Image Impacts Behavior In S. E. Hinton's The Outsiders

224 Words1 Pages
An example of how self-image impacts behavior emphasizes that individuals often follow the guidelines set for their social position. In S.E Hinton’s novel The Outsiders, the gorgeous Soc, Cherry Valance, admits to Ponyboy that she often has to keep gabbing about various topics. She discreetly explains to him, “Nothing is real to us. You know, sometimes I’ll catch myself talking to a girl-friend, and realize I don’t mean half of what I’m saying” (38). Furthermore, Cherry often feels very coerced to speak around the Socs. Classified as a rich Soc, Cherry feels she must rave about various subjects to keep her reputation, even though she does not mean most of her words. An example of how self-image impacts behavior emphasizes that individuals often