The Outsiders Flashcards

Questions and Answers

When is the time period and setting of the book?

The book takes place in Tulsa, Oklahoma in the year 1965.

What is the problem that begins the story?

Ponyboy gets jumped by a group of Socs when walking home from the movie theatre.

One of the Greasers killed a Soc. Which Greaser was it and who did he kill?

Johnny killed Bob.

How are the Greasers different from the Socs according to Cherry?

The Socs are careful not to let their real selves show, while the Greasers feel too violently. Signup and view all the answers

What did Dally give Johnny and Ponyboy before they ran away?

$50, a gun, clothing (jacket and a shirt). Signup and view all the answers

Where did Johnny and Ponyboy hide after the murder?

In an abandoned church in Windrixville. Signup and view all the answers

What makes Ponyboy want to run away?

Darry gets mad at him for missing his curfew and slaps him by accident. Signup and view all the answers

How might the story have been different if Johnny and Ponyboy had teased the girls along with Dallas?

The Socs wouldn't have been mad at them and tried to kill them; Johnny might not have murdered Bob. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Setting and Context

The narrative is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma during the year 1965, reflecting the social tensions of the time.

Initial Conflict

Ponyboy Curtis is assaulted by a group of Socs after leaving the movie theater, establishing the harsh reality the Greasers face and their social standing.

Key Incident

Johnny Cade, a Greaser, fatally stabs Bob Sheldon, a Soc, which escalates the conflict between the two groups.

Socs vs. Greasers Perspective

Cherry Valance describes Socs as directionless, akin to “rats,” implying a lack of emotional depth. In contrast, Greasers experience emotions intensely, often manifesting as violence.

Assistance from Dally

Before fleeing the scene of the crime, Dally Winston provides Johnny and Ponyboy with essential supplies: $50, a gun, clothing, including a jacket and shirt.

Hiding Post-Crime

After the murder, Johnny and Ponyboy seek refuge in an abandoned church located in Windrixville, a choice made to avoid capture.

Motivations for Running Away

Ponyboy contemplates running away after feeling alienated by Darry's anger over his missed curfew, believing he is unwanted in his own family.

Hypothetical Scenario

If Johnny and Ponyboy had mocked the girls instead of being polite, it is theorized that the Socs would not have retaliated against them, potentially preventing Bob’s death.

Description

Test your knowledge of S.E. Hinton's classic novel, The Outsiders, with these flashcards. Explore the time period, setting, and key events that shape the lives of Ponyboy and his friends in 1965 Tulsa, Oklahoma.