The Outsiders — Chapter 2

About This Passage

Ponyboy uses very strong words here — 'worshiped,' 'hero' — to tell the reader how big Johnny's small act really was. Notice that Ponyboy does not say Johnny was brave; he says it took 'more than nerve.' That tells us Johnny did something hard, not just scary. When you speak up against someone you admire more than anyone in the world, it takes something even bigger than courage. It takes love for somebody else.

Narration Prompt

Tell someone in your family what happens in Chapter 2 of The Outsiders. Begin with Dally, Ponyboy, and Johnny going to the Nightly Double drive-in movie, then describe how Dally bothered the Soc girls Cherry and Marcia, how Johnny surprised everyone by telling Dally to leave Cherry alone, and finish with Ponyboy telling Cherry the story of how the Socs beat up Johnny four months ago.

Discussion Questions

1. Johnny is called 'the gang's pet' and he 'couldn't say Boo to a goose,' but in Chapter 2 Johnny tells Dallas Winston, 'Leave her alone, Dally.' What in the story helps you understand why Johnny could stand up to Dally this one time? How do you know Johnny was not just being bossy — what makes you think he was being brave?
2. When Cherry throws her Coke in Dally's face, she says, 'After you wash your mouth and learn to talk and act decent, I might cool off, too.' What in the story shows you why Cherry is right to be angry? How do you know she isn't just being mean because Dally is a greaser?

+ 2 more questions in the complete study guide