different personalities, they were into different things and he could tell. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Descriptions

Ponyboy Curtis: Main character, quiet and introspective, has red-brown hair and greenish eyes. Enjoys reading and watching movies.
Soda Curtis (Sodapop): Ponyboy's older brother, characterized by dark gold hair and brown eyes. He is understanding, cheerful, and does not drink or smoke.
Darry Curtis: Oldest brother, stands at 6'2" with a muscular build. He is strict, serious, and tries to uphold family values like their father did.
Steve Randle: Greaser friend, 17 years old, with thick hair. Best friends with Soda, disinterested in Ponyboy and loves cars.
Two-Bit Matthews: Oldest in the friend group, known for his humor and antics. Has gray eyes and rusty-colored sideburns. Engages in shoplifting and teasing authority.
Dally Winston: Tough member of the group known for his criminal background and distinct physical features, including an elfish face and blue eyes. Arrested at a young age.
Johnny Cade: Youngest member of the gang, described as small and fragile with black hair. He often endures bullying and relies on the gang for support.

Themes and Elements

Conflict: Ponyboy's struggles with using common sense often lead to trouble.
Literary Devices:
- Simile: "Stood there like a bump on a log" illustrates inactivity.
- Alliteration: "Walked around slowly, silently, smiling" emphasizes rhythm and mood.

Socioeconomic Divide

Greasers vs. Socs:
- Greasers: Represented by worn clothing, long greased hair, and old cars. Face societal judgment and hold a rugged bravado.
- Socs: Wear preppy, neat clothes and drive expensive cars, often viewed as arrogant and entitled.
Reputation Issues: Greasers face a negative reputation while Socs experience privilege, demonstrating the social divide in their interactions.

Relationships and Dynamics

Sibling Dynamics:
- Darry’s harshness reflects his desire for Ponyboy's success, showing the weight of family expectations.
- Soda is a source of support and companionship for Ponyboy.
Friendship and Loyalty: The Greasers maintain strong bonds, often engaging in delinquent activities as a form of defiance against the Socs' bullying.

Notable Quotes and Context

"Need a haircut greaser?": A Soc's taunt to Ponyboy during a violent encounter, showcasing the tension between the groups.
Cherry's remark about annoyance signifies her boldness and awareness of social situations in contrast to her counterpart.

Personal Growth Opportunities

Dally’s Consequences: His repeated law-breaking behavior leads to repercussions, emphasizing the theme of consequence in a turbulent life.
Contrasting Personalities: Cherry and Marcia serve as examples of how different personalities can coexist even among friends, showcasing diversity within social groups.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key concepts and literary devices from Chapters 1 and 2 of 'The Outsiders'. This quiz features flashcards that cover important elements such as similes and alliteration mentioned in the text, helping you strengthen your comprehension skills. Perfect for students studying this classic novel!