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The Outsiders Research Paper

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Social Class In The Outsiders In the novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton a common theme shown through the book is social class. The Outsiders is about two very different gangs on each side of town, The Greasers and the Socs, they compete against each other in fights and rumbles.There are differences between each side, such as different dress codes and hang out spots. The Socs get away with their crimes because they are higher up the social class, while the Greasers are seen as no good dirty hoods This novel demonstrates how money can separate people from one another and affect every aspect of their lives. In this book, Social class is a significant issue that is illustrated through unfair treatment, friendships, and education. …show more content…

Darry didn't deserve to work like an old man when he was only twenty. He had been a real popular guy in school; he was captain of the football team and he had been voted Boy of the Year. But we just didn't have the money for him to go to college, even with the athletic scholarship he won. And now he didn't have time between jobs to even think about college”(Hinton 16) When Darry was young , his parents passed away, and he was given responsibility for looking after his two brothers. Darry and his brothers had very little money to begin with because they lived on the east side of the town. When compared to the Socs, they received unfair treatment. Darry gave up the opportunity to go to college and works two hard jobs in order to support his family and pay the bills. “I've told you I can't stand it that Soda dropped out. 'He's a dropout.”(Hinton 23) Sodapop left school when he was sixteen in order to find a job and support his family. He was unable to do well in school, which was the main reason he dropped out. If Sodapop was a Soc and had the money, his parents could hire him a tutor to help him with his schoolwork and go to college. Darry and Sodapop are examples of how Social class and lack of money negatively affected their education …show more content…

We look hoody and they look decent"(Hinton 141) Ponyboy is explaining how people don't suspect the Socs because they well-dressed wealthy kids and don't look like they are the type of people to get into trouble.And if the Socs ever did get in trouble with the police there parents would have the money to hire a good lawyer to keep them out of jail. They have a file on him down at the police station. He had been arrested, he got drunk, he rode in rodeos, lied, cheated, stole, rolled drunks, jumped small kids--- he did everything.” (Hinton, 10,11). In the gang, Dally was the one to get in trouble, he would always stick up for his friends' crimes no matter what. Even a small crime would lead to harsh punishment for Dally. If a crime happened in the town and no one knew who did it, they would always blame it on the Greasers because they looked to be the type to do illegal and dangerous

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