letter to ponyboy assignment

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The Outsiders

S. e. hinton.

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The Outsiders

By s. e. hinton, the outsiders summary and analysis of chapter 12.

Chapter 12 begins with the hearing. Ponyboy listens to Randy, Cherry, and the other Socs testify, all the while feeling frustrated that they keep saying Johnny killed Bob. At this point, he has totally convinced himself that he was the one who committed the murder. Darry and Soda also testify, and tell the judge that Dally was a good friend of theirs, even though that association with a perceived hoodlum will risk their credibility. When it is Ponyboy's chance to be questioned, the judge steers clear of questions about Bob's death. In the end, the judge acquits Ponyboy and the case is closed.

But Ponyboy becomes extremely absent-minded after the hearing. He is disturbed, and his grades begin to drop. His English teacher approaches him and tells him he's failing class, but if he can write a good semester theme, he will get a C, "taking into consideration the circumstances." The English teacher says the theme should be on "anything you think is important enough to write about." Ponyboy reacts sarcastically, although he is polite to the teacher, and leaves.

At lunch, Ponyboy drives to the grocery store with Two-Bit and Steve, and hangs out smoking a cigarette on the fender of Steve's car while the other two are inside. A car full of Socs pulls up, but Ponyboy doesn't feel scared - he doesn't feel anything atll, even when one of them accuses him of killing Bob Sheldon and threatens him. He breaks off the end of his bottle and says, "You get back into your car or you'll get split," scaring the Socs off.

Two-Bit has seen the whole thing, and asks Ponyboy if he really would have used the broken bottle as a weapon; Ponyboy says he would have. Two-Bit says, "Ponyboy, listen, don't get tough. You're not like the rest of us and don't try to be..." but then he grins because he notices that Ponyboy is picking up the pieces of broken bottle from the ground to avoid people getting flat tires.

When Ponyboy gets home, he tries to write the theme for English class, but he is easily distracted and can't concentrate. Soda comes home and has a cigarette, which tips Ponyboy off that something is wrong, since Soda hardly ever smokes. But when Ponyboy asks him if something is wrong, he shakes his head. But after supper, Darry and Ponyboy get into a spat about Ponyboy's grades, which have dropped significantly. But Darry says that "schoolwork's not the point. You're living in a vacuum, Pony, and you're going to have to cut it out." He says that they're all upset about losing Johnny and Dallas, but that Ponyboy has to come back to reality.

When Ponyboy looks at how Soda is reacting to the fight, he sees that his face is white. Then Soda runs out the door, dropping an envelope. It is the letter he wrote to Sandy , returned unopened. Ponyboy realizes that Soda has his own problems, but Ponyboy has been too wrapped up in himself to notice them, or to listen if Soda has tried to talk about them. Darry and Ponyboy decide to go after Soda, and chase him into the park; Ponyboy tackles him, knocking them both over.

Soda confesses how upset it makes him when Darry and Ponyboy fight. He says that all they have is each other, and that they need to stick together in order not to end up the way Dally was before he died, hardened. Darry and Ponyboy agree not to fight anymore, suddenly realizing how much they accidentally have been hurting Soda. The brothers race back to the house.

Ponyboy finally picks up the copy of Gone with the Wind that Johnny left to him, and lets it sink in that Johnny was the one who killed Bob, and that Johnny is now dead. A note from Johnny falls out of the book. Among other things, it says:

I've been thinking about it, and that poem, that guy that wrote it, he meant you're gold when you're a kid, like green. When you're a kid everything's new, dawn. It's just when you get used to everything that it's day. Like the way you dig sunsets, Pony. That's gold. Keep that way, it's a good way to be.

It also instructs him to tell Dally, but it's too late now. Ponyboy realizes that Dally has died because he let his gold fade, but that it doesn't have to be that way for all the Greasers and disadvantaged people.

So Ponyboy calls Mr. Syme , his English teacher, and asks if his theme can be longer than five pages. When he gets permission, he begins to think about how to start the story, and decides to begin with "When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house, I had only two things on my mind: Paul Newman and a ride home..." which is the opening of The Outsiders itself.

Although Ponyboy became an unreliable narrator at the end of Chapter 11, when it was clear he was in denial over Johnny's death, he redeems himself as trustworthy to the reader at the very beginning of Chapter 12, by distinguishing Ponyboy the narrator from Ponyboy the character in the story. He explains that the doctor had a talk with the judge before the hearing, and "I didn't know what he had to do with it then, but I do now."

Now that Ponyboy has separated himself as narrator from the character in the story, he uses direct address frequently. He has used it in the past, but now the reader realizes that Ponyboy in the present, the narrator, is in a different emotional state than the Ponyboy in the story. He uses phrases like, "And you know what?" and "I know I don't talk good English (have you ever seen a hood that did?)," directly addressing the reader. The formalism this split induces - of a story-within-the-story and a narrator doubling back on himself - suggests a mise-en-abime that temporarily shifts the emphasis from the narrative to the question of storytelling: we are now aware of that which lies outside the ostensible "story", so that, as those events come to a head, they in turn lose some of their dramatic force.

Johnny's last words, "Stay gold," echo in this chapter when Ponyboy breaks a bottle to defend himself against the Socs. Two-Bit says, "Ponyboy, listen, don't get tough. You're not like the rest of us and don't try to be..." Ponyboy is confused by what Two-Bit means, since he felt nothing when the Socs approached him. But he proves that he is still "gold" by bending down to pick up the pieces of broken glass from the ground without even thinking about it.

Ponyboy and Darry's relationship is once again redefined in this chapter, this time in terms of how it affects Sodapop. He is so upset by the way they always fight that he runs away. They feel selfish for not having realized the effects of their actions on others. Soda argues: "We're all we've got left. We ought to be able to stick together against everything. If we don't have each other, we don't have anything." This idea rings true with Darry and Ponyboy, and finally it is Soda who brings them together.

The various strands - formal and narrative - are tied together in the closing sentences, as the novel ends as it began. The circle is satisfying for its symmetry, but seems to run against Ponyboy's assertion that he has moved on and wants to use his tale to help others. Instead, we are left with the impression of a closed loop, an inexorable tide, a vicious circle that allows no escape. Hinton closes her novel with hope, yes, but also an intimation of its opposite.

The Outsiders Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Outsiders is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

on what page does cherry has an emotional connection

Cherry no longer looked sick, only sad. "I'll bet you think the Socs have it made. The rich kids, the West-side Socs. I'll tell you something, Ponyboy, and it may come as a surprise. We have troubles you've never even heard of. You want to know...

Chapter 7 through 9 questions

A) Soda and Sandy’s relationship is over because Sandy got pregnant and went to live with her grandmother in Florida.

"Look," Steve said, surprisingly angry, "does he have to draw you a picture? It was either that or get married, and her parents...

why do you think johhny wasn't scared, depsite the obvious danger?

Johnny is a sensitive boy. He cares for others, especially those that are helpless like the children. This is perhaps because he has felt so helpless in his own childhood. It is also probable their cigarettes started the fire.

Study Guide for The Outsiders

The Outsiders study guide contains a biography of author S. E. Hinton, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Outsiders
• The Outsiders Summary
• The Outsiders Video
• Character List

Essays for The Outsiders

The Outsiders essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Outsiders written by S. E. Hinton.

• Analysis of the American Reality, Possibility, and Dream found in "Nickel and Dimed" and "The Outsiders"
• Stay Gold, Ponyboy: Historical Models of Childhood in S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders
• The Socioeconomic Triggers of Juvenile Delinquency: Analysis of "The Outsiders"
• Greater Meanings in The Outsiders: A Theater, a Sunset, and a Novel

Lesson Plan for The Outsiders

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to The Outsiders
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• The Outsiders Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for The Outsiders

• Introduction

Curriculum  /  ELA  /  6th Grade  /  Unit 4: Finding Connection: The Outsiders  /  Lesson 15

Finding Connection: The Outsiders

Lesson 15 of 26

Readings and Materials

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• Key Understandings

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Lesson Notes

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Explain how Hinton develops Ponyboy’s perspective, and identify how and why his perspective has changed.

Book:  The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton  — Chapter 11

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Tasks that represents the peak thinking of the lesson - mastery will indicate whether or not objective was achieved

Writing Prompt

How has the experience of losing two friends affected Ponyboy? How does Hinton develop the reader’s understanding of Ponyboy’s state of mind in this chapter? Provide two pieces of textual evidence from this chapter to support your ideas.

Sample Response

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Questions about the text that will help guide the students understanding

Close Read Questions

How does looking at Bob’s photo in the yearbook change Ponyboy’s perspective of him? Support your answer with two pieces of evidence from pages 161-162.

On page 162, Ponyboy describes how he thinks that some people see him and other greasers as “victims of environment” and deserve pity. How does he react to this idea? Why do you think he reacts this way? Explain your thinking.

How does Hinton develop the idea that Randy and Ponyboy lead very different lives? In what ways are their perspectives of the world different? Support your answer with two pieces of evidence from pages 164-165.

Discussion Questions

Ponyboy is a sensitive, thoughtful person. Do you think this is a strength or a weakness for him? In all situations?

Exit Ticket

Assess student understanding and monitor progress toward this lesson's objective with an Exit Ticket.

Literary terms, text-based vocabulary, idioms and word parts to be taught with the text

the feeling of distress, sadness, and discomfort when witnessing someone else’s misery

Reading and/or task to be completed at home in preparation for the next lesson.

• The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton Chapter 12

While reading, answer the following questions.

What is the result of the hearing in front of the judge?

What assignment is Ponyboy given by his English teacher?

Why does Soda get upset with his brothers? How do they respond?

What does Ponyboy find in Johnny’s copy of Gone with the Wind ?

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Common Core Standards

Reading standards for literature.

RL.6.3 — Describe how a particular story's or drama's plot unfolds in a series of episodes as well as how the characters respond or change as the plot moves toward a resolution.

RL.6.6 — Explain how an author develops the point of view of the narrator or speaker in a text.

Supporting Standards

Standards that are practiced daily but are not priority standards of the unit

Language Standards

L.6.6 — Acquire and use accurately grade-appropriate general academic and domain-specific words and phrases; gather vocabulary knowledge when considering a word or phrase important to comprehension or expression.

RL.6.1 — Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

RL.6.2 — Determine a theme or central idea of a text and how it is conveyed through particular details; provide a summary of the text distinct from personal opinions or judgments.

RL.6.4 — Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone.

RL.6.10 — By the end of the year, read and comprehend literature, including stories, dramas, and poems, in the grades 6—8 text complexity band proficiently, with scaffolding as needed at the high end of the range.

Speaking and Listening Standards

SL.6.1 — Engage effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grade 6 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly.

SL.6.6 — Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate.

Writing Standards

W.6.1 — Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.

W.6.1.a — Introduce claim(s) and organize the reasons and evidence clearly.

W.6.1.b — Support claim(s) with clear reasons and relevant evidence, using credible sources and demonstrating an understanding of the topic or text.

W.6.9 — Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.

W.6.9.a — Apply grade 6 Reading standards to literature (e.g., "Compare and contrast texts in different forms or genres [e.g., stories and poems; historical novels and fantasy stories] in terms of their approaches to similar themes and topics").

W.6.10 — Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of discipline-specific tasks, purposes, and audiences.

Explain how S. E. Hinton begins to develop the narrator’s point of view in The Outsiders .

Explain how specific sections of Chapter 2 fit into the overall structure of The Outsiders and develop the reader’s understanding of characters.

L.6.1 L.6.1.e RL.6.5

Explain how Hinton continues to develop Ponyboy’s point of view and identify how and why his point of view changes.

L.6.1 L.6.1.e RL.6.3 RL.6.6

Explain how specific scenes and lines of text fit into the overall structure of The Outsiders and move the plot forward.

• The Outsiders — Chapter 4
• The Outsiders — 00:00:00-28:49

Compare and contrast setting elements and scenes from The Outsiders with the film version and describe the experience of viewing the film.

Explain how Hinton continues to develop Ponyboy’s point of view, and identify how and why his point of view changes.

RL.6.3 RL.6.6

Determine the theme of “Nothing Gold Can Stay” and explain how poet Robert Frost uses literary devices to develop that theme.

L.6.5 RL.6.2 RL.6.4

Explain how Hinton develops different characters’ perspectives and analyze how and why characters’ perspectives change.

Explain how Hinton develops different characters’ perspectives and analyze how and why characters’ perspectives change in response to plot events.

Gather information and create an outline for a fictional diary entry written from Cherry Valance's perspective.

W.6.3 W.6.5

Draft a diary entry written from Cherry Valance's perspective, focusing on using precise words and descriptive language.

Explain how Hinton develops mood in significant scenes in this chapter, and how this chapter fits into the overall structure of The Outsiders .

RL.6.4 RL.6.5

Explain how Hinton develops Ponyboy’s point of view and his reactions to plot events.

Identify characters' perspectives and explain how and why they change in Chapter 12 of The Outsiders .

Compare and contrast scenes from The Outsiders with the film version and describe the experience of viewing the film.

Determine the meaning of unknown words in an informational article using context clues and Greek/Latin roots.

L.6.4 L.6.4.a L.6.4.b RI.6.4

• “We Real Cool”

Explain how poet Gwendolyn Brooks uses literary devices to develop tone and meaning in the poem, “We Real Cool.”

L.6.5 RL.6.4

Determine the meaning of unknown words through context clues, and then successfully use those words in their own writing.

L.6.4 L.6.4.a L.6.6 RI.6.4

Socratic Seminar

Engage in a Socratic Seminar with peers, responding directly to others by rephrasing and delineating arguments and posing clarifying questions.

SL.6.1 SL.6.1.d SL.6.3 SL.6.4

• The Outsiders
• Sequel Outline and Exposition Rubric (G6, U4)

Unpack a writing prompt, study a mentor text, and begin to brainstorm ideas for narratives.

Create a plot outline for a sequel to The Outsiders .

RL.6.5 W.6.3 W.6.3.a W.6.5

Identify the features of a text's exposition and draft one exposition paragraph.

W.6.3 W.6.3.a W.6.3.b W.6.3.d W.6.5

Write four exposition paragraphs of a sequel to The Outsiders.

Assessment  – 2 days

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — The Outsiders — Evolution of Ponyboy in “The Outsiders”

Evolution of Ponyboy in "The Outsiders"

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Published: Aug 31, 2023

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The Outsiders Ponyboy’s Letter Google Doc Assign

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This Google Doc assignment is based on S.E. Hinton’s novel “The Outsiders”. In Chapter 5 Sodapop writes a letter to Ponyboy. The student will pretend that he is Ponyboy and write a letter back. The instructions give the students clear guidance in terms of the content of the letter. A rubric is included as well as a sample letter.

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