Loss Of Innocence In The Outsiders

Throughout the novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, the theme of understanding, innocence and purity is intensely captured by the touching phrase “nothing gold can stay”. This statement explores the depth of its meaning as it holds truth and deeply resonates with the characters Johnny Cade and Ponyboy Curtis. Through their experiences and epiphanies, Hinton is able to help the reader understand the beauty of youthfulness and purity, which evolve into a new comprehension and knowledge of life. Through the illustration of Johnny Cade’s hardships and troubles, there is the upsetting truth that nothing gold can stay. Although Johnny had a fearful and timid personality, he had resilience in the face of adversity, and therefore he still had pure happiness.

42). After this, Ponyboy reveals that "Johnny was the gang's pet" (p. 14). He was “everyone's kid brother” (p. 14) because “his father was always beating him up and, his mother ignored him” (p. 14). Without the gang “Johnny would never have known what love and affection are” (p. 14). So, the gang made sure to take care of him. Moreover, the theme of Johnny losing his innocence was further proven when things worsened through the tragic fight that resulted in Bob’s death. This hardship helped him understand that, although the world is harsh, there are still virtuous things in it. When Johnny was living his last few days, he exclaimed the emotional phrase, “Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay in the gold." p. 178 of the. This expands the belief that gold means innocence and that he is trying to help Ponyboy to stay young and not to strive to grow up. Despite his desire to live, which was known through his sad explanation of "I don't want to die now. It ain't long enough." (p. 146), he unfortunately died at the early age of sixteen. As Ponyboy mourns the sad death of his closest friend, he is reminded of Johnny’s thought that “you're gold when you're a kid, like