The Outsiders

This book has been praised as being very relatable, do you think it is? What are some aspects you think are no longer relatable? What are some aspects that are timeless?

This book is full of interesting characters, who’s your favorite?

Who do you think the “Outsiders” are? What are they outside of? Are they still outsiders by the end of the book? If not, when did they stop being outsiders? If so, do you think they'll always be outsiders?

Class is a big theme in this book, what do you think this book is trying to say about class? Do you think it says this thing accurately and effectively?

How did you feel about the writing style of this book? Did you enjoy the framing device of it being written by Ponyboy?

What does Johnny mean when he tells Ponyboy to “Stay gold”?

Should Johnny be punished for Bob’s death when it was in self-defense? Why?

Were Johnny, Ponyboy and Dallas heroes of the fire incident even though the fire was probably started by one of their cigarettes? Why?

What do you think the characters will be like when they are older? Do you think the events of this book will affect them? How so?