The Outsiders Research Paper

One of the most common themes in literature often appears to revolve around socioeconomic status, this topic of socioeconomic status and social class greatly executes the resolutions of opportunities and choices that most characters make in novels that help continue the plot. Undeniably, it is probable that most motivations are not influenced by society or social class but more of an individual choice, but The Outsiders disputes that topic and represents the differences between privilege, wealth, and the concept of divisions and limitations. This is represented by S.E Hinton by the isolation of these two packs, the "Socs'' and the "Greasers". In the novel, the Socs are immediately established with affluence, while the Greasers are met with poverty, the contrast of …show more content…
Hinton shows these elements through the characters Ponyboy and Johnny, while even having such lavishness can affect the personal identities of Cherry Valance and Randy Anderson. In The Outsiders these two groups of teenagers are separated by social class, hence where the socs lived on the west side where the rest of the wealthy community lived, alas the less fortunate group the greasers lived on the more neglected side the east side. This goes to show that there are certain privileges that the socs get where the greasers are left with crumbs and the aftermath of the soc's complications. Most of these situations are scattered throughout the novel, for instance within chapter 4 where Johnny and Ponyboy get cornered by 5 greasers and unfortunately Ponyboy gets forced to get swamped into water. While that scene unfolded in front of Johnny, he took action and took out his switchblade in fear and urge to defend himself and Ponyboy. Which caused all 4 of the socs to run except for one who wasn't able to escape. Bob Sheldon became a victim of the switchblade and lay cold on the ground near the water fountain. Due to this event and the death of Bob, Johnny and Ponyboy were led to flee in fear of being

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