Chapter 5 Questions
Reluctantly- to do something unwillingly
Sullen- bad-tempered or sulky
Eluded- evade or escape from (a danger, enemy, or pursuer), typically in a skillful or cunning way.
Imploringly- to beg urgently or piteously, as for aid or mercy
Gallant- brave or heroic
Indignant- feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment
Sullen- bad-tempered or sulky
Eluded- evade or escape from (a danger, enemy, or pursuer), typically in a skillful or cunning way.
Imploringly- to beg urgently or piteously, as for aid or mercy
Gallant- brave or heroic
Indignant- feeling or showing anger or annoyance at what is perceived as unfair treatment
Why does Pony have a problem with Johnny's idea to disguise themselves?
Ponyboy has a problem with Johnny's idea to disguise themselves because Pony feels as if his hair is what makes him a Greaser. He doesn't want to cut it because he thinks it is all he has left of the life he and Johnny left behind.
What does Pony mean when he says, "I was supposed to be the deep one"
When Pony says "I was supposed to be the deep one", he meant that he is not like the other Greasers. Pony is a good student in school, he likes movies and literature, and he likes to watch sunsets. The other Greasers are not like him. For example, Dally has been to prison several times, and Pony's eldest brother, Darry, is overwhelmed with all the responsibilities he has to take on. Pony is afraid he is going to be just another hardened Greaser, but he doesn't want that. He wants to be different.
Who does Johnny think is a hero? Do you think Dally is a hero based on what he did?
Johnny thinks that Dally is a hero because Johnny is just a shy, timid person. He looks up to Dally, the rude and enthusiastic character, because he doesn't want to be like him, but he admires that kind of person. I don't really think that Dally is a hero because he gave a 14 year old a gun and told him to run away. That isn't very responsible or smart. The kid could have shot himself!
Why does Pony realize he doesn't like Dally? Can you explain what he means by this?
Pony realizes that he doesn't like Dally because Dally isn't like the other Greasers. Dally's lack of fear and his toughness scares Ponboy. The only reason that Pony actually tolerates him is because Johnny is really close to Dally, and Johnny is his best friend.
Examine Robert Frost's poem, Nothing Gold can Stay. What do you think the poem is saying? How might this apply to the characters in the novel?
I think Robert Frost's poem is saying that all the good things that you have in life will go away in the future. I think that Ponyboy is realizing that all the good things he had in his life are all disappearing because he was a happy kid just a few months ago. He had good grades in school, and it was like there was nothing for him to worry about. Now he is on the run, hiding from the cops, because he was part of a murder.
Johnny compares Pony and his brothers to their parents. Which one of your parents are you most like? What similarities do you share?
The parent that I am like most is my mom. We both have the same sense of humor and we are both very respectful. When my mom was younger she used to like to read books like I do now.
What does pony mean when he says he drinks Pepsis like a fiend?
Being a fiend is being an addict to something. Pony says that he drinks Pepsi like a fiend, therefore meaning he is addicted to Pepsi.
What's a 'heater'? Why does Dally have one?
A 'heater' is also known as a gun. Dally has one because tensions between the Socs and Greasers are as high as ever because of Bob's murder. He uses it to scare people, even though it isn't loaded.
Why are the Socs and the Greasers going to fight in the vacant lot?
The Socs and the Greasers are fighting in the vacant lot because they both agreed that if the Greasers win, the Socs will stay out of their territory and stop beating kids up. But if the Socs win, they get to do whatever they want.
Who's the spy for the greasers? Does this surprise you? Why or why not?
The Soc that is spying for the Greasers is Cherry. This does not surprise me because she was really friendly to this certain group of Greasers, and she said that if she ever saw Dallas Winston again, she would fall in love with him, Since Dally is one of the groups leaders, she obviously agreed to help them.