The Outsiders
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What writing craft techniques does S.E. Hinton use to make the writing more powerful?
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good job on the first paragraph it starts off pretty good
Your topic sentence is definitely something that I agree with.
Disclaimer: I am an 8th grade teacher at Premier Charter School. My middle school students have just completed a writing unit on literary essays. They are very excited to share their thoughts and hard work on this site! Below you will find their writing. Feel free to contribute to the conversation.Happy Reading,
Ms. Crain
Everyone has a friend that always looks out for them and is there for them no matter what the consequence may be. The Outsiders shows this theme very well. In the book, Ponyboy is friends with a boy named Johnny Cade and they both are in a social group called Greasers-known as poor people who cause a ton of trouble. He can talk to Johnny about almost anything-from sunsets to any problems in his life. While they are on the run from the police, Johnny lets Ponyboy sleep whenever he wants and when Ponyboy is asleep, he goes and gets food for the both of them. In The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton Johnny is used as a symbol to represent courage/ protection and friendship. S.E. Hinton uses Johnny to represent courage/protection. Johnny represents courage because he expresses his feelings during problems. On pages 54 through 57, a gang of Socs arrive at the park where Ponyboy and Johnny are and Ponyboy is pretty sure that once the Socs got to them, there was going to be an altercation. The Socs try to pick a fight with Ponyboy and Johnny because they thought that Pony and Johnny were trying to pick up their girlfriends, but really, the Socs were drunk. At first, the two groups just are talking, but when Ponyboy spits on Bob, Bob has some of the Socs hold Ponyboy under the fountain’s water, almost drowning him. Johnny had had enough at that point because he thought that the Socs were going to kill Ponyboy, and he went crazy. He went up to Bob and stabbed him, killing him as a result. This is courage because he did that in front of other Socs that just as well could have hurt him like they were hurting Ponyboy. Instead of being frightened of them, he showed them that he would no longer stand for their torture, that he had had enough of it. This is important because most people would not have done anything to try and go against what someone was doing to their friend because they are outnumbered-Johnny was outnumbered four to one- therefore not being useful.
Another example of Johnny showing courage is when he went into the burning church to save the children inside. On pages 90-95, Johnny, Ponyboy, and Dally are driving around and they see the church on fire. A teacher had brought her students there for a picnic and some went inside the church. Because they were inside the church when it started burning, the children were stuck in the church. Johnny runs inside the church and Ponyboy follows. Both of the boys have gotten all of the children out when the roof of the church starts to fall. Johnny pushes Ponyboy out of the church and the roof collapses onto Johnny. This is significant because not only does it show courage, it also shows protection. It shows courage because Johnny ran into a burning building to save the children. This also shows protection because Johnny sacrificed himself for Ponyboy’s safety, which killed Johnny in the end, but not Ponyboy. While some may say that Johnny shows heroism, they forget that Johnny cared about Ponyboy and had become close friends with him.
S.E. Hinton uses Johnny to show friendship. For example, while he and Ponyboy were on the run, he didn't judge Ponyboy when they watched sunsets, he would watch them with Ponyboy. This is important because most of the other boys in their gang didn't want to watch the sunsets with Ponyboy and just left him alone whenever Ponyboy did watch the sunsets. Another example is when Johnny went to get food. He didn't get food just for himself and make Ponyboy go get his own. He got food for the both of them. This is friendship because he was taking more time and risking getting caught to make sure they both had food. While some people may think that Johnny was just looking out for Ponyboy, they forget that looking out for someone could also be done in friendships.
Some people may interpret the symbol in this book to be “gold” -which is true- but they are forgetting that Johnny told Ponyboy to “stay gold” because he was looking out for him. He knew that Ponyboy didn't like being labeled as a Greaser. Johnny is being a good friend by telling Ponyboy that he can always change the way he is looked at by being who he wants to be.
In The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton uses Johnny as a symbol of courage/ protection and friendship. Johnny is used as a symbol to represent courage/protection. S.E. Hinton uses Johnny to show friendship.So to show Johnny can be seen as a friend for many even like family.
In The Outsiders, S.E Hinton uses symbolism, descriptive, and repetition. The author uses symbolism by giving us two types of groups: Socs and Greasers. Socs represent the rich kids who have everything their way. Greasers represent the poor kids who have things rough. Socs and Greasers are two totally different groups who seem to bump heads. Socs don’t like Greasers, Greasers don’t like Socs. To symbolize their differences the author gives examples by showing us their hatred for each other. For example, in the beginning of the story the narrator Ponyboy, a Greaser describes what happened on his way home, from the movies, “I about decided I didn't like it so much, though, when I spotted that red Corvair trailing me. I was almost two blocks from home then, so I started walking a little faster.” This quote shows that when Ponyboy was walking home, a group of Socs trailed Ponyboy, preparing to jump him.The author also uses descriptive words. These words are used to express feelings, and differences between the groups. Socs, and Greasers do things way differently than each other, and live a totally different life style. For example, the narrator says that Socs “...throw beer blasts for kicks, and get editorials in the paper for being a public disgrace one day and an asset to society the next.” He then explains what greasers do. “Greasers are almost like hoods; we steal things and drive old souped-up cars and hold up gas stations and have gang fights once in a while.” These quotes the author uses shows descriptive words allowing the reader to see a few differences between Socs and Greasers.
Lastly the author uses repetition. Throughout the book, the author uses repetition. The author does this by constantly showing the characters feeling towards the hatred between the groups. The author continuously allows the narrator to express his thoughts and feelings towards the conflict. For Example, “ It ain’t fair! … It ain’t fair that we have all the rough breaks!” Ponyboy cried. This quote shows how Ponyboy, a greaser, feels. Another example is, “Listen Greasers, we got four more of us in the back seat.” … “If you’re looking for a fight … “ this quote shows an argument between the two groups. This shows us exactly what Greasers and Socs feel about each other and how their hatred interferes with their actions.
In The Outsiders, by the author, S.E Hinton using all these techniques, it allows the reader to really understand how the character is feeling, and thinking throughout the book. It also helps the reader understand the lesson or main idea in the story, and live through the story itself. Symbolism allows us to know what each thing means, such as the two groups. Description allows us to fully understand what is going on, and how to feel. Repetition lets the readers know how each character feels or thinks about the situation. At the end of this story the reader is left thinking- Do Socs and Greasers still exist? Is there still a rivalry thought between the two groups? DId they learn from any of the mistakes, and confusions? While we leave the story with these thought we still are left with one powerful though- What is the true meaning behind Greasers and Socs?
People should get to know each other before judging, especially since you don’t know what they are going through. In The Outsiders there are two different social classes- the Socs and the greasers. However, there is a mutual sense of hatred between the two groups. The Socs, the more privileged group, have it easy, while the greasers are the outsiders with little hope in their future. In The Outsiders, S.E Hinton uses description, similes, dialogue and hyperboles to describe the relationship between the greasers and the Socs.Hinton uses description and similes to introduce the characters. In chapter 1, when Ponyboy is walking home from the theater, five Socs climb out of a car beside him. She describes Ponyboy as “sweating something fierce” and “palms getting clammy and the perspiration running down my back.” This shows how frightened he is of the Socs, even though all they did was get out of their car. The reason why he is like this is because of the past actions of the Socs- they have beaten up his friends brutally. ”So I stood there like a bump on a log while they surrounded me.” is also a simile used by Hinton to describe Ponyboy’s actions. Ponyboy then began to scream and go wild since he realized that he had a chance of being beaten up to death. This introduces the characters and how they act- Ponyboy as helpless while the Socs appear cold-blooded. While some people might argue this builds moods instead of an introduction, they forget that the book has just started and we have yet to know the characters. So, it would be confusing for the author’s purpose to be mood building since we have no idea what is going on.
Another way Hinton uses description and similes is to build moods and suspense. In chapter 4, five Socs approached Johnny and Ponyboy, two greasers. Hinton describes Johnny as “scared to death,” “white as a ghost,” and “his eyes were wild-looking, like the eyes of an animal in a trap.” This builds a mood of fear and distress. By being descriptive on how Johnny is looking, I can imagine it clearly and it helps me understand why his face expression is like that. It also builds suspense, making the readers wonder what’s going to happen next. Why did Johnny look so frightened? Were the Socs going to harm him? Will he get out of there alive? This demonstrates suspense because the readers are left anxious and excited in anticipation of the upcoming events. The relationship between the two groups is shown to be built on fear and supremacy.
Hinton also uses dialogue to support the theme and teach a lesson. In chapter 7, before a rumble between the Socs and greasers, and just after Ponyboy and Johnny save children from a burning church, a Soc named Randy approaches Ponyboy. He mentions how he is surprised that a greaser would save children. Ponyboy defends himself by saying,” 'Greaser' didn't have anything to do with it. My buddy over there wouldn't have done it. Maybe you would have done the same thing, maybe a friend of yours wouldn't have. It's the individual." Ponyboy realizes that people shouldn’t be judged based on what social class they are or their label, because in the end, what matters is your actions. If you do the right thing, then you’ll be labeled as a hero. If you do the wrong thing, then you’ll be labeled as a delinquent. Everyone has a chance to prove their heroism. In the end of that same conversation, Ponyboy also realizes that, ”Socs were just guys after all. Things were rough all over, but it was better that way. That way you could tell the other guy was human too.” This helps him realize that although Randy was a Soc, and most Socs have it easy and are privileged, they still have their own set of problems. Everyone has it rough, not just greasers. He begins to understand Socs for who they are individually, not what they represent. This supports the theme of not judging people beforehand, but get to know each other and judge them for who they actually are.
In conclusion, S.E Hinton uses many craft moves- dialogue, similes, and hyperboles- to describe the relationship between the Socs and the greasers. In the beginning, Ponyboy hold the same opinion as the rest of the greasers about the Socs- they've got all the breaks and have it easy. In the end, Ponyboy realizes that not all Socs are the same and have their own sets of problems. The readers are left to wonder about the rest of the characters and if they too have changed in their opinions of Socs.
Everyone in life would want to be loyal because you never know what is going to happen next S.E. Hinton uses dialogue to create empathy in the book “The Outsiders.” She creates the emotions that bare between Darry and Ponyboy both share for each other when they meet again at the hospital. In the text Darry says “ Oh, Pony, I thought we’d lost you… like we did Mom and Dad…” This dialogue makes us share the same emotions that Ponyboy, and Darry had towards each other, and creates a touching scene that causes the reader to feel a similar emotions.Another scene that uses dialogue to create empathy is when Johnny dies from the severe burns, and injuries he sustained from the church fire.When Ponyboy comes in the room and sees his dear friend Johnny lying there motionless without any sounds coming from him; he feels guilty for Johnny’s death. And so does Dally, because Johnny was the only thing he cared about, and when Johnny dies the reader has a depressed feeling to him/her.
My final piece of evidence is at the last chapter, when Soda runs from the house to leave Ponyboy and Darry when they are arguing about Ponyboy’s grades. When we see the characters show their true emotions to each other; that they actually care for one another, the reader then begins to shed a tear at the least, because they have empathy for the main character’s family, and feelings towards those characters.
That is why S.E. Hinton uses dialogue to create empathy for the book “ The Outsiders,” so we may share the feelings that the characters have had throughout the whole book.
When you meet a person you start getting to know them by their looks, the way they talk, what they wear, etc.; the same should happen to get to know the conflicts, plot, and characters of a book. The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is a book about teenagers and about the different social groups. The wealthy teens are called Socs, while the ones that live in the other side of the city are called greasers, lower class teens. The narrator is Ponyboy, who is a greaser. He describes his friends and brothers thoroughly and his deep thoughts are conveyed. S.E. Hinton uses description, inner thinking, and dialogue to get the reader familiarized with the characters, inner conflicts, and the mood of the situation, or with the book in general.Hinton uses description so that the reader can have a visual in their mind of the main characters. In the first chapter, Ponyboy describes all of the guys in his gang. He not only describes their looks, but also their personality and for some, he told about their origins. This helps the reader to get better acquainted with the story because then they will be able to comprehend why a character acts a certain way. For example, Dally is so bitter and heart-stricken that he makes the police shoot him. In chapter one, Ponyboy’s description of Dally aids the reader in making sense of why he took that action by the end of the story. Ponyboy narrates, “So Dally, even though he could get into a good fight sometimes, had no specific thing to hate. No rival gang. Only Socs. And you can’t win against them no matter how hard you try, because they’ve got all the breaks and even whipping them isn’t going to change that fact. Maybe that is why Dallas is so bitter.” The reader already knows that Dally is not happy with his life, they comprehend why he took his life. That is how the description in this book helps the reader keep up with the story.
The author uses inner thinking so that the reader can get to really understand the conflicts Ponyboy has. The use of this technique increases especially nearing the end of the book. In page 162, after seeing an image of a Soc named Bob, who was killed by Ponyboy’s friend,Johnny, in self-defense, he really starts thinking about him. He thinks about how maybe he was a reckless, wealthy boy because of his parents. He also uses questions in his thinking; “Did he have a kid brother who idolized him? Maybe a big brother who kept bugging him not to be so wild? His parents let him run wild-because they loved him too much or too little? Did they hate us now?”. This inner thinking is also shown after Ponyboy reads Johnny’s letter. His thoughts are really profound. He even thinks about the future and how he looks at himself and the people around him. This is how Hinton uses deep inner thinking- to help the reader understand the internal conflicts Ponyboy has throughout the book.
A third technique S.E. Hinton used in this book is dialogue; so that the tense moments in this book can be felt and visualized. This is shown when Johnny and Ponyboy get trapped by those Socs in page 55. The dialogue is intense. It really displays the hatred they felt toward each other. Bob, a Soc said, ‘’You know what a greaser is? White trash with long hair. Ponyboy responded, “You know what a Soc is? White trash with Mustangs and madras.” This is only one of the examples of how the author used dialogue to help the reader comprehend this rivalry between these two social classes which is a major part of this story. In turn, this lets the reader get better acquainted with the book.
Someone might argue that these techniques are not really needed to understand the story, but that is not the truth given the fact the use of description helped us understand important events in the book such as Dally’s death; as has been mentioned previously. Without Ponyboy’s inner thinking, the reason why this book is called The Outsiders would not be understood. By the end of the book talks about how there are poeple who feel that they don’t truly fit in anywhere. They are like outsiders.
This is how S.E. Hinton uses description, inner thinking, and dialogue to get the reader familiarized with the story of The Outsiders. That makes it easy to understand the book even though it was written at a different time. The author did this so that the reader can feel as if they are part of the story and so that the book is “hard to put down”. Do you think these techniques contributed to the comprehension of the book. How different would The Outsiders have been without these techniques?
@Betty I really like your evidence in the 2nd paragraph
Challenges We FaceIn life everyone goes through obstacles. Similar to S.E Hinton's book, “The Outsiders” when the main character, ponyboy is forced to face challenges with society and his family. The author uses symbolism, descriptive details, and flashbacks to help readers understand what ponyboy goes through.
S.E Hinton uses the socs who are rich and are never told “no” by their parents to symbolise society. Ponyboy is known as a “greaser”, and gets judged because of his social class. Which is very similar to the real world, people often don't show respect to those below them. Being a greaser ponyboy faces many obstacles and stereotypes against him, and S.E Hinton helps the readers, relate what ponyboy goes through.
S.E Hinton also uses descriptive details to show how ponyboy felt when another greaser (Dallas) died. Ponyboy says the bullets caved holes in his chest and the sound of the gun shots echoed through the vacant lot. The details ponyboy provides us paints a picture in the readers mind, which helps me understand more how ponyboy felt.
In the scene where Dallas is shot, ponyboy has a flashback to the time when Dally tells him,”I've been carrying a heater, it's not loaded but sure does help a bluff.” This flashback lets us in on what is going through ponyboys head, making it easier for readers to understand him.
While some people may think that this flashback is just ponyboys thoughts and it doesn't matter, they might forget that the background knowledge explains a lot and without it reader could be left questioning.
The way S.E Hinton writes her book really helps the reader further understand ponyboys thoughts and emotions. In “The Outsiders” by S.E Hinton, ponyboy faces multiple struggles in his life, just like we do.
People often use letters to symbolize or express their feelings towards someone else. In S.E. Hinton’s book,“The Outsiders”, Ponyboy’s brother Sodapop writes a letter to Pony, showing his feelings towards pony’s actions. In the book “The Outsiders,” Sodapop says ”Darry and me nearly went nuts when you ran out like that.” This shows that Sodaop was feeling worried and wanting him to come back home. In “the outsiders” by S.E. Hinton, she uses symbolism by using letters to symbolize the boys feelings towards each other.
S.E. Hinton uses letters to symbolize how people can feel towards each other. Sodapop writes a letter to Pony (in the scene when him and johnny ran away), a sentence that proves this says, ”I wish you’d come back and turn yourselves in but i guess you can’t since johnny might get hurt.” Soda says feels that Ponyboy and Johnny should turn themselves in. This also shows that he misses them because if he didn’t he would have never even said that they should come back.
At the very end of the book, Ponyboy reads a letter that johnny wrote him in the hospital. The letter shows what johnny was thinking and feeling about what happened at the the church. Two sentences of the letter says,”Listen I don’t mind dying now. It’s worth it.” This shows that Johnny was feeling like he did something good, and almost happy. He feels this way because he thinks that saving those children’s lives were more important and that it was worth dying, Johnny did something that not a lot of people would have done, and feels good about it.
While some people might interpret this letter as a symbol of sadness, they may forget that Johnny didn’t mind dying and he died happy and a hero. He says that the children’s lives were more important and worth it, so it isn’t like he died without trying to help or save them. He can at least say that he died saving someone elses life and that it was worth it.
In the book, “The Outsiders”, S.E. Hinton uses letters to symbolize how the boys feel towards each other. People often use letters to symbolize how they feel towards each other.
Betty wrote: "In The Outsiders, S.E Hinton uses symbolism, descriptive, and repetition. The author uses symbolism by giving us two types of groups: Socs and Greasers. Socs represent the rich kids who have every..."Zanieb, I really like the evidence you presented, and the explanation you provided. It helps me understand the claims you make.
Mishelska wrote: "@Betty I really like your evidence in the 2nd paragraph"Amina, this is definitely my favorite essay, i agree with everything you said, and you are a wonderful writer
Khalisha wrote: "People often use letters to symbolize or express their feelings towards someone else. In S.E. Hinton’s book,“The Outsiders”, Ponyboy’s brother Sodapop writes a letter to Pony, showing his feelings ..."I really like the specific scenes you chose to present as evidence. Good job!
Khalisha wrote: "People often use letters to symbolize or express their feelings towards someone else. In S.E. Hinton’s book,“The Outsiders”, Ponyboy’s brother Sodapop writes a letter to Pony, showing his feelings ..."I love this! I never thought of how the letters are symbols, but because of your explanation, I now understand. Very unique from the other essays!
@KhalishaWooow great job .... You really explained how letters can be a symbol too ...!! Great job this would make the readers have a clear idea what it means.
these are all amazing messages they helped me a lot when reading the book.
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In the book Outsiders by S.E. Hinton I think what he reader it trying to symbolize is danger because one clue that represents this is Johnnies knife . Ponyboy the main character was out all night with Johnny and Dally and didn’t get home till 1:00 in the morning so Darry his brother hit him. Ponyboy got upset and ran away from home and got Johnny to go to the park. When Johnny and Ponyboy were at the park they didn’t know but the soc’s went to the park too so they were worried they would do something to them since they were greasers . Greasers and Soc’s were rivals by the way .
At this time in the book Johnny used the knife to stab Bob sheldon he did so because they were drowning ponyboy and he was afraid they would do him next.
One other possible thing in the book that could be something to symbolize the book would be the hairgrease because it symbolizes that their greasers and they are different from others.