A sense of self refers to your perception of the characteristics that define you. Many things impact one’s self-concept, including relationships, one’s environment, and societal expectations. Using the characters Johnny, Dally, and Ponyboy in the novel The Outsiders, author S.E. Hinton demonstrates how these concepts greatly influence a person’s awareness of themselves and others. To begin, as proven by Brad Stulberg, a coach on wellness, friends “increase our sense of purpose and belonging.” An ideal example of this can be found in the relationship between Johnny and Ponyboy, both characters in The Outsiders. Their friendship was prosperous in an environment that didn’t value being optimistic. Johnny and Ponyboy remind each other to “stay gold” page 148, meaning to see the bright side of any situation. This idea changed both characters' sense of self in a beneficial light. Next, an environment, positive or negative, modifies a human's view of oneself. Interactions with family, friends, and society shape our values and identity. A secondary person in this novel, Dally Winston, is a perfect demonstration of one’s sense of self-altering in accordance with their nature. His interaction with gang members and experience with poverty molded his character as a tough and rebellious individual. Dally’s environment influenced him to adopt a “tough …show more content…
Because societal expectations and the two main gangs in this particular book are very important, a character needs to distinguish which side of the rivalry they fall on. As a member of the Greasers, Ponyboy is expected to conform to the tough and rigged image of the gang. He struggles with the pressure to fit into the Greaser stereotype while also wanting to stay true to himself. Correspondingly, Ponyboy is a significant example of how societal expectations may alter one’s sense of