The Outsiders Symbolism Analysis

One example of symbolism is, Two-Bit’s switch blade. The ten inch switchblade, is Two-Bit’s prize posession which represnents a disregard for authority. The switchblade was stolen by Two-bit from a hardware store, also showing how the Greasers pride themselves with the potential to comment violence. In the Greaser’s way of living, stealing and robbing are not shunned or counted as socially inapropriate crimes. These crimes are counted as normal, and as a respected survival tactic. Symbolism is shown mostly when Dally asks to borrow the blade from Two-Bit. Two-Bit’s love for his switchblade is shown when it is taken by the police. Ponyboy narrates, “The way Two-Bit, after the police had taken Dally’s body away, had griped because he had lost his switchblase when they searched Dallas” (pg. 177). This shows that Two-Bit’s blade was more than just a piece of medal, it was an identity. An identity that was taken with the loss of a best friend.

Another example of symbolism is Bob’s rings. Through many pieces of literature, rings are a common symbol of wealth. The more rings an individual obtains, the wealthier the family was. In The Outsiders, Bob’s rings represent a physical power that embodies the idea of the high class level of the Socs. By using his rings as a violent

The Greaser’s long, slicked back hair is the main symbol of their gang. The Greasers are low-class, and can not afford physical symbols such as cars and rings that the Socs endure. By wearing their hair in a specific style, the Greasers distiguish their identity through this. When Johnny proposes the idea of cutting their hair Ponyboy shows his real pride for it. Ponyboy says, “It was my pride. It was long and silky, just like Soda’s only a little redder...Our hair labeled us greasers, too--it was our trademark” (pg. 71). This quotation shows how much of an impact hair has on the Greasers, even whith the financial stability they