The Outsiders, Week 3

Welcome to Week 3 of the Online Book Club discussion of The Outsiders. 

Did you enjoy reading this section? Do you like the twists and turns that the story has taken, or do you wish that the story would go in a different direction? Are you still liking the same characters as you liked in the first section, or are you finding yourself gravitating towards different characters now that you know everyone a little bit better? 

I thought that Johnny and Ponyboy were going to hide out longer than they did. I was sorry that they changed their appearances since they didn't end up needing to hide from the law for very long. They were both so sad about their hair! Did you think it was funny that they were reading Gone With the Wind? I thought that was a surprising choice for two high school boys. I was so grossed out by how many cigarettes they were smoking. I couldn't believe how many Ponyboy went through! I guess that really shows that this book was in a different time period. 

When Dallas comes to see the boys, he reveals that Cherry is working as a spy. She tells that the Socs are looking for war and are ready to have a rumble. Do you think that influenced Johnny's decision to want to turn himself in? Do you think if Johnny hadn't gotten injured, that he would have had a good chance of not going to jail for the murder? It did seem like it was self-defense. What did you think of the fire scene? Do you think the boys really set the fire inadvertantly? Again, we don't get a clear view of the accident because Ponyboy passes out at the scene and doesn't learn the full extent of Johnny or Dallas's injuries until later. I don't think that Johnny will be able to make a full recovery. How do you think that will affect his trial? Do you think he will end up having a trial? 

In the aftermath of the fire, and the subsequent publicity that Ponyboy and Johnny have, Ponyboy learns that there will be a trial to determine if he should stay with his brothers. I just feel like these boys can never catch a break. I just don't know why their lives have to be so hard. It's hard to read about. 

At the end of the section, the boys are getting ready for the rumble, and Ponyboy asks to have a switch. Do you really think he'll be able to us it in the fight? I worry that he won't be at his full capabilities at the fight since he's had so many injuries recently. I hope they all are able to stay safe and smart while fighting. 

How do you think the book will end? Is there any chance of us getting a happy ending? What do you think is going to happen to everyone? Do you think we'll get some trial scenes? 

Check out the video below to hear S.E. Hinton talk about some behind-the-scenes things about the movie version. I thought this video was really interesting--let me know your thoughts in the comments. 

Thanks for following along with us again this week! Make sure to comment to let me know what you thought of this section, and make sure to finish the book before joining us next week!