Question
Summative Performance Task: Literary Analysis
The Outsiders
Literary Analysis Graphic Organizer
Summary
This graphic organizer will help you brainstorm and organize your writing before you begin drafting your literary analysis essay.
Topic
Write an essay analyzing the lessons Ponyboy learned from one of the other characters.
Guiding Questions
How do other characters impact the protagonist?
What lessons do other characters teach the protagonist?
How do the lessons affect the protagonist’s character development?
Steps for Writing Your Literary Analysis
Step 1: Select Character & Lessons
Step 2: Plan Introduction
Step 3: Develop Body Paragraphs
Step 4: Brainstorm Conclusion
Step 5: Write Essay
Step 1: Select Character & Lessons
Use your “Literary Analysis Note Sheet” and knowledge of The Outsiders to brainstorm THREE important characters that influence Ponyboy’s development. List the characters in the first column.
Then, brainstorm and record at least FOUR lessons each character taught Ponyboy in the second column.
Character
Lessons
Review your list of characters and lessons above. Then, decide which character you want to write your essay about and write the character’s name below. To help you decide, ask yourself:
Which character would you most like to write about?
Which character do you think taught Ponyboy the most important lessons?
Highlight the THREE most important lessons your selected character taught Ponyboy above. You will use this information in Step 3.
Selected Character
The Outsiders
Literary Analysis Graphic Organizer
Summary
This graphic organizer will help you brainstorm and organize your writing before you begin drafting your literary analysis essay.
Topic
Write an essay analyzing the lessons Ponyboy learned from one of the other characters.
Guiding Questions
How do other characters impact the protagonist?
What lessons do other characters teach the protagonist?
How do the lessons affect the protagonist’s character development?
Steps for Writing Your Literary Analysis
Step 1: Select Character & Lessons
Step 2: Plan Introduction
Step 3: Develop Body Paragraphs
Step 4: Brainstorm Conclusion
Step 5: Write Essay
Step 1: Select Character & Lessons
Use your “Literary Analysis Note Sheet” and knowledge of The Outsiders to brainstorm THREE important characters that influence Ponyboy’s development. List the characters in the first column.
Then, brainstorm and record at least FOUR lessons each character taught Ponyboy in the second column.
Character
Lessons
Review your list of characters and lessons above. Then, decide which character you want to write your essay about and write the character’s name below. To help you decide, ask yourself:
Which character would you most like to write about?
Which character do you think taught Ponyboy the most important lessons?
Highlight the THREE most important lessons your selected character taught Ponyboy above. You will use this information in Step 3.
Selected Character
Answers
Answered by
GPT-4o mini
### Step 1: Select Character & Lessons
**Character** | **Lessons**
--- | ---
**Johnny Cade** | 1. The importance of self-sacrifice for the sake of others. <br> 2. The value of friendship and loyalty. <br> 3. Courage in the face of adversity. <br> 4. Understanding that it's okay to be vulnerable.
**Dallas "Dally" Winston** | 1. The consequences of living a reckless life. <br> 2. The impact of tough love on personal growth. <br> 3. The notion of protecting loved ones, even through violence. <br> 4. The struggle with vulnerability and emotions.
**Darry Curtis** | 1. The significance of family responsibilities. <br> 2. The balance between toughness and compassion. <br> 3. The importance of education and future aspirations. <br> 4. Understanding the weight of sacrifice for the greater good.
### Selected Character
**Johnny Cade**
### Highlighted Lessons
1. The importance of self-sacrifice for the sake of others.
2. The value of friendship and loyalty.
3. Courage in the face of adversity.
---
### Step 2: Plan Introduction
In the introduction, you will want to contextualize Ponyboy's journey and introduce Johnny Cade as a pivotal influence in his life. Mention how Johnny’s experiences and actions serve as significant lessons for Ponyboy, thereby contributing greatly to his character development throughout the novel.
---
### Step 3: Develop Body Paragraphs
**Body Paragraph 1: The Importance of Self-Sacrifice**
- Discuss Johnny’s ultimate act of self-sacrifice during the fire rescue.
- Connect this lesson to how it shapes Ponyboy's understanding of heroism.
**Body Paragraph 2: The Value of Friendship and Loyalty**
- Explore Johnny's deep bond with Ponyboy and the Greasers.
- Analyze how this lesson teaches Ponyboy the significance of camaraderie amidst their struggles.
**Body Paragraph 3: Courage in the Face of Adversity**
- Highlight Johnny’s character in facing his own fears and challenges, particularly his violent home life and his eventual bravery in the face of danger.
- Illustrate how these traits inspire Ponyboy to confront his own fears.
---
### Step 4: Brainstorm Conclusion
In your conclusion, summarize Johnny’s impact on Ponyboy and reiterate the lessons learned. Reflect on how these lessons transform Ponyboy into a more empathetic and understanding individual. Consider making a broader statement about the importance of such lessons in life and how they contribute not only to personal growth but also to building understanding in divided communities.
---
### Step 5: Write Essay
Now that you have organized your thoughts and points, use this outline and the information collected in your graphic organizer to write your literary analysis essay, ensuring that each point is substantiated by evidence from the text and reflects the character's influence on Ponyboy's development throughout "The Outsiders."
**Character** | **Lessons**
--- | ---
**Johnny Cade** | 1. The importance of self-sacrifice for the sake of others. <br> 2. The value of friendship and loyalty. <br> 3. Courage in the face of adversity. <br> 4. Understanding that it's okay to be vulnerable.
**Dallas "Dally" Winston** | 1. The consequences of living a reckless life. <br> 2. The impact of tough love on personal growth. <br> 3. The notion of protecting loved ones, even through violence. <br> 4. The struggle with vulnerability and emotions.
**Darry Curtis** | 1. The significance of family responsibilities. <br> 2. The balance between toughness and compassion. <br> 3. The importance of education and future aspirations. <br> 4. Understanding the weight of sacrifice for the greater good.
### Selected Character
**Johnny Cade**
### Highlighted Lessons
1. The importance of self-sacrifice for the sake of others.
2. The value of friendship and loyalty.
3. Courage in the face of adversity.
---
### Step 2: Plan Introduction
In the introduction, you will want to contextualize Ponyboy's journey and introduce Johnny Cade as a pivotal influence in his life. Mention how Johnny’s experiences and actions serve as significant lessons for Ponyboy, thereby contributing greatly to his character development throughout the novel.
---
### Step 3: Develop Body Paragraphs
**Body Paragraph 1: The Importance of Self-Sacrifice**
- Discuss Johnny’s ultimate act of self-sacrifice during the fire rescue.
- Connect this lesson to how it shapes Ponyboy's understanding of heroism.
**Body Paragraph 2: The Value of Friendship and Loyalty**
- Explore Johnny's deep bond with Ponyboy and the Greasers.
- Analyze how this lesson teaches Ponyboy the significance of camaraderie amidst their struggles.
**Body Paragraph 3: Courage in the Face of Adversity**
- Highlight Johnny’s character in facing his own fears and challenges, particularly his violent home life and his eventual bravery in the face of danger.
- Illustrate how these traits inspire Ponyboy to confront his own fears.
---
### Step 4: Brainstorm Conclusion
In your conclusion, summarize Johnny’s impact on Ponyboy and reiterate the lessons learned. Reflect on how these lessons transform Ponyboy into a more empathetic and understanding individual. Consider making a broader statement about the importance of such lessons in life and how they contribute not only to personal growth but also to building understanding in divided communities.
---
### Step 5: Write Essay
Now that you have organized your thoughts and points, use this outline and the information collected in your graphic organizer to write your literary analysis essay, ensuring that each point is substantiated by evidence from the text and reflects the character's influence on Ponyboy's development throughout "The Outsiders."