Outsiders Test - Questions and Answers Flashcards
Why is Ponyboy’s comparison of Johnny to a puppy a good analogy?
Like a puppy, Johhny is gentle, weak and hungry for affection. Ponyboy compares Jonny’s mistreatment at home to the mistreatment of a defenseless animal. Also, Johnny is regarded as the special pet of the gang.
Ponyboy and Dallas are shocked when Johnny orders Dallas to leave Cherry alone. What motivates Johnny to give the order?
Johnny never crosses anyone, much less someone of Dallas’ reputation, and Johnny worships Dallas. However, Johnny realizes that Cherry needs his help. Feeling needed is very important to Johnny. He admires Cherry’s spirit and nerve and doesn’t want to see her hurt.
Dallas is very hardhearted, but he has a special affection for Johnny. In spite of his own anger, Dallas could never strike Johnny or ignore his request.
Evaluate why Cherry and Ponyboy communicate rather openly despite the gap in their social positions.
Cherry does not hide behind the mask of coolness most Socs do. She is sincerely interested in knowing Ponyboy and Johnny and does not condescend to them. She respects Ponyboy and Johnny for not joining Dallas in his harassment.
Like Ponyboy, she is sensitive to others. Before Ponyboy’s explanation, she senses that Johnny suffers from some special fear. She is shaken by the story of Johnny’s beating by the Socs. She genuinely sympathizes with Sodapop’s loss of Mickey Mouse. She is honest about how the Socs have problems, too. Cherry’s and Ponyboy’s worlds are very different, but they both appreciate the same sunset.
