S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders

What is the context?

            S.E. Hinton was born in 1950 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Although she was not part of a gang, she did grow up with friends who were greasers, and she knew a few Socs. She did not consider herself to be a greaser or a Soc. Hinton realized that there was not a lot of quality literature for young adults. Because she loved to read, this bothered her, and she took matters into her own hands. Hinton began writing The Outsiders when she was 15. She continued it throughout high school and it was published when she was 18. Believing the male authors had more credibility, Hinton used her initials “S.E.” rather than her real name Susan Eloise.  She wrote the book to express what it is like as a teenager, and she wanted to make people realize that being an outsider is not always a bad thing.

What is the author communicating and how?

            There are many themes found in The Outsiders. The most obvious is found in the title. The novel looks at what it is like to be an outsider, and to live life on the outskirts of society. Ponyboy feels like an outsider himself. He understands that the way he dresses and where he lives can change how people feel about him. He feels powerless to change this, and often times can be seen thinking about what it would be like to be included. He realizes the injustices that come with his economic status. Hinton expresses this through gangs. The greasers and Socs come from different backgrounds. Their economic statuses clash and that is the root of all their gangs’ wars.

            In addition, relationships are a large part of The Outsiders. The Curtis family is not like a normal family. Their parents died and now the oldest son is in charge of the household. This strains their relationship as brothers. Darry now sees Sodapop and Ponyboy as responsibilities rather than family. He puts a lot of pressure on them and is very strict. However, in the end, Ponyboy realizes that it is for the best. Darry sees Ponyboy’s potential and wants him to succeed. Darry wants him to be more successful than himself or Soda, who both are stuck in the small town. In addition, Johnny makes Pony realize how lucky he is to have a family. The gang is a family in itself, but the bond of a family runs deeper. Ponyboy says “Darry and Sodapop were my brothers and I loved both of them . . . they were my real brothers, not just sort of adopted ones." Family is very important to Ponyboy, which shows how important it should be to teenagers everywhere.

            Lastly, Hinton expresses the bonds that form between childhood friends. The people you grew up with are special. No one else in the world grew up like you did. Because you matured together and grew up together, a special bond forms. No one can replace your neighborhood friends. For many young adults, their friends are almost like family. Hinton shows that friends can be just as important as family.

Why is it beautiful?

            I think The Outsiders is beautiful because it conveys a lot of important meanings to young adults. I remember reading this book in 7^th grade, and being truly moved. I think it was even the first book that made me cry. Everyone knows the famous line “Stay gold Ponyboy.” It is a reference to the Robert Frost poem that says “Nothing gold can stay” meaning that all good things must come to an end. However, Johnny encourages Ponyboy to “stay gold” or stay innocent. He realizes how useless all the fighting was and he wants Ponyboy to stay innocent and good. This message runs deep for many people.  Every person wants to grow up as fast as they can, and leave adolescence behind. However, being innocent and living a happy life should not end. You should always look on the bright side of things and realize the beauty of life. Hinton’s entire novel can be summarized in that one quote. The harsh realities of the world can ruin a person’s innocence, yet some people can stay gold through it all. The truth behind her novel can be applied to anyone of any age. The wise words of a sixteen year old are truly beautiful and astute.