No matter how belligerent things become, the significance of family clearly outshines the brutality of the coming world. This is shown throughout The Outsiders by S.E Hinton. It plays a crucial role in the book. It can be shown using several literary elements. The importance of family is can be blatantly observed through conflict, characterization, and plot. In the novel The Outsiders, Hinton describes through conflict that family is the first place to turn to. According to the book,”Tuff enough. Wait till I get out, though, so you can keep Darry off my back.” This quote expresses the conflict in Ponyboy's mind and that even though Ponyboy does not correlate to one of his brothers, he can at least feel at peace while talking to another. It also shows that Darry is aware that his little sibling may get into trouble, and takes the pains of keeping him safe. The book separately states,”Me and Darry finally got through to each other.” The reference shows that nearly at the end of the novel, Darry and Ponyboy finally understood each other and suddenly Pony feared being taken away from him. This shows that Ponyboys conflict of Darry not understanding his distinct viewpoints had been solved. Conclusively, the Curtis brothers …show more content…
As the book describes,”Darry, jamming his fists into his pockets, said, ‘They didn’t hurt you too bad did they?’“ To elaborate on this further, Darry’s characteristics in this passage show that he cares for Pony and his safety. It also explains how he is enraged at the sight of Ponyboy being hurt. Another piece of evidence claims,”Easy Ponyboy. They ain’t gonna hurt you no more.” This shows how Soda’s soothing and composed nature calms Ponyboy down despite the pain he suffered. It also refutes that Soda feels responsible of being there to protect his brother. Ponyboy’s brothers display a characterization of feelings like love and responsibility for their