Finding Connection: The Outsiders

Lesson 19
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ELA

Unit 4

6th Grade

Lesson 19 of 26

Objective


Compare and contrast scenes from The Outsiders with the film version and describe the experience of viewing the film.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton  pp. 141 – 179

  • Movie: The Outsiders  — (1:12:25–1:27:44)

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A Note for Teachers


  • The film excerpt in today's lesson includes a few depictions of violence that may be distressing for students. Students will watch a brawl during the rumble, as well as gun violence involving a police shootout during the scene of Dally's death. Preview these scenes with students and set norms for appropriate reactions and academic discussion. Consider how to prepare students and create a safe space for discussion in the classroom. For further guidance, review The Parents' Guide to The Outsiders Movie from Common Sense Media as a part of intellectual preparation. Note that this guide refers to the extended release of the film, The Outsiders: The Complete Novel, which is rated PG-13. 
  • There are two scenes of gun violence that are not necessary for students' analysis. After leaving Johnny's hospital room, Dally pulls a gun on a doctor who confronts him (1:21:20–1:21:40). Later, Dally pulls a gun again on a store clerk while robbing the grocery store, and the store clerk opens fire at him as he flees (1:22:43–1:23:44). Though the film is rated PG, these scenes may not be permissible. Consult with school or district policies to determine whether it is advised to skip these scenes. 
  • Today's lesson contains a movie as a core material. To support students, consider turning on the subtitles. As a part of intellectual preparation, preview the accuracy of the subtitles provided.

Target Task


Discussion & Writing Prompt

Compare and contrast how the novel and the film create a feeling of suspense for the audience during the rumble. Provide examples from both the book and the movie to support your answer. (The Outsiders & Film: The Outsiders, 1983)

Sample Response

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Key Questions


  • Compare and contrast the experience of reading about Johnny's death and watching it on film. Provide examples from both the book and the movie to support your answer. (The Outsiders & Film: The Outsiders, 1983)

  • How did the depiction of Dally's death in the film compare to what you had imagined when you were reading this scene in the book? Provide examples from both the book and the movie to support your answer. (The Outsiders & Film: The Outsiders, 1983)

  • What choices does the filmmaker make to dramatize Johnny's letter to Ponyboy? How did these choices impact your experience as a viewer compared to reading the letter in the text? (The Outsiders & Film: The Outsiders, 1983)

Vocabulary


Literary Terms

camera movement

the way a camera moves in relation to the characters and setting; can include techniques like zooming in, zooming out, panning up/down/left/right

camera angle

the specific location at which the movie camera or video camera is placed to take a shot

cuts

when the image on screen is instantly replaced with another, often in the form of a camera angle change

Homework


To ensure that students are prepared for the next lesson, have students complete the following reading for homework. Use guidance from the next lesson to identify any additional language or background support students may need while independently engaging with the text.

  • Poem: “We Real Cool” by Gwendolyn Brooks 

While reading, answer the following questions.

  • Who are the speakers of the poem?

  • What is the poem about? 

  • What structural choices has the poet made? 

  • What can be observed about the use of sound in the poem? 

  • What is the mood of the poem?

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Common Core Standards


  • RL.6.1 — Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
  • RL.6.7 — Compare and contrast the experience of reading a story, drama, or poem to listening to or viewing an audio, video, or live version of the text, including contrasting what they "see" and "hear" when reading the text to what they perceive when they listen or watch.

Supporting Standards

L.6.6
RL.6.1
SL.6.1
SL.6.6
W.6.1
W.6.4
W.6.9
W.6.9.a
W.6.10

Next

Analyze how the author develops the tone and meaning of the poem "We Real Cool" and how the poem explores similar themes as The Outsiders.

Lesson 20
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