There are many attributes that could define heroism. Attributes such as protecting those closest to them, selfless acts of courage and kindness, and even risking their own life for another’s. In S. E. Hinton’s book “The Outsiders,” there are three characters that portray acts of gallantry: Ponyboy Curtis, Darry Curtis, and Johnny Cade. They are all different kinds of heroes, yet they all were able to step-up when they were needed. To begin, Ponyboy is a hero because he always looked out for his…
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town from a villain. Nevertheless, this definition of heroes isn’t the only one. Heroes are people who forge their own paths, display courage, and work towards what is morally right - even when difficult obstacles are in their way. S.E. Hinton’s novel The Outsiders has many exemplary “heroes” living somewhat normal lives in Oklahoma in the 1960s. Johnny, Dally, and Ponyboy are high school boys with a tough reputation, being the lower-class “Greasers” of their community. Their rivals - the Socs - view…
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The Greasers and Socs were a part of that youth subculture which emerged in the 1950s. For the first time in history, teenagers have become important cultural assets and trendsetters. The writer of The Outsiders, S. E. Hinton, was living through the same things she was writing about. The Outsiders was located in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Hinton was living. Her focus was on popular culture during that time. Other important events were happening in the background of all of this. Despite that, young adults…
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In S. E. Hinton's novel The Outsiders, Johnny is a hero because he protects his friends when they are in danger and goes out of his way to help people. While a group of socs jumps him and Ponyboy, Johnny stabs one because “they were drowning’” Ponyboy and he “was so scared” (page 74) that they would beat him up again. This demonstrates how Johnny defends himself and his friend, who could have been killed if he didn't do something. Later when Ponyboy runs to save the kids in the church he realizes…
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What is honor? Honor can mean many things, it can mean to have a high respect from people or to have a specific privilege. But is there truly honor among the lawless? The book The Outsiders by S.E Hinton is about the not so social Greasers and Socs. The Greasers are a gang of brothers that constantly stick together. They protect each other in any way they possibly can... but without following the rules, by breaking the law. The Socs, AKA Socials, are the rich kids that beat up Greasers to…
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Society thinks only good people are expected to do good things. However, in S.E Hinton's The Outsiders this is not the case. One does not have to be "good" to do "good actions". In the book Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally saved little kids from a burning church, they didn't have to do it they just knew it was the right thing to do. On page 79 it says "He looked over his shoulder and saw that the door was blocked by flames, then pushed open the window and tossed out the nearest kid". Just because greasers…
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Channing, the foremost Unitarian preacher in the United States in the early nineteenth century, once said, “Difficulties are meant to rouse, not discourage. The human spirit is to grow strong by conflict.” S.E. Hinton shows this in her novel The Outsiders when the main character Ponyboy Curtis faces three major types of conflicts. He deals with conflicts with other people, skirmishes with society, and struggles within himself. These challenges shape Ponyboy into the man he will be for the rest of…
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In The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton highlights the conflicts of both Greasers and Socs to show that life is difficult for rich and poor kids alike. The Socs live on the west side while the Greasers live on the east side of town. The story emphasises about the Socs whom are the rich kids and the Greasers, who are gang members. Greasers are the poor, working class kids who put a lot of grease in their hair and act tough. They are seen as undesirables, but are more emotional and care about each other…
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The Outsiders (S. E. Hinton) shows a variety of different characters, all that have different backgrounds of where they come from. Several of the characters have poor leaders in their life, and this book shows a great example of what happens when you don't have a strong leader in your life experiences. Ultimately, an individual is influenced by the authority figures in their life, and without the strong guidance of another there…
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belong." S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders. Outsiders are misunderstood and misjudged a lot of the time. If you are not alike "normal" people you can bet that you will be treated differently than others. "I cannot make you understand. I cannot make anyone understand what is happening inside me. I cannot even explain it to myself." -Gregor. When people are misunderstood, others begin to judge because they don't understand their unique rhyme or reason. Some of the outsiders of our world think they…
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