With what social group does ponyboy identify himself from the first paragraph of the book? How is he like others in his group? How is he different from his peer group?
The novel begins with Ponyboy, the narrator, leaving the "darkness of the movie house." He has just seen a Paul Newman film. He describes himself for the reader, physically, and notes his household situation: he lives with his older brothers, Darry and Soda. Their parents were killed in a car accident, and the boys can "stay together only as long as we behave." He also describes his social status, which is that of a "Greaser".
Ponyboy is different because he loves to read, he loves movies, and he worries about his grades in school.
http://www.gradesaver.com/the-outsiders/study-guide/summary-chapters-1-and-2
