Position A: The Greasers
Johnny was justified in killing Bob
Johnny and Ponyboy should not have stayed and taken the consequences for Bob’s death.
The Socials were responsible for starting the rumble.
The Socials were responsible for causing Johnny’s death.
Dally was not responsible for causing his own death.
The primary theme of the Outsiders is “true friends are friends forever.”
Position B: The Socials
Johnny was not justified in killing Bob.
Johnny and Ponyboy should have turned themselves in for Bob’s death.
The Greasers were responsible for starting the rumble.
The Greasers’ actions led to Johnny’s death.
Dally made poor choices that ultimately led to his own death.
The primary theme of the Outsiders is “the consequences of violence and societal pressure on young people.”
MLK was:
1. A musician.
2. A politician.
3. A doctor.
4. An author.
5. A lawyer.
5. A lawyer.
Position A: The Greasers
Step 1: Johnny was justified in killing Bob.
- This statement is subjective and open to interpretation. Whether Johnny was justified in killing Bob depends on one's perspective.
- Some may argue that Johnny acted in self-defense or defense of Ponyboy when he killed Bob, as Bob and his friends were assaulting Ponyboy.
- Others may argue that violence is never justified, and Johnny should have found a non-violent solution to the situation.
Step 2: Johnny and Ponyboy should not have stayed and taken the consequences for Bob’s death.
- This statement is subjective and depends on one's beliefs about personal responsibility and moral choices.
- Some may argue that Johnny and Ponyboy did the right thing by staying and facing the consequences for their actions as it demonstrates maturity and accountability.
- Others may argue that Johnny and Ponyboy should have fled to protect themselves from potential harm or unjust consequences.
Step 3: The Socials were responsible for starting the rumble.
- This statement is again subjective and depends on one's interpretation of the events in the story.
- The Greasers and the Socials had a longstanding rivalry, and both groups played a role in instigating the conflict that led to the rumble.
- It is possible to argue that the Socials were responsible for starting the rumble by initiating violence or provoking the Greasers.
Step 4: The Socials were responsible for causing Johnny’s death.
- This statement is subjective, and different readers may have different opinions on it.
- The Socials' actions indirectly contributed to Johnny's death by causing the circumstances that led to Johnny being in a dangerous situation.
- However, it is crucial to note that Dally's actions, the consequences of the rumble, and societal factors also played significant roles in Johnny's tragic ending.
Step 5: Dally was not responsible for causing his own death.
- This statement is subjective and open to interpretation.
- Dally's reckless and impulsive behavior contributed to his own demise, as he purposely put himself in dangerous situations.
- On the other hand, one could argue that societal pressures, a lack of support, and a sense of hopelessness also influenced Dally's actions and ultimately led to his death.
Step 6: The primary theme of The Outsiders is "true friends are friends forever."
- This statement is open to interpretation, and there may be different themes that readers can derive from the story.
- The idea of loyalty and the importance of friendship is indeed a prevalent theme in The Outsiders.
- The novel explores the bonds of friendship between the Greasers and emphasizes the support and understanding they find in each other, highlighting the enduring nature of true friendship.