Name__________________________

The Outsiders-Dialectical Journal Assignment

In order to successfully complete this assignment, you must understand the following concepts:
HOW TO FIND CHARACTER TRAITS: A trait may be one word that a reader could use to describe the
personality of a character. For example, a character may be considered courageous, disciplined, curious, or
troubled. A reader can identify a characters trait(s) through what the character says or does. The character traits
we are looking for are not feelings or physical features, but instead direct or indirect statements that give us an
invitation inside ones own mind.
Part I: Dialectical Journal for The Outsiders-Ponyboy
As you read the famous novel by SE Hinton, use the dialectical journal format below to complete an in
depth analysis of Ponyboy. Choose 3 characteristics that he demonstrates in the book and find evidence to
support your thoughts. Then, show how the quotation illustrates that particular characteristic in Ponyboy and
what it truly tells us about him.
Significant Quote

Character Trait and Interpretation

Cite 3 specific examples from the book that

reveal the character displaying that
characteristic.

Explain how the quote demonstrates the character

trait you listed. What does it tell us about the
character?

1. Page #_________

Character trait 1:______________

Interpretation:

2. Page #_________

Character trait 2:______________

Interpretation:

3. Page #_________

Character trait 3:______________

Interpretation:

Part II: Dialectical Journal for The Outsiders-Character of Your Choice

As you continue to read the famous novel by SE Hinton, use the dialectical journal format below to
complete an in depth analysis of ANY character of your choice that is not Ponyboy (You already did above).
Choose 3 characteristics that he/she exhibits in the book and find evidence to support your thoughts. Then, show
how the quotation demonstrates that particular characteristic in him/her and what it truly tells us about them.

Significant Quote

Character Trait and Interpretation

Cite 3 specific examples from the book that

reveal the character displaying that
characteristic.

Explain how the quote demonstrates the character

trait you listed. What does it tell us about the
character?

1. Page #_________

Character trait 1:______________

Interpretation:

2. Page #_________

Character trait 2:______________

Interpretation:

3. Page #_________

Character trait 3:______________

Interpretation:

The Outsiders-Dialectical Journal Rubric

Detailed, meaningful passages and quotations in regards to the novel

Thoughtful commentary about the text and insightful interpretations of
selected passages
Includes comments about literary elements such as characterization, imagery,
syntax, and how these elements contribute to the meaning of the The
Outsiders
Makes deep personal connections to the novel and engages in questioning of
the novels themes
Coverage of text is complete and thorough
Journal is neat and organized; student has followed directions in the
organization of journal
Less detailed, but provides good quotations from the novel
Some thought provoking commentary; addresses some thematic connections
but doesnt cover The Outsiders in its entirety
Identifies and interprets many literary elements, but does not explain the
meaning or how the quote contributes to the meaning
Some personal connection; but lacks in depth examination
Adequately addresses all sections of reading assignment
Journal is neat and readable, not necessarily possessing the greatest
organization; student has followed directions in the organization of journal

Several key details from the novel are present

Most of the commentary is vague and lacks depth or plot
summary/paraphrases
Some listing of literary elements; virtually no discussion on what they actually
mean to the novel
Limited personal connection; only asks and addresses a few questions
Addresses most of the reading assignment; there are gaps in coverage
Journal is relatively neat; may be difficult to read; did not follow all directions
in journal organization, and may be missing some key elements.

Few relevant details from the novel

Most quotes are paraphrased and dont offer engaging plot summary
Few literary elements, no discussion of what quotes mean to novel
Limited personal connections with the novel; addresses little to no questions
Limited coverage of the novel; sections with few entries are not completely
covered
Did not follow directions for dialectical journal; can be difficult to read or

follow; evidence of procrastination evident

Incomplete/Does not meet the standards above

Only one or two quotes were completed with severely limited analysis

Failure to bring in by the due date

Teacher Example-How To Earn 5

Significant Quote

Character Trait and Interpretation

Cite 3 specific examples from the book

that reveal the character displaying that
characteristic.

Explain how the quote demonstrates the

character trait you listed. What does it tell us
about the character?

1. Page # 32, Chapter 2

Character trait 1: Vulnerability

Interpretation:

We were used to seeing Johnny

banged up his father clobbered
him around a lot, and although it
made us madder than heck, we
couldnt do anything about it. But
those beatings had been nothing
like this. Johnnys face was cut up
and bruised and swollen, and there
was a wide gash from his temple to
his cheekbone. (P.32)

We immediately learn early in the novel that

Johnny is more than likely one of the smaller
greasers as he consistently gets in fights with his
Dad that leave him badly injured. I also
personally believe that Johnnys father probably
has some sort of substance abuse problem that
causes him to get physical and violent. With a
cut- up face and wide gash on his cheekbone, the
reader can assume that Johnny more than likely
exhibits a timid nature towards physical
violence. As a result of widespread fights with
his Father, Johnny is more than likely one of the
more vulnerable Greasers in the novel.

2. Page #121, Chapter 8

Character trait 2: Family Love/Belonging

We couldnt get along without him.

We needed Johnny as much as he
needed the gang. And for the same
reason

Interpretation:
While Johnny lays dying in the hospital,
Ponyboy speaks the quote to the right. The quote
demonstrates that Johnny clearly is the Greaser
that many of the Gang loved like a brother. As
we learned throughout the text, Johnnys mother
and father are both physically and mentally
abusive and he needs the gang to survive and the
gang needs him to justify their criminal like
behavior. Towards the end of the novel, we learn
that all Johnny truly wanted was Dally to be
proud of him, and he looked at the strongest
Greaser as his hero.