The Outsiders Study Guide
Saturday, October 18th, 2008
What does stay gold really mean?
Johnny’s final words to Pony were to “stay gold” (Hinton 148). In his poem, Frost describes “gold” as a newborn plant, which represents youth. While this plant blooms beautifully, it cannot last. Everything good must come to an end, just like the Garden of Eden in Frost’s poem. Johnny’s time came very early, just like the plant had only an hour. It’s impossible to stay gold, because just like plants, humans cannot live forever, and as Frost tells us, “Nothing gold can stay” (Hinton 77).
What your favorite character and why?
Ponyboy is my favorite character in The Outsiders. He earned my respect because despite his quietness, he was always polite throughout the book. I especially liked how Ponyboy promptly does what is asked of him. Because of these qualities, I could relate to Ponyboy very easily. When Johnny asked Ponyboy to bring him Gone with the Wind, Ponyboy brought it to him without thinking twice. If I were in Ponyboy’s place I would do the same as Ponyboy did, and bring Gone with the Wind to Jonny. Ponyboy is also an interesting character. Although he may not seem as cool and as tough as Dally, he is just as cool and tough in different ways. For instance, Ponyboy is strong at heart, and I thought he was cool because he was very kind to others. Overall, because Ponyboy is a unique character, and is unlike any other character in The Outsiders, he is my favorite character.
What is your favorite scene and why?
There are many well thought out scenes in The Outsiders. My favorite scene is the one where Ponyboy gets a haircut and dyes his hair blond. I find it very funny to imagine a dark brown long haired boy become a short haired blond. I also admire Ponyboy for his courage in making this physical alteration. I could not help but laugh out loud when I read that even Dally could not recognize Ponyboy. It is not too surprising though, because in Dally’s place, I would have made the same mistake!
What music piece would fit with theme of The Outsiders?
Beethoven Symphony No. 5 is a beautifully composed classical piece. This symphony depicts both the happy and sad moments in Ponyboy’s life. Every scene of The Outsiders coincides with every note in this musical masterpiece. Ponyboy experiences joyous moments such as reuniting with his brothers. On the other hand, his life is not always so happy, such as when Ponyboy watches Johnny die. Beethoven’s opening is very emotionally moving, because of the constant changes in tempo, melody, and key signature. In the same way the book alternates between happy and sad. In conclusion, Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5 would make a great theme song for The Outsiders.