Chapter 9 Questions
When Pony asks what kind of a world it is, what comment is he making about how society judges people?
Ponyboy is saying that the Greasers may not have much, but they do have some things to be proud of, like their "rep" and their long hair. When Ponyboy was talking to Randy, Randy said that even if the Greasers do end up winning the rumble, they will still be at the bottom of things, just because they are Greasers. This is what Pony was talking about when he made the comment about society judging people.
Why do the boys fight? Why is Pony different?
The boys fight because they are trying to keep their reputation as Greasers, and they love the adrenaline rush they get when they are fighting. Ponyboy is different because he does not really like to fight, and is more sensitive than the other Greasers. He does fight because he feels like he needs to help his family, Sodapop and Darry, and the rest of the Greasers.
What is the difference between Tim Sheppard's gang and Ponyboy's? Explain how Pony feels this difference might give his group the upper hand?
The difference between Tim Sheppard's gang and Ponyboy's is that Tim's gang has a leader and is organized, while Ponyboy's group were all just really good friends. Pony thinks the reason why they always beat them, is because when you're doing things with your friends, everything just turns out a whole lot better, because you have gotten to know them. Tim Sheppard's gang don't know each other very well, and are always following their leader.
What do you think Johnny's last words to Pony mean?
I think that Johnny's last words to Ponyboy are referring to Robert Frost's poem, "Nothing Can Say Gold". In the poem, it talks about how the good things in life can't stay, therefore meaning that nothing can stay gold. Johnny wants Ponyboy to stay gold because he doesn't want him to turn into something he's not when he dies, and he already thinks that Pony is a good person, and wants to remind Pony to always stay gold.