“Out Symbols”
In the novel, The Outsiders by S.E.Hinton, a boy named Ponyboy lives through hard times as a Greaser. Ponyboy learns a lot about life through the symbolism that is throughout this story. The main points that are used for symbolism is Hair, ‘Gold’, and Sunrises.
First, the symbol of a Greaser’s hair is used. “It was my pride. It was long and silky, just like Soda's, only a little redder. Our hair was tuff--- we didn't have to use much grease on it. Our hair labeled us greasers, too- -- it was our trademark. The one thing we were proud of. Maybe we couldn't have Corvairs or madras shirts, but we could have hair” (61) and “Johnny flipped out the razor-edge of his switch, took hold of my hair, and started sawing on it. I shuddered”
…show more content…
“The sky was lighter in the east, and the horizon was a thin golden line. The clouds changed from gray to pink, and the mist was touched with gold. There was a silent moment when everything held its breath, and then the sun rose. It was beautiful” (66) and “‘You know,’ Johnny said slowly, ‘I never noticed colors and clouds and stuff until you kept reminding me about them. It seems like they were never there before’” (67). Johnny and Ponyboy marvel in awe at the beauty of the sunrise. The two boys are living in a old, abandoned church in Windrixville. The sunrise symbolizes new life.
Third, the symbol of ‘Gold’. “‘Nature's first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf’s a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay’” (67) and “‘Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold…’” (113). Ponyboy is reciting a poem by Robert Frost. The poem talks about that nothing gold, or good, can stay. Before he dies, Johnny tells Ponyboy to stay gold. He want Ponyboy to stay his good self.
In conclusion, The Outsiders novel has many symbols that can teach about life. Through hair, sunrises, and ‘gold’, we can learn about life. We should always know who we are, what are life is, and what we need to