The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton

• The novel is set in 1960s Tulsa, Oklahoma, and follows the perspective of Ponyboy Curtis, a "greaser" who is part of a gang of friends.
• Greasers are characterized by big oiled hair, leather jackets, rebellious attire, and low economic status.

Social Class and Conflict

• The novel explores the social warfare between the greasers and the "socs" (rich suburban youth who form gangs of their own).
• Ponyboy distinguishes between his "gang" and criminals, noting that organized gangs are rare in their area.

Plot Summary

• Ponyboy and Johnny are jumped by a group of socs, and in the ensuing struggle, Johnny kills Bob Sheldon in self-defense.
• Ponyboy and Johnny flee to an abandoned church, where they hide out until Dally comes to get them.
• A fire breaks out at the church, and Ponyboy and Johnny rescue a group of children from the burning building.

Themes

• Class Divide: The novel highlights the superficial differences between greasers and socs, showing that they have more in common than they initially seem.
• Family and Found Family: The novel emphasizes the importance of family bonds, whether biological or formed through shared experiences and loyalty.
• Violence: The novel presents violence as a result of trauma and struggle, and suggests that it can be avoided through empathy and human connection.

Symbols

• 1960 Chevrolet Impala: A muscle car driven by greasers, symbolizing their rejection of mainstream society.
• Greaser Hair and Clothing: Symbolizing nonconformity and pride in their identity.
• Cars: Representing the social divide between greasers and socs, with socs driving expensive sports cars and greasers driving older model muscle cars.
• Sunset/Sunrise: Symbolizing hope, tragedy, and the passage of time, as various characters experience sunrises and sunsets throughout the novel.

A coming-of-age novel set in 1960s Oklahoma, following the story of Ponyboy Curtis, a 'greaser' and his two older brothers. Explore the themes and characters of this classic novel.