preview

Outsiders In The Outsider

Decent Essays
Open Document

The Outsiders An outsider is defined as “a person who does not belong to a particular group.” In the book, The Outsiders, many of the characters can be described as being an outcast from the social society. Ponyboy, Johnny, and Cherry are outsiders in this novel because none of them really fit into the groups that they’re “supposed” to be in. In this novel, Ponyboy Curtis is an outsider from society and his gang. He feels as if he is an outsider from society because he is a part of the social class named The Greasers. The Greasers are the hoodlums and freaks of the town. One quote that supports this theory is, “It’s okay...we aren’t in the same social class. Just don’t forget that some of us watch the sunset too.” Pony says this to Cherry …show more content…

Even in his own home, he doesn’t feel right. A quote about him from page twelve that shows this is, “His father is always beating him up, and his mother ignored him, except when she was hacked up at something…” Both Johnny’s mother and father abuse him. His mother makes sure he knows that he isn’t wanted, and Johnny’s father likes to use him as a punching bag. He is also seen as an outsider in the Greasers. On page twelve, he is described as, “Johnny Cade was last and least...” and “He had a nervous, suspicious look in his eyes.” This means that out of all the Greasers, Johnny Cade is the smallest, most cautious, and most of all, afraid. With the title “The Outsiders,” S.E. Hinton is trying to say that everyone feels like an outsider in their own way, no matter what you see on the outsider. In using this title, Hinton is referring to many different characters, but for the most part she is talking about Ponyboy and how he feels. When the readers read this book, she wants them to remember that you’re not alone, and that everyone feels like an outsider in their own way at some point. Many characters in this book feel as though they are alone, when all of them are self conscious and afraid of

Get Access