Post-reading Assignment #2

Answer the following questions in your Humanities notebook, first. After your responses have been checked and edited, you will then re-write your responses on your handout, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, and hand it to your teacher.

1) How does the novel begin, and what problem does Ponyboy face right away?

2) Which character is telling us the story of "The Outsiders?"

3) Who do you think the main character in the story is? Describe him/her.

4) What's the major problem that Ponyboy faces? What other minor conflicts come up in the story?

5) How does Ponyboy first begin to solve his major conflict? How does Johnny help out Ponyboy along the way?

6) What is the turning point in the story?

7) How is the problem finally solved?

8) As the novel ends, why do we, as readers, have a feeling of hope and optimism?

9) What is the novel's most important theme, and why? Family, friendship, violence, youthfulness, innocence, etc. 

10) Would you recommend this book to others to read? Why or why not? Explain.