Common Themes In The Outsiders

Ponyboy is only 14 years old in, “The Outsiders,” but has gone through many hardships and struggles most teenagers will never go through. Throughout the story, he has lost others and even himself. The cause of this is the division between Socs and Greasers. Throughout the story, the author builds up the theme that, everyone is human, no matter what social class, race, sex, or age. As readers we see this when Cherry Valance is first introduced, the relationship of the Curtis brothers, and the truth about Bob. These instances are examples of how no one is born better than others or has to fit their title if they don’t want to. Each character in this book is human, with problems and struggles. They judge each other based on whether or not they

After having to get Dally away from her they began to talk and saw that they had similarities. They both enjoyed watching the sunset which they found surprising because in their eyes Greasers were cold-hearted people who cared nothing about anyone else and just wanted to fight and Socs were stuck-up rich kids who only cared about themselves and their status. However, Pony and Cherry were different in that it did not matter if one was a Soc and one was a Greaser because they had similarities and bonded over them. Cherry even said that Socs also have their problem even if they are rich, as she says “things are rough all over.” Because of Cherry, Ponyboy learned to understand Socs; for example, “I really couldn't see what Socs would have to sweat about--- good grades, good cars, good girls, madras and Mustangs and Corvairs--- Man, I thought, if I had worries like that I'd consider myself lucky. I know better now.” From Cherry, Pony learned that just because someone is a Soc does not mean that their life is perfect. And, just because someone is a greaser does not mean they are always violent. Ponyboy states that “Maybe the two different worlds we lived in weren't so different. We saw the same sunset.” Ponyboy and Cherry both are just trying to find someone who they can be human with, and they find it in each

Using Cherry and Ponyboy’s similarities, the relationship of the Curtis brothers, and the reason for Bob’s actions the author gradually helped the readers understand this. All of these characters had similar aspects of being misunderstood and cursed with their title of being a Greaser or Soc. Even in today’s world people can live by this rule of not judging others based on their appearance; like, ethnicity, religion, place of origin, or sex. This book teaches all of us that when we divide ourselves and our communities nothing will change and hate and discrimination will continue. Before judging someone, allow yourself to put yourself in their shoes and understand who they are. Know all the pieces before completing the