Quote Bank

Quote	Who Said It, When, and Where?	Meaning	Significance to the Story
"I'm not saying that either Socs or Greasers are better. That's just the way things are." (Ch. 1, pg. 3)	Ponyboy, talking to himself as he walks home from the movie theater	Establishes the division between Socs and Greasers, showing Ponyboy's open-mindedness.	Highlights the ongoing conflict between the two groups and Ponyboy's balanced perspective.
"If you can picture a dark puppy that has been kicked too many times and is lost...you'll have Johnny." (Ch. 1, pg. 11)	Ponyboy, after coming home from the movies	Describes Johnny as someone who has been mistreated both at home and within the gang.	Emphasizes Johnny's vulnerability and foreshadows his tragic fate.
"That's like saying all you greasers are like Dallas Winston. I bet he's jumped a few people." (Ch. 2, pg. 34)	Cherry, talking to Ponyboy at the movies	Challenges stereotypes by pointing out that not all Socs or Greasers are the same.	Reinforces the idea that people should not be judged based on their social group.
"We have troubles you've never even heard of... Things are rough all over." (Ch. 2, pg. 35)	Cherry, to Ponyboy at the movies	Socs have struggles too, even though they appear privileged.	Helps Ponyboy realize that everyone, regardless of status, has their own problems.
"That's why we're separated. It's not the money, it's feeling. You don't feel anything and we feel too violently." (Ch. 3, pg. 38)	Ponyboy, talking to Cherry while walking home from the movies	The real difference between Socs and Greasers is emotional expression, not wealth.	Highlights how Greasers are more emotionally intense, while Socs are emotionally detached.

| "I had to. They were drowning you, Pony." (Ch. 4, pg. 57) | Johnny, after killing Bob at the fountain | Johnny acted to protect Ponyboy from being killed by the Socs. | A turning point in the novel that forces Johnny and Ponyboy to go on the run. | | "Yet in his hard face there was character, pride, and a savage defiance of the world." (Ch. 4, pg. 59) | Ponyboy, thinking about Dally | Dally is tough and rebellious but also has a sense of pride. | Shows Dally's strength and why Cherry admires him. | | "No, Johnny, not my hair. It was my pride." (Ch. 5, pg. 71) | Ponyboy, when they have to disguise themselves | Ponyboy's hair symbolizes his identity as a Greaser. | Cutting his hair is symbolic of losing part of his identity. | | "We're all cried out now. We're getting' used to the idea. We're gonna be ok now." (Ch. 5, pg. 75) | Ponyboy, first night in the church | They believe they are adjusting, but things will only get worse. | Marks the beginning of their struggle in hiding. | | "He was sensitive, and that wasn't a good way to be when you're a greaser." (Ch. 6, pg. 88) | Ponyboy, thinking about Johnny at Dairy Queen | Johnny is strong but also too emotional for the harsh life of a Greaser. | Highlights Johnny's struggles and foreshadows his tragic fate. |

| "You get hardened in jail. I don't want that to happen to you like it happened to me." (Ch. 6, pg. 90) | Dally, warning Johnny | Jail changes people and makes them cold. | Shows Dally's concern for Johnny and hints at his own troubled past. | | "Things were rough all over but it was better that way. That way you could tell the other guy was human too." (Ch. 7, pg. 118) | Ponyboy, reflecting | Hardship makes people more empathetic and human. | Ponyboy starts to understand that everyone struggles. | | "Y'all were heroes from the beginning. You didn't just 'turn' all of a sudden." (Ch. 7, pg. 107) | Two-Bit, reading the newspaper | Their bravery was always there, not just because of their actions at the church. | Reinforces that heroism is about character, not one-time actions. | | "That was what he wanted. For somebody to say no. To have somebody lay down the law..." (Ch. 8, pg. 116) | Randy, to Ponyboy about Bob | Bob lacked discipline and wanted structure. | Highlights that Socs also have personal struggles. | | "Sixteen years on the streets and you learn a lot. But all the wrong things..." (Ch. 8, pg. 121) | Ponyboy, in the hospital | Johnny has learned about hardship but not about joy. | Emphasizes the tough life of a Greaser. |

| "If he'd been like me he'd never have been in this mess... That's what you get for helpin' people." (Ch. 9, pg. 147) | Dally, to Ponyboy in the car | Dally blames Johnny's kindness for his death. | Shows Dally's bitterness and foreshadows his downfall. | | "Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold..." (Ch. 9, pg. 149) | Johnny, before dying | Tells Ponyboy to remain innocent and true to himself. | Central theme of the novel—holding onto goodness despite hardship. | | "So he finally broke... So even Dally has a breaking point." (Ch. 10, pg. 152) | Two-Bit, after Johnny's death | Dally, despite his tough exterior, is deeply affected. | Shows that even the toughest characters have vulnerabilities. | | "Johnny was the only thing Dally loved." (Ch. 10, pg. 162) | Ponyboy, after Dally's breakdown | Dally cared deeply about Johnny, his only real family. | Highlights the theme of found family among the Greasers. | | "I feel bad about the old man. And it's the first time I've ever felt anything in a long time." (Ch. 11, pg. 164) | Randy, to Ponyboy | Randy finally allows himself to feel guilt and emotion. | Shows growth in a Soc character and the breaking of stereotypes. |

| "Ponyboy, listen, don't get tough. You're not like the rest of us and don't try to be." (Ch. 12, pg. 171) | Two-Bit, to Ponyboy | Ponyboy shouldn't harden himself like the others. | Emphasizes the novel's message about staying true to oneself. | | "And don't be so bugged over being a greaser. You still have a lot of time to make yourself be what you want." (Ch. 12, pg. 179) | Two-Bit, to Ponyboy | Encourages Ponyboy to shape his own future. | Reinforces hope and personal growth. | | "I looked at Bob's picture and I could begin to see the person we had killed." (Ch. 11, pg. 162) | Ponyboy, looking through the yearbook | Ponyboy realizes Bob was more than just a Soc. | Shows his growth and ability to see people beyond labels. |