The Outsiders Class And Identity Essay

The Outsiders
Class and society & Identity

“The Outsiders” is a novel by S.E Hinton written in 1967 is a drama novel about two rival gangs in Oklahoma, the Socs and the Greasers. There are multiple themes explored in the novel such as loyalty, violence, family and hope. The main two themes of the book, however, are class and society and identity. These themes are explored through many different parts of the story.

The Outsiders features the themes of class and society through the experiences of two rival social groups in Oklahoma. The novel presents a contrast between the privileged lives of the Socs and the poverty-stricken lives of the Greasers, who are seen as outsiders in society.The Socs are portrayed as wealthy, privileged and entitled,

The Socs are always dressed in expensive clothes and drive fancy cars, while the Greasers are characterized by their leather jackets, long hair and tough exterior.

Throughout the novel, the characters struggle with issues of social belonging. The protagonist, Ponyboy Curtis, is a Greaser who is constantly reminded of his social status and the limitations it places on his life. He wants a better life for himself and is initially jealous of the Socs' privilege, but later regrets his original way of thinking.

The novel also highlights the harsh realities of classism and its impact on young people. The Greasers are often victims of violence and discrimination, by socs as they jump them, calling them white trash and often pulling their hair, while the Socs are shielded from the consequences of their actions due to their family’s wealth, manipulation, and possible bribery.The novel challenges the reader to consider the role of class and society in shaping the lives and opportunities of young

As the narrator, Ponyboy depicts his fellow greasers as distinct individuals, each with their own qualities and quirks. For instance, he admires his brother Darry's tough and protective demeanor, his brother Sodapop's good looks and charm, and his friend Johnny's kind but nervous nature. However, characters like Cherry Valance often comment that Ponyboy stands out from the other greasers due to his sweet and gentle nature as well as his talent and smarts in school, specifically in reading and writing. “Cherry sighed. 'I've heard about Dallas Winston, and he looked as hard as nails and twice as tough. And you two don't look mean.'”

Cherry's remark highlights Ponyboy's divergence from the stereotypical greaser image. His gentle nature and intellectual abilities defy expectations, challenging the perception of greasers as tough and aggressive. This contrast emphasizes the complexity of individual identity within the novel, adding depth to the exploration of this