65 pages • 2 hours read
The Outsiders
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Book Club Questions
General Impressions
Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussions of graphic violence, substance use, death, bullying, emotional abuse, and mental illness.
Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.
1. How did the opening scene’s depiction of Ponyboy being jumped by the Socs set the tone for the rest of the novel? What expectations did it create, and how were those fulfilled or subverted?
2. The Outsiders remains controversial due to its themes of violence and substance use, yet is still considered to be one of the "100 Novels that Shaped Our World." How do you think this novel’s treatment of social divisions and violence compares to modern young-adult titles such as The Hate U Give?
3. How did you react to the fact that Hinton wrote this novel while still in high school? How might the author's age have influenced the authenticity of the teenage characters' voices and experiences?
Personal Reflection and Connection
Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.
1. Consider the various ways in which the characters cope with trauma and loss. How do you relate to their different coping mechanisms? What healthy and unhealthy patterns do you recognize?
2. Think about a time when you felt unfairly judged based on your appearance or background. How does this experience help you to understand the conflicts between the Socs and the greasers?
3. Cherry suggests that "things are rough all over." When have you discovered that someone you initially envied or resented was dealing with their own significant struggles?
4. The novel explores the tension between group loyalty and individual identity. How do you navigate similar pressures in your own life?
5. Ponyboy and Johnny find comfort in literature and poetry during difficult times. What books or artistic works have helped you to process challenging experiences?
Societal and Cultural Context
Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.
1. How do the social divisions depicted in The Outsiders mirror current socioeconomic divisions in your own community? What has changed since the 1960s, and what remains the same?
2. The novel explores the idea that violence perpetuates itself in cycles. What modern examples do you see of this pattern, and what solutions might help to break these cycles?
3. How does the novel's portrayal of masculinity and emotional expression reflect or challenge current societal expectations for young men?
Literary Analysis
Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.
1. How does Hinton use specific titles (Great Expectations, Gone with the Wind, "Nothing Gold Can Stay") to develop the novel’s key themes and characters? What does each work contribute to the story?
2. How does Ponyboy's role as narrator affect the novel’s overall portrayal of events and characters? What biases might influence his perspective?
3. Compare and contrast Darry and Dally's different forms of toughness. What do their characters reveal about survival and adaptation to difficult circumstances?
4. Examine the symbolism of physical appearances in the novel, particularly the different varieties of hair and clothing. How do these elements reflect larger themes about identity and belonging?
5. The structure of the novel is framed as Ponyboy's English essay. How does this stylistic choice impact your interpretation of the story? What does this framing device suggest about the power of storytelling?
Creative Engagement
Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.
1. If you were to rewrite the story from Cherry's perspective, how might her internal conflicts and motivations differ from those that Ponyboy perceives?
2. Design a modern adaptation of The Outsiders and set it in your community. What social factions would replace the greasers and Socs? How would the presence of social media impact the story's conflicts?
3. Create a playlist for one of the main characters, choosing songs that reflect their emotional journey throughout the novel. What songs would you choose, and why?
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By S. E. Hinton
