The Outsiders – Chapter Template
With directions and examples
Directions: Title
Chatpter #: Title
Create a title for each chapter of the novel. The title should be a representation of the chapter as a
whole or relate to the central message or theme of the chapter. Some ideas for creating a title include
main ideas, alliteration, quotes from chapter, songs, cultural references and allusions, etc. For each
title, explain your choice in a paragraph (three to six sentences) that contains text evidence.
Example:
Chapter 1: Band of Brothers
“Band of Brothers” would be a good title for Chapter 1. Not only does Ponyboy describe his literal
brothers, Darry and Sodapop, but also his group of greaser buddies from the east side. When Pony is
jumped by the Socs after walking home from the movies by himself, it is his “band of brothers” who
rescue him. It is also revealed in this chapter that Darry, Soda, and Pony’s parents are dead and the
three brothers must look out for each other, so the Curtis boys are also a “band of brothers”.
Directions:Single Story
Single Story
Use the lens of the single story to view the problems that arise for the characters in The Outsiders.
After each chapter, respond to the chapter question or create your own question to focus your
attention on this central message and to notice how it develops over the novel. You may respond by
using a 3-6 sentence paragraph that cites textual evidence OR by using either a graphic or thinking
map.
Example:
Chapter 2 Question: Describe the reputation of both the Socs and greasers.
In chapter 1, Ponyboy acknowledges that the greasers are poorer than the middle class kids and live
on the west side of town, while the Socs are “jet-set” and from the east side of town. In this chapter
we get more information about both groups. According to Ponyboy and his friends, greasers are
tough, do not worry about obeying the law, have to either work for or steal what they have, stick
together, and always fight fair; the Socs, however, are seen as rough rich kids who have everything
given to them and gang up on greasers – they always have an advantage in fights as well as life.
Cherry gives a slightly different perspective, she shows that the Socs see the greasers as dirty kids
who do not follow rules and usually make people feel uncomfortable, meanwhile the Socs always
have high expectations put on them and always have to worry about their appearances.
The Outsiders – Chapter Template
With directions and examples
Dialectical Journal
Directions
Directions
Quote: Copy down the quote provided for each Response: Respond to the quote by putting it
chapter or find a different quote that relates to into its context (what is happening when the
the central message: The Dangers of a Single
quote shows up), and then relate it to “single
Story.
stories” by telling how it shows the perspectives
that characters have or how those perspectives
are changing.
Example: Chapter 1
Example:
“We get jumped by the greasers… We’re
poorer than the greasers and the middle class.”
-Ponyboy narrating
-Page 5
Ponyboy worried about walking home alone
from the movies when he thinks this. His fears
are justified, since a group of Socs soon show
up in an expensive car to harass and attack
him.
This not only shows that the Socs are known
for picking on greasers, but also that the
greasers protect themselves by sticking
together. It seems like the Socs know very little
about Ponyboy aside from the fact that he is a
greaser. They have a single story of his
greasiness.
Summary/Analysis
Example from Chapter 2
1. Beginning/Exposition
Dally, Johnny, and Ponyboy hit the town, and
cause a little bit of troublebefore they sneak
into the movies.
2. Middle/Rising Action
Dally flirts with the Soc girls by talking dirty to
them, but storms off when Johnny asks him to
stop. Ponyboy and Johnny feel like they picked
up the Soc girls when they talk to them.
4. End/Resolution
Ponyboy tells Cherry about when a group of
Socs jumped Johnny. She tries to convince him
that not all Socs are the same, just like not all
greasers are the same.
3. Middle/Falling Action
Two-Bit shows up, and joins Johnny and
Ponyboy in talking with Cherry and Marcia.
They joke about the differences between Socs
and greasers.
The Outsiders – Chapter Template
With directions and examples