QuickThink: Tastemakers1. Read and consider the description of

the character.2. Decide an appropriate answer to the

question after the description of the character.

3. Note the reason for your answer in the space after the question “Why?”

What We’re Going to do Today

• Try our hand at some characterization • Talk about characterization in The

Outsiders•Generate some opinions about the

character traits we’re looking at• Learn a little about the popular culture

of 1965

Greasers SocsEast Side (poor)Long hairHang out at The

Dingo and Jay’sBlue jeans, leather

jacketsFix up old cars“Gangs”Fight FairEmotionalElvis Presley

West Side (wealthy)Clean CutHang out at The Way

Out and Rusty'sMadras shirtsDrive Mustangs,

Corvairs“Social Clubs”Fight dirtyWithdrawnThe Beatles

“It seemed funny to me that Socs-if these girls were any example-were just like us. They liked the Beatles and thought Elvis Presley

was out, and we thought the Beatles were rank and that Elvis

was tuff, but that seemed the only difference to me.” page 37

Elvis Aaron Presley • Born January 8, 1935 in Mississippi

• Releases Elvis Presley, his first “Number One” record in 1956.

• Shocks America with scandalous dance moves on The Milton Berle Show, 1956.

• Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1957, sworn in as Army private in 1958.

• Appeared in 33 films over the course of his career. These films included Jailhouse Rock, Clambake and 1965’s Harum Scarum.

The Beatles• The band formed in Liverpool, England

in 1960.

• Their first U.S. single “I Want to Hold Your Hand” drops in 1963 and sells 2.6 million copies in just 2 weeks.

• The band become objects of controversy over issues like their shaggy hair and Queen Elizabeth II’s induction of the members into the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in ‘65

• The band starred in several films including A Hard Day’s Night, Magical Mystery Tour and 1965’s Help! A children’s cartoon series based on the group also debuted in 1965.

Free WriteWhy do you think Elvis appeals to the Greasers?

Why might the Socs find Elvis unappealing?Why do you think The Beatles appeal to the Socs?

Why might the Greasers find The Beatles unappealing?

(Take into account the images, videos and facts we’ve just encountered as well as any knowledge you may already have when formulating your opinion. Also, be sure to consider the setting of the novel- Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1965- when creating your ideas. Remember, context is the root of meaning!)

Elvis Presley The Beatles• Born January 8, 1935 in Mississippi• Releases Elvis Presley, his first “Number One”

record in 1956• Shocks America with scandalous and suggestive

dance moves on The Milton Berle Show in 1956.• Drafted into the U.S. Army in 1957, sworn in as

Army private in 1958.

• Appeared in 33 films over the course of his career. These films included Jailhouse Rock, Clambake and 1965’s Harum Scarum.

• The band formed in Liverpool, England in 1960.

• Their first U.S. single “I Want to Hold Your Hand” drops in 1963 and sells 2.6 million copies in just 2 weeks.

• The band become objects of controversy over issues like their shaggy hair and Queen Elizabeth II’s induction of the members into the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire in ‘65

• The band starred in several films including A Hard Day’s Night, Magical Mystery Tour and 1965’s Help! A children’s cartoon series based on the group also debuted in 1965.

Paired DiscussionDiscuss your responses to the freewrite.

Expand on your written responses with your words. This will help your partner better understand your ideas.

Be sure to take note of similarities and, more importantly, differences in your responses. Discuss what experiences or ideas might have led to those differences in opinion should you encounter any.

Dig deep!

For Your Journals

In real life, can someone be judged accurately by their taste in music (or books or movies or clothes)? Why, why not or (if you think “sometimes”) when?

Be sure to draw on experiences from your life and the world around you to justify your answer.