"The Outsiders" Essay Questions
- S.E. Hinton never uses the word "outsider" in her novel, yet it's the title of the book. Maybe she wants us to ponder whom the outsiders are. Write an essay in which you explain whom she may have meant by The Outsiders. Be sure to define what you mean by an outsider, and then explain whom you think Ms. Hinton meant.
- Write an essay explaining why you believe each of the Greasers - Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally - could be considered a hero. Include your own definition of hero in the essay, and be sure to explain how each character, in his own way, meets your definition.
- Write an essay explaining which of the two gangs were more of a disgrace and menace to society than the other. Look at how society viewed and treated the two groups. Examine the characteristics of each group, its actions, and the choices they made.
- “Sixteen years on the streets and you can learn a lot. But all the wrong things, not the things you want to learn” (p. 122). Discuss this quote from the novel and how it applies to each of the boy’s lives. What things did they learn? What things might they have liked to learn?
- Explain how symbols are used in the novel. Specifically: what does the sunset symbolize? The vacant lot? What about the different books and poems Ponyboy reads?
- Discuss the theme of abandonment in the novel. What actions by the characters, or events, in the story exhibit this theme? What symbols (the vacant lot, the church, etc.) point to a theme of abandonment? What is the significance of the novel's title to this theme?
- Describe Johnny's growth throughout the story. What events contributed to this maturity and changes the way he looks at life?
"The Hill" Essay Questions
- Explain how the stereotypes that Jared believes about First Nations peoples affects how he treats Kyle throughout the story. Why would Jared believe these stereotypes?
- Throughout the story, Kyle accuses Jared of being prejudiced and discriminatory. Explain what prejudice and discrimination mean, and explain whether or not Jared is being prejudiced or discriminatory, or both.
- Discuss how Jared's relationship with his clothing teaches us about his development as a character.
- Write an essay explaining why you believe each of the characters - Kyle, and Jared - could be considered a hero. Include your own definition of hero in the essay, and be sure to explain how each character, in his own way, meets your definition.
- Explain how symbols are used in the novel. You might discuss the cell phone, clothing, animals, etc. How do the symbol(s) enhance the story?
- The story contains many references to Cree beliefs and culture. Discuss how Karen Bass uses these references in the story to educate the reader about the Cree, and discuss how these references attempt to address stereotypes towards First Nations peoples.
- Choose one of the stereotypes that is brought up in the story. Discuss if these stereotypes are still prevalent in today's society and discuss how you think people's perspectives can be changed to better reflect the reality of the situation and eliminate racist perceptions.
- Choose one of the many themes in the story, and discuss how this theme stays relevant throughout the story, and drives the plot forward.
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