The Outsiders

The Outsiders by S. E. Hinton is a coming-of-age novel that explores the lives of two rival groups of teenagers in the 1960s: the Greasers and the Socs. Through the eyes of Ponyboy Curtis, a member of the Greasers, the book delves into themes of social class, identity, friendship, and the challenges of adolescence. The novel’s raw portrayal of conflict, loss, and growing up resonates with readers, making it a timeless exploration of youth and the complexities of social divisions. Hinton’s writing is straightforward yet powerful, capturing the emotional turmoil of the characters and the tension between the different societal groups. The Outsiders remains a significant work in young adult literature, praised for its relatable characters and themes.

Growing up is difficult. The desire to fit in is pitted against the encouragement to be unique and different. A person’s actions as well as the influence of family, friends, and society helps to form a person’s identity. And, this isn’t all kids need to worry about: they will face and deal with bumps in the road and times where they’re down. Ponyboy in The Outsiders thinks his life is figured out, until one night his world is flipped upside down. S. E. Hinton thoughtfully crafted The Outsiders out of her own experiences. A story written in 1965 is still relevant today and captivates the reader with a youthful, slangy writing style which allows the reader to bond with the characters.The Outsiders, written in 1965 Oklahoma, displays the struggle between two gangs in a town. The narrator, Ponyboy Curtis, his brothers, and friends make up the Greasers. This rag tag group of impoverished guys stick by each other's sides no matter what. They are up against the rich, snooty, Socs. These guys drive around in their expensive cars and jump Greasers to appear cool and intimidate them. In a constant battle between the Socs and Greasers, Ponyboy Curtis discovers there is good and bad in everyone.The story displays a conflict between two gangs who think they are very different: “Greasers are almost like hoods; we steal things and drive old souped-up cars and hold up gas stations and have a gang fight once in a while” (3). On the other hand, “[Socs] jump greasers and wreck houses and throw beer blasts for kicks and get editorials in the paper for being a public disgrace one day and an asset to society the next” (3). It isn’t safe for a Greaser to walk around alone, for the Socs always pull up in their convertible, hop out, and jump them. The Greasers despise the Socs and the Socs despise the Greasers. This is the case for Ponyboy too until he meets Cherry, the toughest Soc’s girlfriend, he realizes that Socs aren’t all that different after all. Cherry and Ponyboy share many similarities, especially their love for sunsets. With the help of Cherry, Ponyboy realizes the greasers, including himself, misjudged the Socs. Yes, they do get drunk and beat up Greasers for no good reason, but they are human and they have lives outside of how well they can fight. Will Ponyboy get everyone else to see the Socs true colors? Can this ever get better? The conflict remains relevant to society fifty years after it was written because there always seems to be this in-group and out-group.Not only is the story relevant to society, but it also maintains a young, slangy tone that allows the reader to connect with the characters. S. E. Hinton commented that “these characters are really kind of universal without losing their individuality.” The story, written when the author was only fifteen years old, is told from Ponyboy’s perspective. Ponyboy is a fourteen year old kid living with his two older brothers, Darry and Sodapop. Sodapop is sixteen and Darry is twenty and has custody of Sodapop and Ponyboy since their parents died in a car crash. Ponyboy’s young and optimistic, so his narration draws the reader in. Initially, Ponyboy feels very self-conscious and vulnerable: “I was wishing I looked like Paul Newman- he looks tough and I don’t” (1) He’s the youngest of the gang and looks up to his older, tougher brothers and friends. Within the first few pages, Ponyboy walks home from the movie theater alone and is stopped by Socs. “Need a haircut, greaser?” they ask him, “How’d you like that haircut to begin just below the chin?”(5) His brothers find him, fight back and save him. In Darry and Sodapop’s eyes Ponyboy is still young and fragile. But, as the story advances Ponyboy fights hard to prove the gang wrong. He grows stronger as he learns to be courageous, defend himself, and later in the process meets death face to face. S.E Hinton said “When I write, an interesting transformation takes place. I go from thinking about my narrator to being him,” and this is also how I felt while reading this. Ponyboy is forced to grow up in order to fit in, and as this happens the reader gets to grow with him and see him both thrive and grieve.With help from family and friends, growing up can be much more manageable and even fun. When reading The Outsiders I could never put the book down. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for an easy read with a timeless story and a powerful message.

What a sensitive look at coming of age in a working class world. Johnny's death was so moving and touched me deeply.

This book was wonderful it really was amazing it had all the heartache and love a boys needs and the longing to belong! You MUST read!!!

Good price compared to instore. Awesome book, good read and emotional story. Only problem the cover of the book pilled but definitely recommend reading.

This is a required reading book in 7th grade. I was apprehensive when the teacher told the students it talked about suicide and self harm. After reading the book, it portrays real life characters in real life situations that will help the students to think of these issues and maybe see these issues in play in their social groups. I think it may help some girls learn how boys think and why they can act so stupid sometimes. It may help some boys see themselves in a character that is an antagonist and get them to rethink their ways.All in all, I liked the book.

Enjoyed the book better than the movie! Made me watch the movie again. The movie had to leave so much out.

My 12 year old had to read this book for school and she fell in love with the story1 year later she still refers to this book