What Does The Blue Mustang Symbolize In The Outsiders

The book The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is about two gangs and their big rivalry. Every once in awhile a few people get jumped by the other gang, but besides that everything was fine, until one night when things go too far. Throughout the book the gangs learn that they are not so different and that they have more in common then they think. The author uses many different symbols that each contain a different purpose. Each symbol achieves a different goal, such as to develop a theme, introduce the characters, develop a motivation, to stir empath between the characters, develop a mood, and build suspense. The author accomplishes these things using just three symbols: greaser hair, sunsets/sunrises, and the blue mustang.

One symbol the author uses

For the the last symbol, the author uses it to develop a mood, and build suspense is the symbol of the blue mustang. The blue mustang symbolizes the Socs wealth as well as the danger they pose to greasers. When Ponyboy or another greaser spots the Mustang, they know trouble is coming. As the book goes on, however, and Ponyboy comes to understand and feel compassion for the Socs, the Mustang loses some of its meaning to pose danger. Ponyboy actually sits inside of the mustang when Randy and him talk about the church fire and the rumble. In chapter 2 after Ponyboy tells the story about Johnny getting jumped, the author states Johnny never walked by himself after that. And Johnny...now carried in his back pocket a six-inch switchblade. He 'd use it, too, if he ever got jumped again.” This quote proves that the blue mustang changed how Johnny lived his life and every time he sees that mustang again, he will be prepared. While greaser have their hair long and greased back, The socs have their mustangs and madras. The author states "You know what a greaser is" Bob asked. "White trash with long hair."…"You know what a Soc is?" I said, my voice shaking with rage. "White trash with Mustangs and madras." This is how the author uses a symbol to develop a mood, and build suspense. The book The Outsiders, The author uses many different symbols that each contain a different purpose. Each symbol achieves a different goal. Now I am thinking more deeply about these symbols, I realize the the author strategically put them in there and not just put them in the book when