Chapters 10-12
1. Why is what happened to Johnny so difficult for Dally to handle? Not just what the book claims either—what do you think?
2. What happened to Dally? Why do you think he wanted this fate?
3. Who was “tougher”? Dally or Ponyboy? Or is it a question of something else that let’s Ponyboy accept Johnny’s death when Dally can’t?
4. Why is Ponyboy so concerned that he might not have called out for Darry when he was sick?
5. Explain why Pony would rather have anyone's hate than their pity?
6. What do you think is going on with Ponyboy when he says, "Johnny didn't have anything to do with Bob's getting killed"?
7. What 'circumstances' does Ponyboy’s teacher refer to? What circumstances does Ponyboy think his teacher is referring to?
8. Why doesn't Ponyboy feel scared when the socs approach him and he threatens them with a broken bottle? How is this a dramatic change from the Ponyboy we have seen up until this point? Why has he changed?
9. What does Darry mean when he says, "you don't just stop living because you lose someone"? Did Darry stop living when his parents died?
10. What does Ponyboy end up doing for his English assignment? Why does he write this? What is he trying to show?
What questions do you have for the group? Thought provoking questions will improve your discussion score.