Final answer:
In 'The Outsiders', the park events spark the rising action by escalating conflict and tension, as Johnny's act of self-defense causes him and Ponyboy to flee. This leads to a series of events that build up to the climax, intensifying the central class struggle and setting the stage for the story's high point.
Step-by-step explanation:
In The Outsiders, the events in the park are critical for the rising action of the plot. This is the part of the story where significant events begin to escalate the tension and conflict among characters. Specifically, when Ponyboy and Johnny are attacked by a rival gang, the Socs, in the park, this event triggers a chain of actions that lead to Johnny killing a Soc in self-defense. This incident is a key turning point which thrusts the main characters into a situation of crisis and sets the stage for the more intense conflicts to follow.
The attack and ensuing scuffle in the park exemplify the ongoing class struggle and violence between the Greasers and the Socs, which is central to the narrative. It forces Ponyboy and Johnny to flee, marking the beginning of their journey on the run, introducing new challenges, and meeting additional characters who influence their perception of the world. These events contribute to the rising action by incrementally building tension and conflict, leading directly to the climax of the story.