The Theme Of Change In S. E. Hinton's 'The Outsiders'

What does change really mean? How does it affect someone's way of life, thinking, or even perspective? How can someone's viewpoint alter? A common theme shown in The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is that as people mature, different kinds of experiences and others can compel them to see life differently by getting rid of their biases. The author indicates this by using Ponyboy’s perception of many characters throughout the novel. Ponyboy has been shown as a very understanding personality. In the book, characters are divided into two social classes known as the greasers and the Socs. The Socs are much wealthier, outgoing, and have a higher social dignity. Meanwhile, the greasers are a lot poorer, carefree, wild, and have less respect in society.

He initially sees all Socs as being toxic and reckless as well as uncivilized until the night when he, Johnny, and Dally who are other greasers that go to the drive-in movie theater where they encounter the Socs. Ponyboy also interacts with Cherry for the first time there. Him and her leave to chit chat as they leave to grab snacks. Throughout the conversation with Cherry, Pony realizes that there is more in life than just the Socs and greasers After getting to know her better, he learns that the Socs are also real people and they’re not just stuck-up snobs driving in Mustangs wearing slick jackets and Madras shirts. Cherry tells Pony that even people like the Socs have problems. Some evidence from the text that supports this reasoning is when Cherry says, “We have troubles you've never even heard of'' (Hinton 34). Cherry tells Pony that all people no matter their social class have differences despite where they come from and who they are. He acknowledges the fact that bad things can happen to anyone and not just the greasers because in the end all people have conflicts in life causing imbalance and misfortune