The Outsiders

When a group of boys with slicked-back hair and cigarettes hanging out of their mouths showed up at a store, everyone was thinking, “Are they here to rob the store?” But against all expectations, they waited patiently at the cashier for their groceries to be rung up just like the others. These boys, the Greasers, in The Outsiders were unfairly judged by the public. Although some of them were kind at heart and strived to achieve great things in life, their burning passion to success was often quenched by cold shoulders and mistreatment.

Ponyboy, the narrator and protagonist, belonged to the gang, “Greasers”. Their greased hair was an instrumental part of their personae because hair product was the only accessory they could afford. On the other hand, the “Socials” were the privileged kids with luxurious things and promising futures. Although Ponyboy was part of the gang, he was actually a straight A student and even an avid novel reader. He vowed to never end up like other Greasers who goofed off their lives. However, a catastrophic conflict between the Greasers and the Socials shattered the protagonist’s world. Ponyboy realized the tensions between the two groups were caused by misunderstanding and peer pressure. Deep down inside, they were all just teenagers lost in the dark and seeking the right path. The Greasers longed for social justice and equality, while the Socials wanted freedom and independence. In the end, after dealing with the death of his best friend and weathering through the storm of life, Ponyboy finally learned to stay true to himself.

Ponyboy was convinced that “Someone should tell their side of the story, and maybe people would understand then and wouldn’t be so quick to judge a boy by the amount of grease he wore.” After reading The Outsiders, it became clear to me that bullying and stereotyping is a never ending vicious cycle. Stereotypes get in the way when people of great differences try to understand each other. In the book, Ponyboy and Cherry, a “Social”, became friends despite their backgrounds and appearances were at odds. They both ached for a better future and had a shared love for sunsets and literature. I believe if we can break stereotypes and treat people with open minds, no students will be beaten up at schools, and individuals will not be edged out in societies.

What touches my heart the most is the powerful love in the novel. When Ponyboy’s parents passed away, the eldest brother, Darry, took up all the responsibilities to take care of his two brothers with no complaint and regret. Having sacrificed his own dream so he can help his brother achieve his, Darry was so tough on Ponyboy that their relationship was extremely tense. But Ponyboy was grateful for all the love and support. Also, Ponyboy and his gang members were true friends that looked out for each other. Overcoming a lot of obstacles together, they grew closer like a family. As the proverb goes, “It is prosperity that gives us friends, adversity that proves them.” They watched each other’s backs and gave those who came from a broken home a place to belong and to be loved.

At age sixteen, S. E. Hinton wrote the awe-inspiring book― The Outsiders. She didn’t just write the novel, she lived it. Hinton was so mad at the social situation at her school that she made writing her way of conveying the resentment that couldn’t be spoken. I live in a completely different world from the author’s, and surely have never experienced such hostility from my classmates. But Hinton’s genuine tone and vivid account inspire me and urge me to fight for the same cause.

Like all teenagers, my choices and actions in life are too often influenced by other people’s opinions. Throughout the novel, readers are encouraged to always believe in themselves like what Ponyboy did and it is now ingrained in my head. From now on, I will listen to my heart as well as others’ suggestions. The Outsiders is like a Bible that guides teenagers through rough times and gives us strength to hold on in the bumpy ride of life.