Reading Questions for chs 2 & 3 of The Outsiders

Chapter 2

1. How does Ponyboy react when Dally uses bad language at the drive-in? What stereotype does Ponyboy break here?
2. What is Cherry surprised by at the drive-in?
3. What is the difference between a gang and a pack?
4. Describe Johnny's family life.
5. What stereotype does Cherry want to clear up?

Chapter 3

1. According to Cherry, what separates the Socs from the Greasers?
2. Why are Ponyboy and Cherry able to talk to each other so easily?
3. What does "aloof" mean?
4. What is the significance of "we saw the same sunset"?
5. How does the phrase "everything is relative" apply to this chapter?
6. Ponyboy lists different ways that the gang members cope with their lot in life - what are those ways?
7. Describe Ponyboy's daydream.
8. Why does Ponyboy run away from home?