what is the big idea of the outsiders

S.E. Hinton

's classic novel The Outsiders examines the difficult nature of life on the streets for disenfranchised youth, illustrates the futility of violence, and emphasizes the importance of exercising tolerance and perspective before judging other people.

Full Answer

What are some themes in the Outsiders?

The Outsiders Themes

• Divided communities. Divided communities is a major theme of the novel as the story revolves around two major conflicts, which are- the conflict between the Socs and greasers, and the ...
• Preserving Childhood Innocence. ...
• Individual Identity. ...
• Bridging social classes. ...

What is the moral of the Outsiders?

The theme of this story is that it's okay to be differnet and accept yourself as who you are. Theme/moral of "The Outsider" by H.P Lovecraft "For although nepenthe has calmed me, I know always that I am an outsider; a stranger in this century and among those who are still men." He has accepted that he is an outsider. Example #3 Example #2

What is the primary conflict in "the Outsiders"?

The Primary Conflict. Set in the 1960s in Oklahoma, "The Outsiders" is told from the point of view of Ponyboy, a member of the Greasers gang. He and his buddies grow up on the wrong side of the tracks and are in perpetual disagreement with the Socials.

What is one theme of the Outsiders?

has hidden a troublesome history not only from outsiders, but also its own parishioners. Themes of misogyny and the idea of "put your questions on the shelf" are at the core of the series, and when it came to deciding what aspects of The Church of Jesus ...

Ponyboy’s reaction to the class division between the socs and greasers development

Pony often wonders why there is such a class division between Socks and Greasers. Pony muses that they share the same sunsets yet they want to hurt...

how does ponyboys conversation with randy reveal a contrast between each charcters situation

Pony and Randy are from opposite sides of "the tracks" meaning they come from opposite socio-economic parts of society. Although the Socs will rema...

Reread the paragraph in which Ponyboy describes Two-Bit at length. What are some of the words and phrases he uses that sound the way a teen might actually talk at that time?

Pony uses the term(s) wisecracker , smarting off, for kick, I liked him real well, and couldn't shut him up to save his life.

What is the story of the outsiders?

The Outsiders tells the story of two groups of teenagers whose bitter rivalry stems from socioeconomic differences. However, Hinton suggests, these differences in social class do not necessarily make natural enemies of the two groups, and the greasers and Socs share some things in common.

What is the cycle of violence in The Outsiders?

Violence drives most of the action in The Outsiders: Johnny is deeply scarred by a past beating from the Socs, the greasers and Socs participate in frequent “rumbles,” and both Bob and Dally are murdered over the course of the novel.

What does Ponyboy see in the book?

Over the course of the novel, Ponyboy begins to see the pattern of shared experience . He realizes that the hardships that greasers and Socs face may take different practical forms, but that the members of both groups—and youths everywhere—must inevitably come to terms with fear, love, and sorrow.

What is the idea of honorable action in Gone with the Wind?

The idea of honorable action appears throughout the novel, and it works as an important component of the greaser behavioral code. Greasers see it as their duty, Ponyboy says, to stand up for each other in the face of enemies and authorities. In particular, we see acts of honorable duty from Dally Winston, a character who is primarily defined by his delinquency and lack of refinement. Ponyboy informs us that once, in a show of group solidarity, Dally let himself be arrested for a crime that Two-Bit had committed. Furthermore, when discussing Gone with the Wind, Johnny says that he views Dally as a Southern gentleman, as a man with a fixed personal code of behavior. Statements like Johnny’s, coupled with acts of honorable sacrifice throughout the narrative, demonstrate that courtesy and propriety can exist even among the most lawless of social groups.

What does Ponyboy say about Darry's eyes?

Ponyboy's view of other characters is often tied to his interpretation of their eyes; for example, he says that "Darry's eyes are his own. He's got eyes that are like two pieces of pale blue-green ice. They've got a determined set to them, like the rest of him... he would be real handsome if his eyes weren't so cold.".

What is the conflict between the Socs and the Greasers?

almost like hoods; we steal things and rive old souped-up cars and hold up gas stations and have a gang fight once in a while." In contrast, the Socs are "the jet set, the West-side rich kids," who "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."

Why does Darry keep his hair short?

It is a demonstration of his resentment of his role as a Greaser -- as if he doesn't belong in that place in society.

Why does Ponyboy realize that the Socs never get blamed for causing trouble?

Ponyboy realizes that the reason the Socs never get blamed for causing trouble is because "We look hoody and they look decent." Although most of the Greasers are "pretty decent guys underneath all that grease," and the Socs are "just cold-blooded mean," it doesn't matter because "people usually go by looks."

What does Ponyboy say about Johnny?

Ponyboy notes that, "We can look meaner than anything when we want to - looking tough comes in handy.". In Chapter 4, when the boys are going to ask for directions to Jay Mountain, Ponyboy sees Johnny "as a stranger might see him," and realizes that they will never pass for farm boys.

Why does Ponyboy create alternate realities?

Ponyboy often creates alternate realities for himself to cope with situations that he feels are unbearable. For instance, while he and Johnny watch the starts in the vacant lot in Chapter 3, he thinks, "I felt the tension growing inside of me and I knew something had to happen or I would explode.".

What is Ponyboy's conscious attitude?

Ponyboy is very conscious of the way he and others look. It is clear in his descriptions of people as a narrator, but also in his interactions with the world. For example, in Chapter 1, when the Socs start to surround him, he "automatically hitched my thumbs in my jeans and slouched" to appear tougher.

What is the theme of The Outsiders?

The first and major theme is the gap between the different social classes, particularly the gap between the rich and the poor. The story shows that the rich take advantage of their authority. They look down to greasers and see no value in them. They look at themselves as the better part of the society, hence they allow themselves to do whatever they want. But greasers have limitations. They can only defend themselves, they could never allow themselves to start a fight with the socs because they would not get away with it like the socs do. When Ponyboy and Johnny were having a walk with Sherry and her friend, Bob and his friend Randy show up and demand that the girls leave with them instantly. Sherry

Why do the Socs struggle in The Outsiders?

Some people believe that the Socs struggled more in The Outsiders because they are rich so everyone thinks they have everything they want, but really they do not have their parents attention, yet that’s really all they want and others believe the Greasers struggled more in The Outsiders because they have no money and have to work for what they want in life. In The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, both the Greasers and the Socs face different struggles in life, however, the Greasers have more difficult lives because they get jumped, lack of money,they get put down by the Socs and have titles over their heads. The Greasers are always getting put down and getting hurt by the Socs. In The Outsiders,Ponyboy states

Why does Polonius cut himself off?

He cuts himself off to show that he uses the word tender a great deal, but to make the word, tender, have more value. Then he mentions, you’ll tender me a fool, to tell Ophelia that she will allow him to become a moron within his community. Polonius does not want her to ruin his reputation. He continuously makes her feel inadequate, simple minded and guilty for being affectionate towards Hamlet. Even if Ophelia wanted to speak up against her father, she was forbidden to do so.

How does following misunderstood traditions affect people?

Following misunderstood traditions allows people to perform harmful actions because it is what they have been taught to do. In the short story, The Lottery, Shirley Jackson reveals the tragic consequences of not being willing to stand up against traditions that serve no useful purpose in society. Through the use of symbolism, characterization and setting shows the way that even ordinary people pursue traditions that create tension and harmful outcomes to anyone involved. People will blindly follow tradition without questioning it or its outcome. A box that has been used since the lottery started is now on its last leg but when "Mr. Summers spoke frequently to the villagers about making a new box, no one liked to even upset a tradition as was represented by the black

Why does Capulet keep the feud between the two families?

Capulet kept the feud between the two families because he felt too proud of himself and his achievements. This ongoing feud made it impossible for Juliet to tell Mr. Capulet that she was already married, and to a Montague. “My sword, I say! Old Montague is come, And flourishes his blade in spite of me.” Mr. Capulet hears of a brawl in the streets of Verona and he automatically draws his weapon just because it’s against the Montagues. Mr. Capulet also refuses his Lady’s wishes for him not to fight because he felt like he was too good not to fight.

What is the character change in The Outsiders?

Character Changes In The Outsiders. In this novel, there is a boy named Johnny, who is in a gang called the greasers. He is like the pet of the gang, and without him, their is no balance between the gang mates. From the beginning of the novel to the end, Johnny’s personality changes a lot.

Why is loyalty important in The Outsiders?

This is why the major theme of The Outsiders is that loyalty is essential for a group’s survival and well-being. One way that loyalty is demonstrated in the novel is how the characters grouped together to protect one another from physical threats.

Why didn't Darry think Ponyboy should fight?

Darry didn't think Ponyboy should fight because he was so weak and is better than the violence. The rumble is a good example of how the Greasers will protect each other and the Socs will also protect themselves, no matter what. The big idea found in the story is the importance of brotherhood.

What happens to Ponyboy in the book?

The book begins with PonyBoy getting out of a movie and he proceeds to run into some Socs. He then gets beaten up and gets a switchblade put to his throat. The Soc group beats him up and threatens his life but some of his gang save him. The next day PonyBoy and Johnny go to the drive in movies with Dally.

Why did the Socs drive away from Ponyboy?

The Socs drove away when Darry showed up to protect his brother. Darry acts just like their dad. He cares about Ponyboy so much, and since they are brothers, no one can break their relationship. This relationship between Ponyboy and Darry really show what brotherhood is all about. Another example…show more content….

What does Johnny tell Dally and Ponyboy before he dies?

Before he dies on page 148, Johnny tells both Dally and Ponyboy, "Useless...fighting 's no good." Johnny is right. It really is useless. However, if the Soc and the greasers would express their feelings verbally instead of physically, death and injuries would decline dramatically. In conclusion, I believe that the theme communication is better than violence is the best lesson illustrated in The Outsiders, because physical harm doesn 't change anything, there 's no point in doing it, and it usually ends negatively for the participants.

What are some examples of Brotherhood in The Outsiders?

Examples Of Brotherhood In The Outsiders. The novel, "The Outsiders," written by S.E. Hinton, is about two groups called the Socs and the Greasers. The Socs are rich, they wear fancy clothing and drive fancy cars. The Greasers are poor, they wear torn clothing, and their parents are not around. They fight each other out ...

What does Randy ask Ponyboy about the burning church?

As Randy and Ponyboy sit in the Mustang, Randy asks Ponyboy why he helped the kids in the burning church. He says he was surprised that a greaser would do something like that. Ponyboy responds that his actions had nothing to do with being a greaser, and suggests that Randy or any other individual might do the same.

What does Sodapop say about Johnny's back?

He says that Dally will be okay in a few days, but that Johnny's back has been broken, and that if he survives he will be crippled for life. Ponyboy tries not to cry when he hears this news.

What does Randy tell Ponyboy about Bob?

He tells Ponyboy about Bob's troubled family life , and describes Bob as a great friend with a bad temper.

What is the conversation between Ponyboy and Randy?

The conversation between Ponyboy and Randy touches on many of the novel's important themes. Ponyboy insists on the heroic capacity of every person—Soc, greaser, or otherwise.

What does Two Bit say about Johnny and Ponyboy?

Two-Bit objects to the verb " turn," asserting that Ponyboy and Johnny were heroes all along. The article credits the boys with saving the children's lives. The report also quotes Cherry and Randy regarding the killing of Bob—both of them insist that Johnny acted only in self-defense.

What does the recurrence of Ponyboy's nightmares mean?

The recurrence of Ponyboy's nightmares suggests that he is struggling emotionally to cope with the killing of Bob, the possibility of Johnny's death, and the threat of separation from his brothers. Darry's concern for Ponyboy suggests that the rift in the Curtis family is mending.

What do the boys entertain themselves with?

The boys entertain themselves by playing poker and reading aloud from Gone with the Wind. Johnny admires the Southern gentlemen in the novel and says that they remind him of Dally. When Ponyboy doesn't understand, Johnny tells about a time when Dally took the blame for a petty crime committed by Two-Bit.

What do Ponyboy and Johnny talk about?

Later, Ponyboy and Johnny talk about killing Bob, and both of them cry out of fear and shock as they discuss the experience. They comfort each other and go back to sleep. When they wake up, both boys feel more relaxed and level-headed. Ponyboy says to Johnny, "We ain't gonna cry no more, are we?"

What does the letter from Sodapop indicate about Darry?

Both Dally and the letter from Sodapop indicate Darry's deep concern for Ponyboy's welfare, but Ponyboy does not seem to take note of it. Dally's care for the boys underscores his capacity for loyalty and self-sacrifice. Yet at the same time he accepts the conflict between the Socs and greasers without ever questioning its purpose or value. Dally, hardened as he is, is unable and unwilling to see past the differences that produce divided communities.

What is the theme of the fifth day after Bob's death?

Active Themes. On the fifth day after Bob's death, Dally pays the boys a visit. He brings Ponyboy a letter from Sodapop, in which Sodapop writes that Darry is worried for Ponyboy and very sorry for hitting him. Dally then drives them to a Dairy Queen for a meal.

What is Johnny's story?

Johnny's story is a reminder that noble behavior does not reside only with those deemed heroes by society. Yet the comparison of Dally to the Southern gentleman doomed to die at war foreshadows Dally's fate. Unlock. Unlock with LitCharts A+. Active Themes. Get the entire The Outsiders LitChart as a printable PDF.

What does Ponyboy think about Johnny?

Ponyboy responds that Johnny, too, is different from the other gang members. Ponyboy's appreciation for beauty sets him apart from the other members of his family and gang. Being a Curtis brother is only part of Ponyboy's identity, as is being a greaser.

What does Ponyboy's waking dreams indicate?

Ponyboy's waking dreams of being at home indicate that the three brothers do love and care for each other, despite the ongoing tensions between Ponyboy and Darry. Active Themes.