S.E. Hinton explores the theme of conflict extensively throughout the novel “The Outsiders”. In “The Outsiders” there is a clear split between the two Social classes, the East and the West side, also known as the Social and Greases. This essay will analyse Hinton’s use of literary techniques, dialogue and rhetorical questions to emphasise the theme of conflict. This essay will offer insight into the conflict between the Socs and Greasers and the internal battle Johnny suffered after murdering Bob. In the novel “The Outsiders,” the relationship between the Socs and Greasers abounds with conflict. Hinton uses this, along with the literary technique of dialogue, to display their conflict-filled relationship. The Socs, with their perceived authority, …show more content…
This rhetorical question also shows that Johnny has a soft side, he has emotions, he is not just a tough teenage boy, he is human and feels emotions. This is incredibly important to the ending of the novel as the Socs and Greasers end up starting to resolve all of their past conflicts. So without Johnny’s questions, the other Greasers would not have been able to understand the detriment this situation had on him. Another example of the internal battle Johnny has is when Johnny and Ponyboy realise they lit the church on fire and there were kids in there. They immediately ran to save the children, resulting in Johnny dying. Hinton uses the rhetorical question “Why aren’t I scared?” (Chapter 6, Page 113). She uses this to explain the adrenaline Johnny had and the sudden level of guilt Johnny had for lighting the church on fire. In conclusion, S.E. Hinton’s novel, “The Outsiders” offers a compelling portrayal of conflict and its impact on the lives of its characters. Through the skilful use of literary techniques, dialogue and rhetorical