The Outsiders Essay

In S.E. Hintons novel, The Outsiders, two completely different companionable groups, the Greasers and the Socs, are faced with the tragic event of Bobs death, caused by confusion and misunderstanding. Greasers are poor and wild. They are most like hoods; they steal, hold up gas stations and occasionally have fights. On the West Side of town bouncing the Socs: the complete opposite of greasers. The Socs are the educated rich kids who baffle all the lucky breaks. The two different groups are in constant dispute. In this novel, S.E. Hinton foregrounds a discourse of hope by means of the marginalised characters of Ponyboy Curtis and Johnny Cade to challenge stereotyping.

Ponyboy Curtis is the younger brother of Darry and Sodapop. Their parents were killed in a car accident and the boys were left to fend for themselves. They endeavour to bank together. Even though Ponyboy is the youngest of the gang, he knows that he is different. This is shown through both(prenominal) his actions, dreams and realisations. Ponyboys actions challenge the stereotype of greasers. An example of this is when Dally, Johnny and he are at the Nightly Double drive in. (pg 25) Dally spots two Soc girls sitting at the battlefront and takes the opportunity to get up to his usual tricks.



(pg 25) He begins by talking dirty to the girls but they didnt respond, so continues to elicit them. By Ponyboy not joining in, this shows that he respects the girls. He is not like Dally. This is further proven when he thinks to himself that openhearted of kicks just doesnt appeal to me. (pg 26) Ponyboy acts respectfully and responsibly which is zero point like a stereotypical greaser. The way that Ponyboy acts shows that there is a conflict inside of him. While he is sensitive and caring, he knows that he is meant to act tough and mean; like a greaser. This shows that Ponyboy has hope for himself: that he might find out who he really is. Ponyboys hopeful dreams and realisations also challenge stereotyping.

Ponyboy Curtiss dreams...If you want to get a full essay, order it on our website: Orderessay



If you want to get a full essay, wisit our page: write my essay .