The Outsiders Lesson 4

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Everyone has there own persepctive.

Persepctive is how an individual views, interprets, or understands a situation, event, or concept. It is shaped by personal experiences, beliefs, and emotions, influencing how one perceives and interacts with the world.

When we hear a word, we relate it to other words based on our perspective.

Our minds are mysterious places, and reading Chapter Five of The Outsiders doesn't make understanding the reasons why we think and feel the way we do any easier.

Oddly, Pony and Johnny probably wouldn't be very good at playing the word association game simply because they are so alike. They would probably wind up saying the same word back and forth for an hour.

Chapter Five shows just how close and similar the two boys are.

As the sun sets, Ponyboy recites a poem by Robert Frost to Johnny. This poem has meaning to both boys.

• How could a piece of poetry have such an impact on two Greasers?

Watch this scene as it was portrayed in "The Outsiders" movie.

• What does this poem mean?

To understand its meaning, you need to understand allusion. Watch the following video for a quick definition and example.

Complete The Outsiders Chapter 5 Allusion Frost Poem, found in the Downloadable Resources in the right-hand sidebar, to find the allusion and meaning in Robert Frost's "Nothing Gold Can Stay."

As you do, think about Johnny and Ponyboy's current surroundings compared to what they left behind.

• How do you think Johnny feels about staying at the old church?
• Do you think the boys are beginning to look at the world differently?
• If so, how? What is changing for them?

After completing the worksheet, check your thinking against the answers below.

Consider the changes that happened in Chapter Six.

• Do you think the poem is an element of foreshadowing?

Move to the Got It? section to find out!