Bellringer What are the top ten struggles/problems seventh graders face in your community? Develop a list.

Teen Suicide and Bullying in The Outsiders Kenwood Academy—7 th Grade Language Arts

Perspective Taking Discussion Question: For our Socs: Develop a list of five reasons why Socs might consider committing suicide. For our greasers: Develop a list of five reasons why greasers might consider committing suicide.

“I can’t take much more.” Johnny spoke my own feelings. “I’ll kill myself or something.” “Don’t,” I said, sitting up in alarm. “You can’t kill yourself, Johnny.” “Well I won’t but I gotta do something. It seems like there’s gotta be someplace without greasers or Socs, with just people. Plain ordinary people.” “Out of the big towns,” I said, lying back down. “In the country…” Example 1: Johnny contemplates killing himself. (Chapter 3, pages 47-48)

Example 2: Johnny talks to Ponyboy about how he is scared to die. (Chapter 8, pages ) “You want to know something Ponyboy? I’m scared stiff. I used to talk about killing myself…” He drew a quivering breath. “I don’t want to die now. It ain’t long enough. Sixteen years ain’t long enough. I wouldn’t mind it so much if there wasn’t so much stuff I ain’t done yet and so many things I ain’t seen. It’s not fair. You know what? That time we were in Windrixville was the only time I’ve been away from our neighborhood.”

For Discussion: How do you think bullying affected Johnny’s personal identity? How do you think bullying affects your personal identity? Write a paragraph response.