Static Characters In The Outsiders

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Societal adversities carve an individual’s outlook and character, which may continue unaltered until their untimely death. Susan Eloise Hinton, author of the coming of age literary text, The Outsiders, depicts the prevalent teenage social rivalry in the 1960s between the Socials (Socs) and the Greasers. Through a series of consequential incidents, various characters are challenged and undergo a progressive transformation throughout the story, while others remain static and do not respond with a shift in character. Dallas “Dally” Winston resists change despite the numerous opportunities for transformation as Ponyboy Curtis’ most distinctive gang member. Dallas Winston as a static character, remains self-preservative and detached from society, as seen in Ponyboy’s assessment of him at Buck Merril 's party, his conversation with …show more content…

Hinton depicts the notion that everyone, even the most tenacious personalities, has a breaking point. Caught up in his own demands, Dally overlooks others’ developing character and the fact that he can and will lose them. Therefore, his character is a warning for individuals to remember how it feels to empathize and cherish others then recognize their own emotions. Individuals must not succumb to the depravity and inequity of society to the point of absolute aloofness and withdrawnness. Everything considered, self-care is valuable and eminently imperative to one’s mental and emotional health, though they must remember the significance of sharing life and facing its trials with another. Likewise, individuals must recognize the innocence and virtue in life though it may be obscure. As Johnny describes it, “When you’re a kid everything’s new, dawn. It’s just when you get used to everything that it’s day” (Hinton