Symbolism In The Novel 'The Outsiders' By S. E. Hinton

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Are things tough all over? The book The Outsiders written by S. E. hinton, translates its theme by using strong characters, symbolism, and compelling events. The Outsiders is a book about and narrated by a fourteen year old, greaser named Ponyboy Curtis who lives with his two brothers sodapop and darry because of their parents that died in a car accident. This book takes you through the world of a teenage “hoodlum” written by a women, from a young boy’s point of view. This young men gang in Tulsa, Oklahoma are constantly fighting against the socials, their rival gang. During a small brawl at the park one of the soc gets killed by one of Ponyboy’s friends, Johnny. This tragedy then sends Ponyboy and Johnny into hiding. Soon after Ponyboy, Johnny
Hinton uses symbolism throughout the book to enhance the message of the theme. Two-bit’s switchblade symbolises the disdain for supremacy for which greasers traditionally pride themselves on. Dally also represents the switch blade as a sense of individual power when he borrows it from Two-bit in the hospital to get out of it. Another view of symbolism is the soc’s fancy cars, they represent the socs abilities and the greasers burden. Because the socs parents can buy them nice family cars, it increases the socs mobility and protection. With greasers on their feet they are more physically vulnerable. Last but not least bobs ring which connects with the socs car it a physical advantage in fight, and social life. Which the greaser can’t afford and leaves them more vulnerable once
In summary, S.E, Hinton conveys that things are tough all over through each side, the rich and the poor. As a result, of the powerful use of characters, symbolism, and events make S.E. message clear.S.E. hinton can bring morality to real life situations. For example when Ponyboy and his friend rescued the kids in the burning church instead of just driving away even if it meant risking their life. The Outsiders helps the reader understand that thing are tough all over and to always move forward even in challenging times. S.E. Hinton’s expresses prejudice leads to wrong conclusions, violence, and oppression. The moral of imperative can translate into success of anyone

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