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117 The Outsiders Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

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The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is a classic novel that has been beloved by readers for generations. The story follows a group of teenagers from different social classes who navigate the challenges of growing up in a divided society. With its themes of friendship, loyalty, and the struggle to find one's place in the world, The Outsiders continues to resonate with readers of all ages.

If you're looking for essay topics and examples to help you analyze and explore The Outsiders, look no further. Here are 117 essay topic ideas and examples to get you started:

Compare and contrast the characters of Ponyboy and Johnny. How do their backgrounds and experiences shape their personalities and actions throughout the novel?

Analyze the theme of social class in The Outsiders. How do the Greasers and the Socs view each other, and how does this impact their relationships and interactions?

Discuss the role of family in the novel. How do the relationships between Ponyboy and his brothers, and Johnny and his parents, influence the characters' decisions and motivations?

Explore the theme of violence in The Outsiders. How do the characters use violence to assert power and control, and what are the consequences of their actions?

Investigate the significance of the novel's setting in Tulsa, Oklahoma. How does the city's social and economic landscape contribute to the tensions between the Greasers and the Socs?

Examine the theme of identity in The Outsiders. How do the characters struggle to define themselves in a society that judges them based on their appearance and social standing?

Discuss the role of friendship in the novel. How do Ponyboy and his friends support each other through difficult times, and what does their loyalty reveal about the power of friendship?

Analyze the character of Cherry Valance. How does she challenge stereotypes and expectations as a Soc girl who befriends the Greasers?

Explore the theme of loyalty in The Outsiders. How do the characters demonstrate their loyalty to their friends and family, and what are the consequences of betraying that trust?

Discuss the significance of the novel's title, The Outsiders. How does it reflect the characters' feelings of alienation and isolation from mainstream society?

Compare and contrast the characters of Dally and Two-Bit. How do their personalities and attitudes differ, and how do they contribute to the dynamics of the Greasers?

Analyze the character of Bob Sheldon. How does his privileged upbringing and sense of entitlement influence his behavior towards the Greasers?

Discuss the theme of innocence in The Outsiders. How do the characters lose their innocence as they confront the harsh realities of their world?

Explore the role of Johnny's letter to Ponyboy in the novel. How does it reveal Johnny's thoughts and feelings, and how does it impact Ponyboy's understanding of his friend?

Examine the theme of heroism in The Outsiders. How do the characters demonstrate acts of bravery and selflessness in the face of danger?

Discuss the impact of Johnny's death on the characters and the plot of the novel. How does his loss affect Ponyboy and the other members of the gang?

Analyze the character of Dallas Winston. How does his tough exterior mask his vulnerabilities and insecurities, and how does he cope with his own demons?

Explore the theme of prejudice in The Outsiders. How do the characters judge each other based on stereotypes and assumptions, and how does this lead to conflict and misunderstanding?

Discuss the significance of the novel's climax, the rumble between the Greasers and the Socs. How does this event resolve the tensions between the two groups, and what are the consequences of the fight?

Compare and contrast the characters of Darry and Soda. How do their roles as older brothers shape their relationships with Ponyboy and each other?

Analyze the character of Randy Adderson. How does his decision to walk away from the rumble reflect his inner conflict and desire for peace?

Discuss the theme of family dynamics in The Outsiders. How do the relationships between the Curtis brothers and their absent parents impact their sense of identity and belonging?

Explore the role of violence in the novel. How do the characters use physical force to assert power and control, and what are the consequences of their actions?

Examine the theme of loss in The Outsiders. How do the characters cope with the deaths of loved ones, and how does their grief shape their perspectives on life and death?

Discuss the significance of Ponyboy's relationship with Cherry Valance. How does their friendship challenge the boundaries between the Greasers and the Socs?

Analyze the character of Steve Randle. How does his loyalty to the gang and his friendship with Soda influence his actions throughout the novel?

Explore the theme of redemption in The Outsiders. How do the characters seek forgiveness and atonement for their past mistakes, and what does it reveal about their moral compass?

Discuss the role of Johnny's letter in the novel. How does it serve as a symbol of his legacy and his impact on Ponyboy and the gang?

Examine the theme of self-acceptance in The Outsiders. How do the characters come to terms with their flaws and imperfections, and how does it shape their sense of identity?

Compare and contrast the relationships between Ponyboy and his brothers, Johnny and Dally, and Cherry and Marcia. How do these friendships differ in their dynamics and emotional depth?

Analyze the character of Bob's parents. How does their neglect and indifference towards their son contribute to his reckless behavior and eventual demise?

Discuss the theme of societal expectations in The Outsiders. How do the characters struggle to conform to societal norms and expectations, and what are the consequences of their rebellion?

Explore the role of nature in the novel. How do the characters find solace and comfort in the natural world, and how does it provide a sense of peace and tranquility amidst the chaos of their lives?

Examine the theme of forgiveness in The Outsiders. How do the characters learn to forgive themselves and each other for their mistakes and shortcomings, and what does it reveal about their capacity for empathy and compassion?

Discuss the significance of the novel's ending. How does Ponyboy's realization about the meaning of heroism and bravery reflect his growth and development as a character?

Analyze the character of Cherry's boyfriend, Bob Sheldon. How does his violent and aggressive behavior towards the Greasers influence the novel's plot and themes?

Explore the theme of justice in The Outsiders. How do the characters seek retribution and vindication for the injustices they have suffered, and what are the consequences of their actions?

Discuss the role of Johnny's death in the novel. How does his sacrifice and bravery impact the other characters and their perspectives on life and death?

Examine the theme of courage in The Outsiders. How do the characters demonstrate acts of bravery and resilience in the face of adversity, and what does it reveal about their strength of character?

Compare and contrast the themes of loyalty, friendship, and family in The Outsiders. How do these relationships shape the characters' identities and motivations throughout the novel?

Analyze the character of Dally Winston. How does his tough exterior mask his vulnerabilities and insecurities, and how does he cope with his own demons?

Discuss the theme of empathy in The Outsiders. How do the characters show compassion and understanding towards each other's struggles and hardships, and what does it reveal about their capacity for empathy and kindness?

Explore the role of Ponyboy's narration in the novel. How does his perspective as a teenage boy living in a divided society shape the reader's understanding of the characters and their struggles?

Examine the theme of coming of age in The Outsiders. How do the characters navigate the challenges of adolescence and find their place in the world, and what does it reveal about their growth and development as individuals?

Explore the theme of family dynamics in The Outsiders. How do the relationships between the Curtis brothers and their absent parents impact their sense of identity and belonging?

Discuss the role of violence in the novel. How do the characters use physical force to assert power and control, and what are the consequences of their actions?

Compare and contrast the relationships

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77 The Outsiders Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best the outsiders topic ideas & essay examples, 📌 most interesting the outsiders topics to write about, 👍 good research topics about the outsiders, ❓ the outsiders essay questions.

• Analysis of The Outsiders From the Perspectives of Social Work Theories and Applications The rivalry between the two gangs the Greasers and the Socs turns into the struggle in the context of social problems.
• “Avatar” by Cameron and “The Outsiders” by Coppola: Comparison It is one of the main messages of the film. The movie shows the antagonistic attitude of people to the inhabitants of the planet of Pandora.
• “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton He thinks that the law is a joke. He was the gang leader of the Socs.
• Ponyboy’s Evolution in Hinton’s “The Outsiders” Two of Ponyboy’s friends die, and he sees a lot of violence in the streets. He is still a part of the gang, and he thinks that violence is a part of their life.
• The Outsiders by Susan Eloise Hinton Therefore, it is crucial to get acquainted with the essence of the novel and analyze its main characters to genuinely comprehend Hinton’s view on the challenges of the teenage age within the framework of this […]
• Story Analysis of “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton Cherry’s attraction to Dallas is of essence in the story since it illustrates that the conflict between the two teenage groups is reconcilable.”I had to.
• The Influence of Bad Parenting or the Lack of Parents in “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
• The Conflict in “The Outsiders” and the Gap Between the Rich and the Poor
• “The Outsiders”: Ponyboy Compared to Dally
• The Three Life Lessons Learned by Ponyboy in “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
• The Wrong Thing for the Wrong Reasons in “Tom Sawyer” and “The Outsiders”
• The Idea of Social Class in “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
• The Common Issues of Dependence in “A Separate Peace” and “The Outsiders”
• The Characters of Jack and Ralph in “Lord of the Flies” and the Character of Pony in “The Outsiders”
• The Socioeconomic Triggers of Juvenile Delinquency: Analysis of “The Outsiders”
• The Use of Stereotypes in “The Outsiders”
• Overcoming Obstacles in “The Outsiders” and “The Time Traveler”
• Common Issues Highlighted in “The Outsiders” and “Saints and Roughnecks”
• The Act of Self Defense in “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
• The Banning of Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” and Hinton’s “The Outsiders” in U.S. Schools
• The Relationship Between Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally in S. E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders”
• “The Outsiders”: Codependence Analysis of Business Cycles in Europe
• The Similarities Between Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” and Hinton’s “The Outsiders”
• The True Meaning of a Hero in “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
• The Positive and Negative Impacts of “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
• The Definition of a Social Class in “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
• The Ups and Downs of “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
• Comparing the Differences Between Johnny and Dally in “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
• The Different Types of People in “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
• The Development of Two Social Outcasts Into Strong and Dependable Individuals in “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “The Outsiders”
• The Five Stages of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
• Death Presented in the Novels “Of Mice and Men” and “The Outsiders”
• An Analysis of the Story of Brotherhood in “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
• The Hero’s Journey in S. E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders”
• The Story of Conflict Between the Greasers and the Socs in S. E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders”
• The Idea of Social Acceptance in “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
• The Concepts of Conformity and Staying True to One’s Self Portrayed in “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
• The Character of Cherry Valance in S. E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders”
• The Theme of Alienation in “The Count of Monte Cristo,” “Invisible Man,” “Not Like Other Boys,” and “The Outsiders”
• The Rivalry Between “The West Side Story” and “The Outsiders”
• The Significance of Stereotypes Illustrated in Hinton’s “The Outsiders”
• The Courage, Selflessness, and Care of Johnny Cade in “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
• The Three Deaths in Hinton’s “The Outsiders”
• The Inspiration From the Authors’ Lives in “The Tell-Tale Heart,” “The Cask of Amontillado” by Edgar Allan Poe and “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
• The Difference Between the Greasers and Socs in “The Outsiders” by S. E. Hinton
• Events in Life That Can Induce the Loss of Innocence in S. E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders” and Richard Wright’s “Black Boy”
• What Are the Issues Explored and Techniques Used in S. E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders”?
• Who Are Your Close Ties in S. E. Hinton’s “The Outsiders”?
• How Does Ponyboy Change Through “The Outsiders”?
• What Are Conflicts of the Main Character Ponyboy Curtis in “The Outsiders”?
• What Is the Moral Lesson of “The Outsiders”?
• How Does the Division Between the East Side and the West Side Represent the Conflict Within “The Outsiders”?
• Why Should “The Outsiders” Be Taught in School?
• Is the Violence Shocking, Predictable, Boring, or Melodramatic in “The Outsiders”?
• What Do Johnny’s Last Words Mean in “The Outsiders”?
• How Does the West Side Story Compare to “The Outsiders”?
• What Is the Difference Between Ponyboy the Narrator and Ponyboy the Character in “The Outsiders”?
• How Do Dally and Johnny Compare in “The Outsiders”?
• What Elements in “The Outsiders” Make the Story More Real?
• How Many Chapters Are in “The Outsiders”?
• What Does Johnny Mean When He Tells Ponyboy “Stay Gold” in “The Outsiders”?
• What Is the Most Important Message in “The Outsiders”?
• How Did the Ponyboy’s Loss of Innocence Begin Before “The Outsiders” Begun?
• What Major Themes Are Seen in “The Outsiders”?
• How Do Cars Fill the Gap of the Differences Between the Two Socioeconomic Groups in “The Outsiders”?
• What Message Is Implied at the End of “The Outsiders”?
• Which Things in the Story Would Have Remained the Same if Ponyboy’s Parents Had Still Been Alive in “The Outsiders”?
• What Draws Cherry to the Greasers in “The Outsiders”?
• What’s the Symbolism of the Switchblade Knife in “The Outsiders”?
• What Are the Reasons Cherry Gets Attracted to the Greasers in “The Outsiders”?
• How Do “The Outsiders” Relate to the Real World?
• What Are Similarities Between Johnny and Dally in “The Outsiders”?
• What Are the Conflicts Introduced by the Reader at the Start of “The Outsiders”?
• Why Did Dally Tell Johnny Not Turn Himself in “The Outsiders”?
• What Messages Was the Author Trying to Convey by Writing “The Outsiders”?
• How Do Ponyboy’s Feelings Toward Randy Reflect the Conflict Between the Socs and the Greasers in “The Outsiders”?
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The Outsiders

73 pages • 2 hours read

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-3

Chapters 4-5

Chapters 6-8

Chapters 9-10

Chapters 11-12

Character Analysis

Symbols & Motifs

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

Discussion Questions

What is the significance of the novel’s title? Are there any true outsiders in this book?

Johnny’s last words to Pony are a reference to the Frost poem he heard Pony recite in the church. Do you agree with Johnny’s interpretation of the text? How does this poem help readers understand various characters?

Ponyboy likes watching movies and reading books to escape his reality, but they often mirror it instead. How does the various literature in the novel help him understand parts of his own life?

Related Titles

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The Outsiders

By s.e. hinton.

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Sample of Discussion & Essay Questions

• Near the end of Chapter 2, Pony is remembering the time Johnny got beat up by the Socs: "Dally was there, too, swearing under his breath, and turning away with a sick expression on his face. I wondered about it vaguely. Dally had seen people killed on the streets of New York's West Side. Why did he look sick now?" How would you answer this question?

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The Outsiders Essay Topics & Writing Assignments

Essay Topic 1

Discuss the theme of social and/or class division in the novel. Is the rivalry senseless? What motivates the rivalry between groups?

Essay Topic 2

What elements in the novel make the story more real? Discuss elements like point of view, characters, and how thematic elements like violence are handled.

Essay Topic 3

Discuss the significance of the title of the novel. Who is an "outsider" throughout the story, and what makes that person an "outsider"? What other interpretations of the title are there?

Essay Topic 4

Explain the similarities between the greasers and the Socs. How are they not really all that different from each other? Why does each group think the other is better off? What specific events or conversations in the novel indicate that the two groups have some things in common?

Essay Topic 5

Describe the setting of the novel. What time period is it, and...

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The Outsiders

By s. e. hinton, the outsiders themes, the socs vs. greasers.

The conflict between Socs and Greasers is introduced in Chapter 1, and escalates throughout the book. The Greasers are "poorer than the Socs and the middle class... almost like hoods; we steal things and rive old souped-up cars and hold up gas stations and have a gang fight once in a while." In contrast, the Socs are "the jet set, the West-side rich kids," who "jump greasers and wreck houses and throw beer blasts for kicks, and get editorials in the paper for being a public disgrace one day and an asset to society the next."

In Chapter 3, a conversation between Ponyboy and Cherry defines a distinction between the two groups that goes beyond money. Cherry says, "You greasers have a different set of values. You're more emotional. We're sophisticated - cool to the point of not feeling anything. Nothing is real with us." And Ponyboy agrees that "It's not money, it's feeling - you don't feel anything and we feel too violently."

In Chapter 7, as he explains why he is leaving town instead of attending the rumble, Randy explains the lose-lose situation to Ponyboy:

"You can't win, even if you whip us. You'll still be where you were before - at the bottom. And we'll still be the lucky ones with all the breaks. So it doesn't do any good, the fighting and the killing. It doesn't prove a thing. We'll forget it if you win, or if you don't. Greasers will still be greasers and Socs will still be Socs."

The theme of appearances is linked to the conflict between the Socs and the Greasers, and its importance is underlined when the Socs arrive at the rumble in Chapter 9. Ponyboy realizes that the reason the Socs never get blamed for causing trouble is because "We look hoody and they look decent." Although most of the Greasers are "pretty decent guys underneath all that grease," and the Socs are "just cold-blooded mean," it doesn't matter because "people usually go by looks."

The Greasers' hairstyle is what distinguishes them as hoods, and part of the appearance that keeps them relegated to the margins of society. Ponyboy demonstrates his belief in hair's importance by including it in his character descriptions. In the first paragraph of Chapter 1, he says, "I have light-brown, almost-red hair... longer than a lot of boys wear theirs, squared off in back and long at the front and sides, but I am a greaser and most of my neighborhood rarely bothers to get a haircut."

His hair is his pride and joy, and it is a painful identity change for him to cut it off when he and Johnny try to disguise themselves. When Johnny reveals his plan to cut it, Ponyboy narrates, "It was my pride. It was long and silky, just like Soda 's only a little redder. Our hair was tuff - we didn't have to use much grease on it. Our hair labeled us greasers, too - it was our trademark. The one thing we were proud of. Maybe we couldn't have Corvairs or madras shirts, but we could have hair."

In contrast to Ponyboy and Soda, Darry keeps his hair short. It is a demonstration of his resentment of his role as a Greaser -- as if he doesn't belong in that place in society.

Characters' eyes are used to demonstrate their emotions, and Ponyboy frequently draws attention to them. He himself has "greenish-gray eyes."

Ponyboy's view of other characters is often tied to his interpretation of their eyes; for example, he says that "Darry's eyes are his own. He's got eyes that are like two pieces of pale blue-green ice. They've got a determined set to them, like the rest of him... he would be real handsome if his eyes weren't so cold." Darry's eyes reflect Ponyboy's view of his oldest brother as "hardly human." In contrast, Sodapop's eyes are "dark brown - lively, dancing, recklessly laughing eyes that can be gentle and sympathetic one moment and blazing with anger the next."

Johnny's eyes in particular are used to reflect his emotions; for instance, when the Socs approach, his terror is always apparent in his eyes. The difference between his mother and him is clear to Ponyboy because of their eyes: "Johnnycake's eyes were fearful and sensitive; hers were cheap and hard."

Appearances

Ponyboy is very conscious of the way he and others look. It is clear in his descriptions of people as a narrator, but also in his interactions with the world. For example, in Chapter 1, when the Socs start to surround him, he "automatically hitched my thumbs in my jeans and slouched" to appear tougher. In Chapter 3, when the Socs stop the boys with Cherry and Marcia , "Two-bit took a long drag on his cigarette, Johnny slouched and hooked his thumbs in his pockets, and I stiffened." Ponyboy notes that, "We can look meaner than anything when we want to - looking tough comes in handy."

In Chapter 4, when the boys are going to ask for directions to Jay Mountain, Ponyboy sees Johnny "as a stranger might see him," and realizes that they will never pass for farm boys. He thinks, "They'll know we're hoods the minute they see us." Even though he knows Johnny is kind and gentle, "he looked hard and tough, because of his black T-shirt and his blue jeans and jacket, and because his hair was heavily greased and so long." Johnny notices the same thing about Ponyboy and tells him to "quit slouching down like a thug."

This theme is closely tied to the theme of hair as a defining characteristic for the Greasers. In Chapter 7, Ponyboy confesses, "I'd die if I got my picture in the paper with my hair looking so lousy."

As the gang leaves the house to go to the rumble in Chapter 9, Soda begins the role playing game by shouting: "I am a greaser. I am a JD and a hood. I blacken the name of our fair city. I beat up people. I rob gas stations. I am a menace to society. Man, do I have fun!" The game allows the gang mebers to get excited about their rumble, but at the same time reveals how conscious they are of their appearance to the rest of society. Appearance is what defines them and what sets them apart; it is both boon and stumbling block.

Ponyboy and Cherry like to watch sunsets, and they discover they have this in common in their conversation in Chapter 3. Ponyboy thinks, "It seemed funny to me that the sunset she saw from her patio and the one I saw from the back steps was the same one. Maybe the two different worlds we lived in weren't so different. We saw the same sunset." In Chapter 8, after Cherry says she cannot go visit Johnny in the hospital because he is the one who killed her boyfriend, Bob, Ponyboy yells at her and tells her he doesn't want her charity. After she apologizes, he lets her know he still feels a connection to her that bridges their social statuses by asking, "can you see the sunset real good from the West Side?" She is surprised, but answers yes. He says, "You can see it good from the East Side, too."

Watching the sunset becomes a link between the world of the Greasers and that of the Socs, and also hints at the kind of personality that questions things, that is always searching, that is in a way poetic.

In Chapter 7, Randy joins the ranks of those who appreciate sunsets. Ponyboy realizes, "Cherry had said her friends were too cool to feel anything, and yet she could remember watching sunsets. Randy was supposed to be too cool to feel anything, and yet there was pain in his eyes."

The Country

In Chapter 3, while Ponyboy and Johnny lie in the vacant lot watching the stars, Ponyboy dreams of the country as a place where everything is right in the world. In his fantasy, his parents are alive again, and Darry no longer has that "cold, hard look;" he is "like he used to be, eight months ago, before Mom and Dad were killed." Johnny comes to live with Ponyboy's family in the county, and Ponyboy's mother even convinces Dally Winston that "there was some good in the world after all."

The reason the country appeals to Ponyboy so much is because, "I only wanted to lie on my back under a tree and read a book or draw a picture, and not worry about being jumped or carrying a blade or ending up married to some scatterbrained broad with no sense."

In Chapter 4, when the boys jump off the train in Windrixville, Ponyboy notices that "the clouds were pink and meadow larks were singing." He thinks to himself, "This is the country... My dream's come true and I'm in the country." But later, as he looks for someone to ask directions from, he thinks to himself, "I was in the country, but I knew I wasn't going to like it as much as I'd thought I would."

Ponyboy often creates alternate realities for himself to cope with situations that he feels are unbearable. For instance, while he and Johnny watch the starts in the vacant lot in Chapter 3, he thinks, "I felt the tension growing inside of me and I knew something had to happen or I would explode." In response, he dreams about a life in the country where his parents are still alive and Darry is kind again.

He is also good at pretending when it comes to lying, and lies easily to the farmer when he asks how to get to Jay Mountain. He thinks, "I can lie so easily that it spooks me sometimes." In this case, he is creating an alternate reality to cover the fact that he and Johnny are hiding away after having committed murder.

Ponyboy is conscious of his tendency to pretend, and even his preference for his dreams over reality. In Chapter 5, he admits, "I liked my books and clouds and sunsets. Dally was so real he scared me."

Chapter 10 begins with the most obvious case yet of pretending: Ponyboy cannot grasp that Johnny has died, so he tells himself, "That still body back in the hospital wasn't Johnny." He pretends that he'll find Johnny at the house, or in the lot. This case of denial has been foreshadowed by Ponyboy's tendency to create alternate realities for himself throughout the story, but the difference is that "this time my dreaming worked. I convinced myself that he wasn't dead."

Gone with the Wind

Johnny buys this book for Ponyboy when they are staying in the abandoned church, and they kill time by reading it. Johnny doesn't understand a lot about the Civil War, but he is obsessed with the idea of southern gentlemen, "impressed with their manners and charm." He compares them to Dally, showing how he idolizes Dally even though Ponyboy doesn't see much to respect in him at the time.

When Ponyboy and Two-Bit go to visit Johnny in the hospital, he asks them to buy him a new copy of Gone with the Wind, since the old one burned in the church. When Johnny dies, he leaves his copy of the book to Ponyboy. Ponyboy links Johnny and Dally's deaths to Gone with the Wind , as he considers how they "died gallant." He can only think of "Southern gentlemen with big black eyes in blue jeans and T-shirts, Southern gentlemen crumpling under street lights."

The Outsiders Questions and Answers

The Question and Answer section for The Outsiders is a great resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss the novel.

on what page does cherry has an emotional connection

Cherry no longer looked sick, only sad. "I'll bet you think the Socs have it made. The rich kids, the West-side Socs. I'll tell you something, Ponyboy, and it may come as a surprise. We have troubles you've never even heard of. You want to know...

Chapter 7 through 9 questions

A) Soda and Sandy’s relationship is over because Sandy got pregnant and went to live with her grandmother in Florida.

"Look," Steve said, surprisingly angry, "does he have to draw you a picture? It was either that or get married, and her parents...

why do you think johhny wasn't scared, depsite the obvious danger?

Johnny is a sensitive boy. He cares for others, especially those that are helpless like the children. This is perhaps because he has felt so helpless in his own childhood. It is also probable their cigarettes started the fire.

Study Guide for The Outsiders

The Outsiders study guide contains a biography of author S. E. Hinton, literature essays, quiz questions, major themes, characters, and a full summary and analysis.

• About The Outsiders
• The Outsiders Summary
• The Outsiders Video
• Character List

Essays for The Outsiders

The Outsiders essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Outsiders written by S. E. Hinton.

• Analysis of the American Reality, Possibility, and Dream found in "Nickel and Dimed" and "The Outsiders"
• Stay Gold, Ponyboy: Historical Models of Childhood in S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders
• The Socioeconomic Triggers of Juvenile Delinquency: Analysis of "The Outsiders"
• Greater Meanings in The Outsiders: A Theater, a Sunset, and a Novel

Lesson Plan for The Outsiders

• About the Author
• Study Objectives
• Common Core Standards
• Introduction to The Outsiders
• Relationship to Other Books
• Bringing in Technology
• Notes to the Teacher
• Related Links
• The Outsiders Bibliography

Wikipedia Entries for The Outsiders

• Introduction

• Home News Tribune
• Courier News
• Jersey Mayhem
• NJ Politics
• National Politics

College essays matter. Here's how to write one that stands out | College Connection

Students facing the college application process typically dread one component: the Common App essay. 

Students are presented with six essay prompts, as well as a seventh option, which is “topic of your choice.” Students therefore have limitless possibilities for this essay which will be carefully reviewed by each college to which the student applies.

The goal of college admissions officers is to learn about the student who is applying: personal qualities, struggles, ambitions, priorities. On other parts of the application a student’s “data” is detailed. So, this is not the place to write about one’s SAT scores, GPA, or intended major, or to enumerate one’s activities. It is the place to write about an event, situation, or life circumstance that has influenced the student’s attitudes, goals, and perceptions of life.

The options are limitless. Students can write about life occurrences that impacted them: an illness, a learning disability, a relocation. They can use a sport, club, organization, or volunteer group as the overarching framework within which they learned important life lessons. 

More: The biggest key to college acceptance | College Connection

One student’s essay, which went viral after its author was accepted to a multitude of Ivy League schools, focused on lessons she learned from visits to Costco over the years. In short, students can write about anything that has impacted them – hopefully in a positive way.

Then, students face supplemental essays. Many colleges, including almost all the most competitive ones, require an essay that is specific to the school. Typically, the question is along the lines of, “Why do you want to attend this institution?” or “Why did you choose your particular major and how will our school prepare you to meet your future goals?”

More: These are the latest trends in college admissions | College Connection

Colleges are aware that students typically apply to 8 to 12 different schools, and they are trying to discern “demonstrated interest,” or, in other words, the likelihood of a student enrolling if accepted. So, students should utilize each supplemental essay as an opportunity to demonstrate their interest in the particular college, and should specifically state the courses, programs, study abroad options, internships, and any other characteristics that make the institution a perfect match for their college ambitions.

By showing enthusiasm for each school and sharing their attributes through the Common App and supplemental essays, students will greatly enhance their prospects of experiencing a successful college application process.   

Susan Alaimo is the founder & director of Collegebound Review, offering PSAT/SAT ® preparation & private college advising by Ivy League educated instructors. Visit CollegeboundReview.com or call 908-369-5362 .

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Essays on The Outsiders

Prompt examples for "the outsiders" essays, themes of identity and belonging.

Explore the themes of identity and belonging in "The Outsiders." How do the characters' social backgrounds and affiliations shape their sense of self, and how do they seek acceptance and connection?

Conflict and Socioeconomic Disparity

Analyze the portrayal of conflict and socioeconomic disparity in the novel. How do the conflicts between the Greasers and the Socs reflect broader societal issues, and what does the book convey about social class?

Character Development

Discuss the character development of Ponyboy, Johnny, and other key characters in the story. How do their experiences and relationships with each other lead to personal growth and transformation?

Friendship and Loyalty

Examine the themes of friendship and loyalty in "The Outsiders." How do the bonds between the Greasers illustrate the importance of loyalty and support in times of adversity?

Stereotypes and Prejudice

Consider how the novel challenges stereotypes and prejudices. How do the characters defy expectations based on their appearance or social status, and what commentary does this provide on judging others?

The Role of Literature

Analyze the significance of literature, specifically "Gone with the Wind," in the story. How does Ponyboy's appreciation for literature influence his worldview and his relationships with others?

Ponyboy as a Dynamic Character in "The Outsiders"

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Difficulties of Life in The Outsiders

A critical analysis of the movie the outsiders, the five stages of maslow's hierarchy of needs in the outsiders, a novel by s. e. hinton, conflicts in the outsiders by s.e. hinton, let us write you an essay from scratch.

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The Influence of Bad Parenting Or The Lack of Parents in The Outsiders, a Novel by S. E. Hinton

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Literary Devices to Present Conflict in 'The Outsiders'

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April 24, 1967

S. E. Hinton

Novel, Young Adult Fiction, Drama, Bildungsroman

Ponyboy Michael Curtis, Johnny Cade, Darrel 'Darry' Curtis, Sodapop Curtis, Dallas Winston, Keith "Two-Bit" Mathews

24 April 1967, by S. E. Hinton

Coming-of-age novel

The Outsiders is about two weeks in the life of a 14-year-old boy. The novel tells the story of Ponyboy Curtis and his struggles with right and wrong in a society in which he believes that he is an outsider. The book details the conflict between two rival gangs divided by their socioeconomic status: the working-class "greasers" and the upper-class "Socs" (short for Socials).

The main theme of The Outsiders is self-identity vs. group identity. Other themes include society and class, loyalty, love, violence, isolation, appearances, education, choices.

Ponyboy Curtis, Sodapop "Soda" Curtis, Darrel "Darry" Curtis, Johnny Cade, Dallas "Dally" Winston, Curly Shepard, Timothy "Tim" Shepard, Steve Randle, Sherri "Cherry" Valance, Robert "Bob" Sheldon, Randy Adderson, Marcia, Paul Holden, David

The Outsiders was a controversial book at the time of its publication; it is still currently challenged and debated. This book has been banned from some schools and libraries because of the portrayal of gang violence, underage smoking and drinking, strong language/slang, and family dysfunction. However, in many U.S. schools, the book is part of the English curriculum at the middle- or high-school level.

The book was a hit with teenagers across the country. Fifty years later, the book has sold upwards of 15 million copies, become a steady feature on middle school reading lists, inspired a Francis Ford Coppola film of the same name and helped shape an entire literary genre marketed to young adults.On November 5, 2019, the BBC News listed The Outsiders on its list of the 100 most influential novels.

“I lie to myself all the time. But I never believe me.” “They grew up on the outside of society. They weren't looking for a fight. They were looking to belong.” “You get tough like me and you don't get hurt. You look out for yourself and nothin' can touch you...” “Can you see the sunset real good on the West side? You can see it on the East side too.”

Relevant topics

• All Summer in a Day
• To Kill a Mockingbird
• A Modest Proposal
• Thank You Ma Am
• Brave New World
• The Great Gatsby
• The Scarlet Ibis
• Bartleby The Scrivener
• In The Time of The Butterflies
• Lord of The Flies

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