Lecture Notes: S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders

Introduction to The Outsiders

• The Outsiders is a coming-of-age novel by S.E. Hinton, first published in 1967.
• Hinton was 15 when she began writing and 18 when the book was published.
• The story is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1965, and revolves around two rival groups: the Greasers and the Socs.

Main Characters

• Ponyboy Curtis: The narrator and protagonist. He is a member of the Greasers, has light-brown hair, and a love for movies and literature.
• Sodapop Curtis: Ponyboy’s happy-go-lucky brother, who is very handsome and understanding.
• Darrel Curtis (Darry): The oldest brother, serious and works hard to support his brothers after their parents' death.
• Johnny Cade: A vulnerable Greaser, Ponyboy’s best friend, who is severely abused at home.
• Dallas Winston (Dally): The toughest member of the Greasers, with a criminal record.
• Two-Bit Mathews: Known for his sense of humor and shoplifting.
• Steve Randle: Sodapop's best friend, skilled with cars.

Plot Overview

Chapter 1

• Ponyboy is attacked by a group of Socs but is saved by his brothers and other Greasers.
• Background on the Socs vs. Greasers rivalry is introduced. Ponyboy’s family dynamics are explored.

Chapter 2

• Ponyboy and Johnny meet Cherry Valance and Marcia at a drive-in, which escalates the tension between the two social classes.

Chapter 3

• Ponyboy and Johnny spend time with Cherry and Marcia, which leads to a confrontation with Bob Sheldon, Cherry's boyfriend.

Chapter 4

• A fight breaks out, resulting in Johnny killing Bob Sheldon in self-defense.
• Johnny and Ponyboy flee to an abandoned church to hide.

Chapter 5

• The boys adjust to life in hiding; Ponyboy's hair is cut to disguise him.

Chapter 6

• Dally visits the boys and reveals that Cherry is acting as a spy for the Greasers.
• Johnny decides to turn himself in.

Chapter 7

• A fire breaks out in the church, and the boys save a group of children trapped inside.
• Johnny sustains severe injuries.

Chapter 8

• Johnny is in critical condition; his mother visits, but he refuses to see her.

Chapter 9

• A major rumble between the Greasers and Socs takes place.
• The Greasers win, but Johnny dies shortly after.

Chapter 10

• Dally is devastated by Johnny's death and ends up being killed by the police.

Chapter 11

• Ponyboy struggles with the aftermath of the events, grappling with his grades and health.

Chapter 12

• Ponyboy attends a court hearing, which goes in his favor.
• He struggles with emotional turmoil and school but decides to write about his experiences.

Themes and Motifs

• Class Conflict: The divide between the Socs and Greasers highlights societal class differences.
• Brotherhood and Friendship: The bond among the Greasers and within Ponyboy's family is significant.
• Identity and Growth: Ponyboy's journey of self-discovery.

Significant Symbols

• Sunsets: Represents shared experiences and common humanity across social classes.
• Hair: Symbolizes identity and pride for the Greasers.

Conclusion

• Ponyboy’s growth is marked by his decision to write about his experiences, symbolizing understanding and healing.