outsiders unit PETERS

outsiders unit PETERS 10.14.25

Tuff

Cool

Heater

Greaser slang for a weapon.

Contemptuously

To look at someone as if they are worthless.

Ornery

Cranky and stubborn

Rumble

The Greasers' term for a pre-arranged large-scale confrontation.

Apprehensive

Anxious or fearful about the future

Premonition

A sense of forewarning.

Gallant

Brave and heroic

Elude

Escape from or avoid, typically in a skillful way

Dallas (Dally)

Tough, cold, mean (though he has a soft spot for Johnny).

Sodapop

Attractive, like a Greek god (Also friendly and a high-school dropout).

Darry

Serious, determined (As the oldest brother and guardian, he is responsible and demanding).

Johnny

Frightened, abused (The gang's "pet" due to his traumatic home life and sensitive nature).

Two-Bit

A wise-cracker (The oldest, always making jokes, and known for his switchblade).

Ponyboy's Difference

Ponyboy is different from the gang because he doesn't like to fight (though he is forced to) and is more intellectual and sensitive.

Ponyboy's Soc Connection

Ponyboy connects with Cherry at the drive-in movies.

Setting

The story takes place in a suburban area with two sides of town (implied to be Tulsa, Oklahoma).

Johnny's Idol

Johnny idolizes Dally because he sees him as gallant and heroic, a survival expert.

Darry's Eyes

Darry's icy blue eyes suggest he is cold, mean and logical, reflecting his strict, controlled personality (though his breakdown at the hospital shows his deep emotion).

Darry's Motivation Towards Pony

Darry acts tough and demanding toward Ponyboy because He wants to ensure Ponyboy studies hard and avoids trouble so they aren't separated by the state.

Catalyst for Running Away

The immediate event that causes Ponyboy and Johnny to run away is Darry hitting Ponyboy after he comes home late, followed immediately by Johnny killing Bob.

Ponyboy's Self-Lies

When Ponyboy says, "I lie to myself all the time. But I never believe me," he means he often tries to deny his true feelings, such as his deep love and need for Darry and Sodapop.

Johnny's Background

Johnny's shy and nervous personality is shaped by his verbally abusive mother, his drunk, physically abusive father, and being jumped by the Socs.

Ponyboy's Concussion

Ponyboy gets a concussion when A Soc kicked him in the head during the rumble.

Dally's Death

Ponyboy believes Dally wanted to die because Johnny was his closest friend, and when he died Dally had no one left. His final action was to rob a liquor store and be killed by the police, hoping to escape his grief.

Randy Adderson's Talk. (w/pony)

Randy speaks to Ponyboy to explain that he is tired of the fighting and realizes the uselessness of the Greaser/Soc rivalry.

Greasers' Symbols

Long, greasy hair and Switchblades

Socs' Symbols

Madras shirts, Mustangs, and Rings.

Thematic Focus

One of the major themes is to get to know someone before you judge them.

Cherry's Explanation for the Soc/Greaser Differences

The true difference between the Greasers and Socs, according to Cherry, is that Socs are emotionally detached and sophisticated, while Greasers are more emotional and 'close to the surface.’.

Sunsets as a Literary Device

The recurring mention of sunsets is primarily Symbolism, representing the idea that everyone, regardless of their social group, shares a common humanity.

"Things are rough all over"

This statement from Cherry means that everyone has problems, and suffering is part of the human condition, regardless of social status.

Loss of Innocence

Johnny Cade most profoundly represents the theme of the "Loss of Innocence" because he starts timid and sensitive but ends up a killer and a hero.

Symbolism of Ponyboy’s cutting and bleaching his hair

This act primarily represents a temporary surrender of his Greaser identity and pride (as his hair is their main symbol).

'Stay Gold'

Johnny associates the phrase 'Stay gold' with the fleeting nature of youthful innocence and purity.

Novel's Conclusion

Ponyboy's English paper turns the reader into the 'other side' (the Socs/society) who must learn to understand the Greasers' reality through Ponyboy's story.