I read the book The Outsiders by S.E Hinton. I found this book very interesting because of how the main character, Ponyboy, tells the story from his point of view. The story focuses on one teenager's struggles trying to figure out who he is and who his friends are due to social class differences between rich and poor. It also looks at the journey they must go through to overcome those differences living in an urban city like Tulsa, Oklahoma. The main characters in this story were Ponyboy, whose point of view the story is told from, Johnny Cade, Ponyboy’s best friend, their gang of Greasers, and the Socs, the reveal gang.
This story focuses on a teenager's struggles to figure out who he is and who his friends are due to social class and differences between rich and poor. This story focuses on a teenager's struggles to figure out who he is and who his friends are due to social class and differences between rich and poor. The story unfolds reasonably. It follows Ponyboy's journey of growth and discovery as he faces gang differences, teenagers, and societal standards. The events follow an orderly pattern, building on one another to create an easily understood story that finally leads to Ponyboy's development and understanding of who he is and where he fits in the world. The following textual evidence proves my point: "I was beginning to see that he was right. Johnny had been the only thing Dally loved. And now Johnny was gone." This passage from the book provides an example of how the story makes sense and progresses naturally as Ponyboy considers how Johnny's passing has affected both Dally and him. This event marks a turning point in the story's development and opens the door for further character and story growth.
Two of the main characters in the story are Ponyboy and Johnny. These characters grow and change throughout the book, showing the importance of empathy and compassion for those from various economic classes. Ponyboy Curtis is one character who develops and changes. At the start of the book, Ponyboy is a rather judgmental and unaware kid, but as the story progresses, he can look past the biases and assumptions he was raised with. He realizes everyone has difficulties and dreams, no matter where they come from. Johnny Cade is another example. Johnny, previously a shy outcast among the Greasers gang, undergoes an abrupt change as he defends Ponyboy in a dire situation. He discovers strength inside himself that he was unaware he had and realizes his value. The characters' development and changes deepen the book's idea by showing how empathy and understanding can bridge social lines. The characters show that individuals are more than their labels or physical traits, and everyone deserves to be treated with compassion and respect by experiencing personal growth. The following textual evidence proves my point: Johnny says, "Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold..." It shows Johnny's development and understanding of the value of remaining true to oneself and noticing the good things in life.
This story is set on the Eastside, a lower-income part of the city, where the greasers are from. The Outsiders' setting has an important impact on the plot and the characters' lives. The story takes place in 1965 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, even though it is never mentioned. There is a clear divide between the wealthy and privileged Socs and the lower-class and oppressed Greasers, who are clearly at odds with one another. The lower-class Eastside area of the city serves as a setting for the tension and struggle between the Socs and the Greasers, underlining the social injustices and class divides that form the story's main themes. The Socs reside in wealthy neighborhoods with opportunities and advantages, whereas the Greasers are poor and have little hope for a brighter future. This glaring difference is the main reason for tension and hostility between the two groups. I know this because, in the text, Ponyboy says Greasers can't walk alone too much, or they'll get jumped, or someone will come by and scream, "Greaser!" He even says the Socs, the jet set, the West-side rich kids. It's like the term "greaser," which shows the differences between the two classes.
Conclusion:
Thesis Statement: Restate your thesis from your intro paragraph. (Don’t forget to start off with a transition!)
Summarize: (Briefly summarize the main points of your 3 body paragraphs. Only the main points!)
Closing Remark: (Leave your reader with a lasting impression. Ask a question or make a statement)
In conclusion, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is a compelling story of social class differences, friendship, and personal growth. The main character, Ponyboy, navigates through his struggles and learns valuable lessons throughout the book. The setting of the story in Tulsa, Oklahoma, plays a significant role in highlighting the disparities between the Socs and Greasers. Through the character development of Ponyboy and Johnny, the importance of empathy and understanding is emphasized. Overall, this book is a thought-provoking read that explores themes of identity and unity amongst societal divides.
Closing Remark: How do you think the themes and messages in The Outsiders are still relevant today in our society?