The Outsiders Chapters 7-9 Quiz

Questions and Answers

Describe what Soda is doing while the police are trying to interview Pony.

Soda entertains everyone by taking a reporter's hat and camera to make fun of the reporters.

What is the extent of Johnny's injuries? How are the boys able to get the doctor to tell them of Johnny's prognosis?

Johnny's back is broken, has severe burns, and is paralyzed from the waist down. They convince the doctor that they were the closest thing to family Johnny had.

What does Pony mean by 'If? Please, no, I thought. Please not 'if'.'

Pony means that they think Johnny will probably die while Pony wants Johnny to live.

Explain the reference to chocolate cake.

Usually people don't have chocolate cake for breakfast but the Curtis boys do. Signup and view all the answers

Why do the Curtis boys always leave their door unlocked?

In case anyone from the gang is having trouble at home they can always access the Curtis house. Signup and view all the answers

Randy says 'You get a little money and the world hates you.' Pony replies 'No, you hate the whole world.' Which of these statements, in your opinion, is true? Explain your answer.

In my opinion, both are true. Socs have the money and dislike the people that don't have the money. The people who don't have the money are jealous of the people who do. Signup and view all the answers

What does the newspaper say about the 'heroes'? What does Two-Bit have to say about the wording the reporter chose?

The newspaper says 'child delinquents become heroes.' Two-Bit and the gang don't accept the title of a delinquent. Signup and view all the answers

Recount the story of Pony's recurring dream.

Pony's recurring dream is very upsetting. He always wakes up screaming, and the dreams started when their parents died. Signup and view all the answers

What has happened to Soda's girlfriend, Sandy? Why?

Soda's girlfriend moved to Florida because she got pregnant. Signup and view all the answers

To what is Pony referring when he says 'it's time for those guys from the state to come by and check up on us.'

Pony is referring to the child welfare to see that everything is decent in the Curtis house. Signup and view all the answers

Briefly describe the conversation between Randy and Pony.

The conversation is about Johnny being okay. Also, Randy breaks down stereotypes for Ponyboy. He also tells Pony that he is running away and not participating in the rumble. Signup and view all the answers

From their discussion, what did you learn about the privileged class to which the Socs belong? How do you think some people come to feel entitlement?

You learn that Socs have problems like everyone else. They have money, and no boundaries. They want some sort of boundary. Signup and view all the answers

What do you think the doctor means when he says to the nurse, 'Let them go in. He's been asking for them. It can't hurt now.'?

Johnny is almost dead. It can't hurt to let the boys see him when it might be the last time they get to see him. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Johnny really want to live, even though he has thought of suicide in the past, and he will never be able to walk again?

He's too young, he hasn't seen everything he wanted to see. Signup and view all the answers

When the nurse announces to Johnny that his mother is there to see him, how does he react? When Two-Bit and Ponyboy see Johnny's mother, what happens? How do they react?

Johnny rejects his mother. His mother blames his friends for her failure with Johnny. The gang ignores her. Signup and view all the answers

When Dally asks Two-Bit for his fancy black-handled switchblade, what do you think was his reason for asking? Why does Two-Bit hand it over without hesitation?

Dally is asking for it without directly saying 'give it to me'. He gives it to Dally without hesitation because they give each other what they ask for because that's what their gang does for each other. Signup and view all the answers

Pony has a sick feeling in his stomach about the rumble that night. Infer what you think he was worried about.

He's second guessing about the Socs following the rules and not bringing weapons. He's imagining every single possible thing that can go wrong at the rumble. Signup and view all the answers

Cherry tells Ponyboy about the kind of person Bob really was. How does she describe him?

She describes Bob like Sodapop; the same kindness and humor, except when he's drunk. Signup and view all the answers

Cherry says about Bob, 'He could be sweet sometimes and friendly. But when he got drunk... It was that part of him that beat up Johnny.' Explain the difference between reason and excuse. Do you believe that if someone is drinking, it is an excuse or a reason for inappropriate behavior?

I believe that it is a reason and an excuse. You shouldn't drink if you can't handle yourself. Signup and view all the answers

How do the boys show their excitement about the rumble when they are at the Curtis house getting ready to head out?

They get spruced up and tease each other/get each other excited. Signup and view all the answers

Pony thinks the only good reason to fight is...?

Self defense. Signup and view all the answers

Pony believes that he and Darry are both going to 'get somewhere.' What does he mean by that? Do you believe they have a choice in the matter?

They are going to do better for themselves economically. Yes, they have a choice, everyone does. Signup and view all the answers

Why, according to Ponyboy, do people usually think that any trouble is the fault of the greasers and not the Socs? In your opinion, is that a true assumption?

The stereotype of the Socs being well behaved and well dressed. Since the greasers aren't well dressed, they aren't well behaved. Signup and view all the answers

What are the rules for the rumble?

No weapons and first to run away loses. Signup and view all the answers

Who actually steps up to start the rumble? Who is his opponent and how does it happen that he is able to take the first swing? What is ironic about the two boys fighting against each other?

Darry steps up and starts with his ex-friend Paul. Paul is the first to swing. Signup and view all the answers

Which side wins the rumble? What determines the winner?

The Greasers win because the Socs run away. Signup and view all the answers

Where do the boys go as soon as the rumble ends? Convey what happens as they are on their way in Buck's car. How do they manage to get let off by the police?

The gang goes and visits Johnny. They get pulled over, but Dally lied and said Pony got hurt in a motorcycle incident so they got let off. Signup and view all the answers

What were Johnny's last words to Ponyboy? What do you think he meant?

Johnny's last words are 'stay gold.' By that he meant keep your innocence no matter what. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Character Actions and Relationships

Soda entertains during police interviews, showcasing his light-hearted personality by mocking reporters.
Johnny suffers severe injuries with a broken back, burns, and paralysis; the boys persuade the doctor to share his prognosis by positioning themselves as Johnny's family.
Pony's emotional turmoil reflects his fear of losing Johnny, indicated by his plea against the notion of "if".

The Curtis brothers eat chocolate cake for breakfast, highlighting their unconventional and carefree lifestyle.
The Curtis home remains unlocked to provide refuge for friends in trouble, showing their commitment to community and loyalty.
Randy reveals complexities of Socs, suggesting their issues stem from entitlement and societal pressure, while Pony empathizes with their struggles.

Perceptions and Stereotypes

The newspaper labels the boys as "child delinquents," which they reject, highlighting societal prejudice towards greasers.
Ponyboy’s recurring dreams since their parents' death symbolize his trauma and emotional state.
Cherry explains Bob's dual nature, presenting him as kind but dangerous when intoxicated, sparking a discussion about accountability for actions under the influence.

Emotional Conflict and Moral Views

Johnny's desire to live despite his dire prognosis and past suicidal thoughts emphasizes his youthful optimism and unfulfilled dreams.
The conversation between Randy and Pony leads to insights about friendship and choices, as Randy decides to avoid the upcoming rumble.
Darry initiates the rumble by confronting Paul, revealing personal stakes and former friendships amidst the gang rivalry.

Rumble Context and Outcomes

The rules of the rumble dictate no weapons, emphasizing the honor code among rival groups.
The Greasers win the rumble as the Socs flee, reinforcing their solidarity and resilience.
Post-rumble, the boys hastily visit Johnny, highlighting their priorities despite potential legal repercussions they navigate cleverly.

Final Encounters and Themes

Johnny’s last words, “stay gold,” serve as a poignant reminder to Ponyboy about maintaining innocence and purity amidst life's challenges.

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Description

Test your comprehension of chapters 7 to 9 of 'The Outsiders'. This quiz covers key events including Soda's antics during a police interview and Johnny's serious injuries. Dive deep into the characters' developments and critical moments in these chapters.