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Violence In The Outsider

506 Words3 Pages

The Outsider, is an exquisitely written novel and numerous themes were taught through the life stories of the characters, an important message which the author communicated through characters is violence is never the solution to solving problems, being genuine to yourself is the treasure. Amongst other Greasers, Johnny and Ponyboy are often the outcasts, both of them stood against violence; this is demonstrated when Johnny’s last words to Ponyboy were “stay gold Ponyboy, stay gold”. In the latter section of the book, as Johnny was drowsing away in the hospital. Johnny called Ponyboy over and mumbled “stay gold Ponyboy, stay gold” before he passed away. This quote represents Johnny’s expectation for Pony’s future. Although nothing gold can …show more content…

After the rumble against the Socs, which the Greasers succeeded. Dally and Ponyboy didn’t waste a minute before rushing towards the hospital, both anticipated that Johnny would be proud and excited after hearing the news. However, Johnny reacted with an apathetic attitude as he responded with “useless, fighting’s no good”. In comparison, when Dally stated that he was proud of Johnny. Ponyboy narrated Johnny’s response with “Johnny's eyes glowed. Dally was proud of him. That was all Johnny had ever wanted. Johnny announced his perspective on violence quite explicitly. He did his best to keep balance, whether it is when he slept in the lot, because Johnny did not want his parents to argue over him. Johnny certainly had a hatred relationship with the brutality of violence, shown through many situations. Johnny often served as the middleman; avoiding and terminating violence. Johnny tried signifying Ponyboy and Dally that fighting is pointless, harmony between the two gangs is the solution. At the end of the novel, Ponyboy scrutinized Johnny's letter. Johnny’s final advice to Ponyboy was “there’s still a lot of good in this world. Tell Dally, I don’t think he knows.” Even though Johnny knew he was dying, he was determined to transmute Dally. Nevertheless, Ponyboy never had the opportunity to pass on Johnny’s message. Even at the end, Johnny was trying to convince Dally to turn around because violence cannot benefit anyone, afterall nobody can be classified as a

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