In the
Outsiders by S. E. Hilton, the author repeatedly emphasizes on the theme of
'familiarity alters perspective', in simpler words: being an
outsider. The Greasers and the Socs entitle based on their appearance and class
status; hence, their animosity thrives on stereotypes and prejudice. Ponyboy
transforms throughout the story as the author's emphasis on this theme
increases.
The
author chiefly emphasized on this theme when Cherry befriended Ponyboy as she
remarks, "things are rough all over". Ponyboy begins to consider Socs
as individuals and questions this gang conflict. These theme also awakens
through symbolic expressions, as Cherry and Ponyboy discuss their interest of
admiring sunsets -people from to vastly different classes find a similarity:
"Maybe the two different
worlds we lived in weren't so different. We saw the same sunset". Ponyboy's
emotions and thinking further aggravates as Randy forces his compassion towards
the two gangs as individuals as he shares insights about Bob's troubled
life with Ponyboy. Later in the book, Randy also explains Ponyboy how he must
feel very sad to disappoint his father if he ever lied in the court trial, Pony
questions this statement by justifying Randy's riches as his excuse; while Pony
may still relate to this matter; because, he too does not want to disappoint
and be separated from his brothers. In
the Curtis family, Ponyboy would previously consider Darry in a negative
manner: as a strict and unfriendly guardian. Sodapop helps Pony identify
Darry's expectations and love for Ponyboy. This ends with their newly found
admiration for each other.
In
summation, Ponyboy decides to take on the role. He decides to showcase and
retell the tale of two vastly different groups and then their common humanity
in the form of his English essay which is in turn this entire novel. The term
'outsider' refers to the importance of empathy in all cases; referring to an
individual as an outsider as he or she views a scenario from a different
perspective.
