That Was Then, This Is Now by S. E. Hinton Comprehension Questions

To make some money.

He looked like a baby-faced kid who wouldn’t know one ball from another.

Because of the adjoining bar and being under age.

The bartender was a good friend of the protagonist, being the older brother of a girl he used to like. It benefited the protagonist as he had a good relationship with the bartender, who also kept order well.

The narrator, Mark, and M&M.

A physical altercation with the three guys to protect M&M.

The Shepard Gang, led by Curly Shepard.

He insists on letting them go and is grateful to the narrator and Mark for helping him.

He obtained money from pickpocketing and jokes about it being a donation for 'the Cause.'

Jumping a black guy.

M&M.

Resulting in tears, highlighting the impact of the experience on him and the group's perspective.

Curly Shepard.

He is a nonviolent type and is trailed by the three guys who are about to jump him.

It has an emotional impact on him, resulting in tears.

Intervening and getting into a physical altercation with the three guys to protect M&M.

The protagonist is reluctant to visit the kid across the hall because he doesn't know the guy and feels uncomfortable just walking in and offering to be a visitor based on what his mother told him.

The protagonist's mother is portrayed as caring and compassionate, always looking out for others and wanting to help those in need.

Initially reluctant, the protagonist's attitude shifts from reluctance to consideration as he contemplates his mother's request and begins to empathize with the injured boy's situation.

Charlie

Charlie is tough and warns them to pay up or face consequences

Mark persuades Charlie to give them Cokes on credit with the promise of paying the next day

The protagonist is worried about the consequences of not paying Charlie

M&M is a serious and peculiar kid who is always reading Newsweek, has a penchant for M&M candies, and is described as nice but strange with a wide-eyed, intent look, and an addiction to M&M candies and a metal peace symbol

In the drugstore

The setting is in a crummy street with several bars, a movie house, a drugstore, and a second-hand clothes store

Due to financial struggles

The protagonist's mother took Mark in after his parents died, and they have been best friends since childhood

The protagonist is described as a big guy with dark hair, and Mark is described as small and compact with golden eyes and hair, making them complete opposites in appearance

The boys are worried about paying the three dollars they owe and are determined to find a way to do so

The story is set during the beginning of the school year

M&M is a character in the Outsiders known for being absent-minded, having a large family, and expressing love for his family.

Cathy returned home because she ran out of money.

Mark suggests going to the bowling alley, and M&M expresses concern about stealing a car.

Mark is on probation for stealing cars and is a skilled car thief. The main character is worried about Mark being put in a boys' home due to his probation.

M&M mistakenly believes the main character was named after Lord Byron and suggests he write poetry.

The main character has a reputation as a lady-killer and is worried about obtaining three dollars by the next day.

Mark asks M&M for a loan, and M&M offers him fifty cents, which he earns from babysitting.

M&M expresses his love for his family and his willingness to take care of his siblings.

Mark and the main character are surprised by M&M's dedication to babysitting for little pay.

M&M plans to have a large family in the future, despite his current responsibilities.

M&M's conversation reveals his love for his family, his willingness to take care of his siblings, and his financial struggles.

The main character is worried about obtaining three dollars by the next day.

M&M

peace medal

after a costly operation

provides money, possibly through stealing

hippie named Randy

communal living situation with his friends

food

hustling and stealing

narrator growing taller and putting on weight, Mark remaining slender but surprisingly strong

others

challenging circumstances and the dynamics of their friendship and living situation

The narrator's mother wants him to visit a boy in the hospital who has been badly hurt and doesn't talk much to the nurses because he doesn't have any visitors.

The narrator initially refuses because he doesn't know the boy and doesn't feel comfortable just walking in and introducing himself as his mother suggested.

Mark offers to go see the boy and suggests that the narrator come with him, stating that they might end up in the hospital someday without anyone to visit them. The narrator reacts by giving Mark a dirty look and expressing his unwillingness to go.

The narrator goes to the snack bar in the basement instead of visiting the injured boy, expressing his lack of interest in doing so and his hunger for a hamburger.

The protagonist hadn't looked forward to a date in a long time and found that their dates either ended in a make-out session or a fight, both of which got boring.

The protagonist finds Mark's understanding of him irritating at times but mostly funny, as Mark knows him pretty well.

The protagonist is bothered about what to wear for the casual dance, feeling that almost anything would be all right, but he's still bugged about it.

Job at a bar

Charlie

His car

Mark

Lack of dating since breaking up with Angela Shepard

A boy named Curtis

assault with a dangerous weapon

being mistreated by white people

her home in a predominantly black neighborhood

killing the accuser

his friend Bryon and Mark

Mike's lack of resentment

Bryon

Mike's lack of resentment and the story's impact

Abusive encounter with cops at age 13

Long dark hair and beautiful gray eyes

Desire to talk to her again

Injured boy, waiting for his brother Mark

At a loss for words

Her name

Her transformation since they last met

Love for food and physique

Long dark hair and beautiful gray eyes

Desire to talk to her again

Disinterest in football and defiance possibly stemming from a traumatic experience with abusive cops at age 13

At a loss for words

Bryon meets Mike Chambers at a drugstore, and Mike shares his story about defending a black girl from his gang's harassment. Mike offers to drive the girl home, and despite initial suspicion, she accepts due to the unsafe area. This encounter serves as a rare and meaningful connection for Mike, who hasn't spoken to many people lately.

Mike's soft spot for girls, his defense of the black girl from his gang's harassment, and his willingness to drive her home despite the initial suspicion reflect his genuine concern for the girl's safety and his frustration with societal injustices.

The story highlights these complexities through Mike's defense of a black girl, the girl's initial suspicion of Mike's intentions, and the unsafe area's lack of police presence, reflecting the challenges and expectations related to race, gender, and societal safety.

Bryon demonstrates empathy and compassion by being empathetic towards Mike, enjoying listening to people's stories, and being willing to understand Mike's perspective.

Mike's older brother's reputation as a tough guy deters his gang from attacking him, creating a deterrent factor due to his tough reputation.

The encounter at the drugstore serves as a rare and meaningful connection for Mike, who hasn't spoken to many people lately, reflecting his lack of social interactions.

Bryon and Mark's physical differences lead to them being mistaken for brothers due to the unexpected similarities in their appearances that create the mistaken identity.

Mike shares that he was beaten up and looks rough, and Bryon responds by being empathetic towards Mike and enjoying listening to people's stories.

Mike's willingness to defend the black girl reflects his character's values of standing up against injustice and protecting others, despite potential risks and suspicions.

Mike's offer to drive the girl home reflects his genuine concern for her safety, and she initially suspects his intentions due to the unsafe area and lack of police presence.

The encounter at the drugstore reflects the theme of empathy and understanding through Bryon's willingness to listen and understand Mike's perspective, demonstrating empathy and compassion.

Mike's story at the drugstore reflects his frustration with societal injustices through his genuine concern for the girl's safety, his defense of the black girl from his gang's harassment, and his overall frustration with societal injustices.

Mark reveals that he considers the protagonist as the only family he has, expressing that he feels like the protagonist is his brother. The protagonist is touched by this sentiment and reflects on Mark's lack of a real family.

The protagonist recalls a conversation from their childhood where Mark mentioned that his real father was a cowboy who was there for the rodeo, indicating that Mark's family situation was unconventional and possibly unstable.

The protagonist and Mark engage in a conversation about their fears and feelings, displaying a deep level of trust and understanding between them. This reveals that they have a close and supportive relationship, akin to that of real brothers.

The protagonist shows empathy and reassurance towards Mark, demonstrating his caring and protective nature. This reveals that their bond is based on mutual support and understanding, further strengthening their brotherly relationship.

Mark is on probation for car stealing and has been driving the principal's car to see his probation officer. When his actions are discovered, he faces consequences, but the principal finds it amusing.

The narrator's mother has a nonchalant attitude towards Mark's head injury from a fight and their fights in general.

The narrator reflects on the differences between Cathy and Angela, comparing their honesty and lack of dating experience.

The narrator is cautious around his friend Charlie, who is in a bad mood due to receiving a draft notice.

The narrator reflects on his relationships with Angela and Cathy.

The protagonist's younger brother, M&M, is described as very trusting and unsuspicious.

Mark visits his friend Mike, who has been beaten up by his father, and tries to cheer him up.

The protagonist is interested in a girl named Cathy, who is described as honest and lacking dating experience.

Mark has a nonchalant attitude and lacks remorse about his actions.

The narrator compares Cathy and Angela, whom he was once involved with.

Mark dismisses his head injury from a fight when questioned.

The narrator compares Cathy and Angela, whom he was once involved with.

The narrator takes care of Mark and tries to keep him entertained during his recovery.

The brothers talk about playing cowboy, engaging in fights, evading capture, and engaging in mischief.

Mark's poor reading skills and lack of interest in reading are highlighted.

The brothers reflect on the changing dynamics of their friendship and their individual growth, including the shift from relying on a group to finding individual identity.

The conversation highlights the brothers' shared thoughts and understanding of each other.

Mark's illegitimacy is revealed through a conversation with the old lady.

Mark downplays his pain and the doctor's advice for recovery is unhelpful.

Mark was the central figure in their social circle, and the narrator always accompanied him.

The narrator acknowledges missing the camaraderie of their former group, and they discuss the shift from relying on a group to finding individual identity.

The narrator takes care of Mark and tries to keep him entertained during his recovery.

The brothers talk about their childhood and shared experiences, including playing cowboy, engaging in fights, evading capture, and engaging in mischief.

Mark downplays his pain and the doctor's advice for recovery is unhelpful, while the narrator takes care of Mark and tries to keep him entertained during his recovery.

Ponyboy plans to pick Cathy up at 7 and figures out the logistics later

M&M lends Ponyboy $5 earned from raking lawns

Charlie reveals he has a police record for cutting someone's throat at 12

$25.50

Ponyboy buys gas and warns Mark about sneaking beer

Ponyboy plans to go hustling with Mark for money

Charlie's car

Mark sitting on a booth table and drinking a beer

Ponyboy's pool skills

Ponyboy wants Cathy to be crazy about him

Ponyboy describes the differences between Cathy and M&M

Charlie's car

Bryon realizes that his smart classmates, who were previously friendly, may have been inviting him to parties for the wrong reasons.

Mark gets caught driving the principal's car, creating a new problem for him and his friends.

Terry Jones informs Bryon about Mark's situation, and Bryon is shocked by the news.

The revelation of Mark's actions adds a new layer of complexity to their lives and friendship.

Mark and the narrator, Bryon, reflect on a recent fight and the changes in their lives.

The school is divided between the wealthier Socs and the poorer greasers, although it's becoming harder to distinguish between the two groups.

He begins to see through people and their motivations, feeling alienated from his peers.

Mark returns to school but doesn't enjoy it as much as Bryon does.

Mark misses school due to still feeling unwell, while the fight has made him somewhat of a hero.

He begins to see through people and their motivations, feeling alienated from his peers.

The school is divided between the wealthier Socs and the poorer greasers, although it's becoming harder to distinguish between the two groups.

The encounter at the drugstore reflects the theme of empathy and understanding as the characters navigate their social interactions and relationships.

Charlie's death in a fight

An old, once prestigious part of town

His girlfriend Cathy

Stop overthinking things and accept life as it comes

Hungover

Mark

To meet his girlfriend Cathy; he also wants to look for their friend M&M

Friendship and reflection

To accept life as it comes and stop overthinking things

To meet his girlfriend Cathy and look for their friend M&M

Joins the narrator

An old, once prestigious part of town

The protagonist outwardly changes his attitude while working at the supermarket, but internally struggles with smart-aleck thoughts and a sense of detachment.

The observation signifies the growing emotional distance between the protagonist and Mark, symbolized by the inability to reach each other across a deep pit, reflecting their increasing detachment.

The protagonist's job at the supermarket signifies a shift in his circumstances and a growing sense of responsibility. It shows his willingness to work and earn money, reflecting his evolving maturity and development.

The experience of searching for M&M changes the protagonist's perception of fun and affects his relationship with Mark. It reflects the theme of lost innocence and growing up as they are no longer able to enjoy the search and are burdened by the responsibility of finding M&M.

Bryon reflects on the consequences of cutting Angela's hair, expressing regret and concern for her reaction. He feels emotional and cries after leaving Angela's house, and Mark comforts him on the porch.

Bryon expresses deep thoughts about the unfairness of life and shares his worries about a hospitalized friend, Mike. He also drunkenly expresses his desire to marry Cathy and worries about M&M's safety.

Mark, despite his troubled past, is seen as a strong and comforting figure in Bryon's life. He assures Bryon about M&M's well-being, shares his troubled family history, and remains a stabilizing force and caregiver for Bryon throughout the conversation.

Bryon reveals that he overheard Mark's parents' fatal altercation, and Mark explains that he came to live with Bryon's family to escape his own troubled home life.

Bryon acknowledges Mark as his best friend and confidant, expressing deep appreciation for his presence in his life. Mark retrieves cigarettes for Bryon, showcasing their deep understanding and companionship.

Bryon's concern for M&M's well-being is evident, and Mark assures him that M&M is okay and knows his whereabouts.

Bryon is drunkenly expressing his desire to marry Cathy and worries about M&M's safety. Mark tries to calm him during this emotional moment.

Mark retrieves cigarettes for Bryon, showcasing their deep understanding and companionship. Despite the heavy emotional content, Mark remains a stabilizing force and caregiver for Bryon throughout the conversation.

Bryon reflects on his concerns for M&M's well-being, and Mark assures him that M&M is okay and knows his whereabouts.

Mark shares his troubled family history with Bryon, explaining that he came to live with Bryon's family to escape his own troubled home life. Despite this, Mark is seen as a strong and comforting figure in Bryon's life.

Bryon expresses deep appreciation for Mark, acknowledging him as his best friend and confidant. He also shares a moment of camaraderie with Mark, expressing gratitude for his presence in his life.

Mark's troubled family history and his decision to live with Bryon's family to escape his own troubled home life contribute to the dynamic between the two characters. Despite this, Mark remains a stabilizing force and caregiver for Bryon throughout the conversation.

Mark and the narrator visit the hippie house to find a person named M&M. Inside, they encounter a group of hippie kids and have a conversation about freedom and drug use.

The narrator's relationship with Cathy becomes serious, and the narrator asks Cathy to go steady with him.

The narrator reflects on the changes in their lives since the previous fall, and the story is set during a period of change and transition in the characters' lives.

The narrator's internal conflict and changing attitudes are evident throughout the text, particularly in their interactions with the hippies and their reflections on their relationships.

The hippies' carefree and drug-friendly lifestyle represents a contrast to the narrator and Mark's history of violence against hippies, leading to introspection and conversation about freedom and drug use.

The conversation between Mark and the narrator about freedom and drug use reflects their changing attitudes and the internal conflict evident throughout the text, adding depth to the narrative.

The story is set during a period of change and transition, reflecting the societal shifts and the characters' evolving attitudes and conflicts.

The narrator's relationship with Cathy contributes to their evolving perspective on freedom and drug use, showcasing their character development and changing attitudes.

The encounters with the hippie house and the group of hippie kids reflect themes of rebellion, societal change, and individual freedom, adding depth to the overall narrative.

The hippie house being filled with posters and inhabited by hippie individuals symbolizes a counterculture movement and the characters' exposure to alternative lifestyles, enriching the story's thematic exploration.

The narrator's history of violence against hippies intersects with their evolving attitudes, showcasing their character development and the internal conflict evident throughout the text.

The narrator's reflections on the changes in their lives since the previous fall provide insight into their personal growth and the overarching themes of transformation and self-discovery in the narrative.

The characters' complex relationships and moral ambiguity are showcased in the text, such as Mark justifying cutting off Angela's hair by blaming her for setting him up and getting him in trouble. Bryon also feels a resurgence of hatred towards Angela as he watches Mark cut off her hair, demonstrating conflicting emotions and actions in a tense situation.

The narrative reveals the characters' troubled lives through Angela's revealed marital problems and family issues, as well as the characters' reactions to their circumstances, such as Mark's actions and justifications for cutting off Angela's hair.

The incident involving Angela, Bryon, and Mark showcases the characters' complex relationships and moral ambiguity, as it demonstrates the conflicting emotions and actions of the characters in a tense situation. It also highlights the troubled lives of the characters and their reactions to their circumstances.

The characters' reactions and motivations in the troubled night out reflect their inner struggles and conflicts, such as Angela's despair and vulnerability, Mark's justifications for his actions, and Bryon's resurgence of hatred towards Angela. These reactions and motivations showcase the characters' complex relationships and moral ambiguity.

The incident involving Angela, Bryon, and Mark reveals conflicting emotions and actions in a tense situation, as seen through Mark justifying his actions, Bryon's feelings of hatred towards Angela, and Angela's despair and vulnerability. These conflicting emotions and actions showcase the characters' complex relationships and moral ambiguity.

The text portrays the characters' troubled lives through Angela's revealed marital problems and family issues, as well as their reactions to their circumstances, such as Mark's actions and justifications for cutting off Angela's hair.

The text showcases the characters' complex relationships and moral ambiguity through the incident involving Angela, Bryon, and Mark by demonstrating the conflicting emotions and actions of the characters in a tense situation, as well as highlighting the troubled lives of the characters and their reactions to their circumstances.

The characters' inner struggles and conflicts in the troubled night out, such as Angela's despair, Mark's justifications for his actions, and Bryon's feelings of hatred, shape their actions and decisions, showcasing their complex relationships and moral ambiguity.

The troubled night out reflects the characters' moral ambiguity and conflicting emotions in a tense situation through Mark's justifications for his actions, Bryon's feelings of hatred, and Angela's despair and vulnerability, showcasing the complex relationships and inner conflicts of the characters.

The characters' reactions and motivations in the troubled night out reveal their internal struggles and moral ambiguity through Mark justifying his actions, Bryon's resurgence of hatred, and Angela's despair and vulnerability, showcasing their complex relationships and conflicting emotions.

The troubled night out portrays the characters' complex relationships and moral ambiguity through their conflicting emotions and actions, such as Mark justifying his actions, Bryon's feelings of hatred, and Angela's despair and vulnerability, showcasing the inner struggles and conflicts of the characters.

The characters' inner turmoil and moral ambiguity as revealed in the troubled night out, such as Mark's justifications for his actions, Bryon's feelings of hatred, and Angela's despair, reflect their complex relationships and the conflicting emotions and actions in a tense situation.

The narrator's perception of M&M shifts from seeing him as Cathy's little brother to feeling a strong sense of protectiveness and connection towards him. This reflects the narrator's emotional journey of empathy and understanding as he witnesses M&M's trauma and its potential long-term effects.

The doctor's assessment of M&M's condition adds to the theme of uncertainty and despair by highlighting the unpredictability of the effects of LSD and the potential long-term impact on M&M's mental state. This contributes to the overall sense of hopelessness and fear surrounding M&M's situation.

Cathy responds to the doctor's prognosis with bravery, showing no signs of crying or hysteria. However, her actions, such as ripping the hem out of her shirt in a tense and tight manner, reveal the depth of her emotional turmoil and fear. This portrayal showcases her inner strength in coping with the challenging circumstances.

The narrator's decision to tune out the doctor's words and his feeling of being 'hacked off' at the doctor demonstrate his defiance and emotional turmoil. It reveals his unwillingness to accept the bleak prognosis for M&M and his frustration with the situation. This reflects the narrator's rebellious nature and his deep emotional investment in M&M's well-being.

Bryon discovers that his friend Mark has been selling drugs without his knowledge

Bryon decides to call the cops on Mark and they arrive at the scene

Bryon feels sick and conflicted about his decision the next morning

Bryon's mother reassures him and tries to console him

Bryon realizes the impact of his actions on Mark and his mother

Bryon feels detached from his actions, as if he is watching someone else hurt Cathy

Bryon struggles with guilt and self-hatred throughout the day

Cathy visits Bryon and expresses sympathy, but he responds coldly

Bryon is consumed by guilt and regret for his betrayal of Mark

Bryon's emotional turmoil and sense of betrayal are evident in his interactions with others

Bryon's emotional detachment is a coping mechanism that allows him to avoid confronting his feelings of loss and change. It prevents him from fully processing the emotional impact of Mark's situation, Cathy's new relationship, and his own personal growth.

Bryon's encounter with M&M shows how he has matured and changed emotionally. He no longer feels the same attachment to Cathy, indicating a shift in his priorities and emotional connections. Additionally, his concern for M&M's well-being reflects his growing empathy and understanding of the effects of drug use.

Angela's confrontation with Bryon highlights the impact of his actions on others. It forces Bryon to confront his own behavior and its consequences, reflecting his need for self-reflection and accountability.

Bryon's perception of Angela's bitterness and wasted beauty shows his capacity for empathy and understanding. It reveals his ability to see beyond surface appearances and recognize the struggles and pain of others.

The text depicts Bryon's emotional growth as he navigates the challenges and losses in his life. His interactions with others, such as Cathy and M&M, showcase his evolving emotional maturity and changing perspectives, marking a significant loss of innocence.

Bryon's mother's confrontation reveals his pattern of self-destructive behavior and the internal battles he faces. It underscores his need for self-reflection and the resolution of his internal conflicts.

Bryon's reflections provide insights into his evolving character and the impact of his interactions with others. They demonstrate his capacity for self-awareness and personal growth, highlighting the transformative nature of his experiences.

The text portrays Bryon's journey through loss of innocence and emotional growth as he confronts the challenges and changes in his life. His shifting priorities, emotional detachment, and evolving relationships reflect the profound impact of his experiences on his character.

Bryon's indifference towards Cathy signifies a significant emotional shift in his character. It marks the end of an emotional attachment and reflects his evolving priorities and personal growth.

Bryon's summer activities reflect his emotional journey as he grapples with the challenges of maintaining his friendships and facing the consequences of his actions. The difficulties he encounters contribute to his emotional growth and self-awareness.

The text illustrates Bryon's internal struggle as he grapples with the changes and losses in his life. His emotional detachment, introspection, and evolving relationships demonstrate the complexity of his emotional journey and the impact of his experiences on his character.

The text portrays Bryon's emotional detachment as a coping mechanism and a catalyst for his personal development. It allows him to navigate the emotional challenges he faces and undergo significant growth and self-discovery.

drugs

calls the police on Mark

friendship, betrayal, consequences of drug involvement

tense exchange between the two friends

Cathy

Cathy

Bryon's support

to make money due to his police record

emotional toll on the characters

the complexity of life

the impact of drug abuse

Mark

The Outsiders

Writer's block

Her boyfriend, now her husband

The pressure of an audience

Years

Two pages a day

Writing

Invited to New York for publicity, interviewed on radio and TV, and had a review in the New York Times

The pressure of an audience

Being in the first year of college

She had always written for herself

To start writing again, even if not for publication

The gang provides Johnny with love and affection, something he would not have known otherwise due to his troubled family life.

Smoking is used as a way to lessen tension and calm down, as seen when the characters sit down to smoke and relax after a stressful event.

The characters discuss bruises and cuts as symbols of toughness, reflecting a certain perception of strength and resilience.

The gang members show support and camaraderie through their interactions, providing emotional support and a sense of belonging to each other.

The Outsiders

Francis Ford Coppola

The first annual Margaret A. Edwards Award

Oklahoma

Sudden fame from the success of The Outsiders; Her boyfriend suggesting she write two pages a day

The Outsiders

Rumble Fish or Tex

The clashes between the Greasers and the Socs

During Hinton's freshman year at the University of Tulsa; It became an immediate sensation

The Voice of the Youth

Tom Cruise, Matt Dillon, and Rob Lowe

Writing, riding horses, and taking courses at the university

Darry

Sodapop

He feels judged by the Socs and recalls an incident in class

The strained relationships and personal struggles of the characters are highlighted

The story provides insight into the dynamics of the greaser community and the challenges they face

The text reveals the impact of societal divisions on individual experiences

Ponyboy

Ponyboy observes Darry's physical strain from his roofing job

The Nightly Double and Dally's relationship issues

He reflects on the behavior of his friends and family

He feels judged by the Socs and recalls an incident in class