The OutsidersELA 7

Author: S.E. Hinton

The Outsiders is a book that shows that

“beneath the trappings of madras or

leather, individual hearts

have much in common.”

Setting Definition: Where the novel takes place Tulsa, Oklahoma in 1965/1966 The gas stations, dreary streets and housing of the “poor side

of town” that the Greaser’s call home. The manicured lawns of upper middle class suburbia where

the Socs live. The theaters drive-ins and burger joints that are common

ground. The high school both neighborhoods attend. The United States coming out of the innocence of the “50s”

into a time of great social and political change

Main Characters Greasers:

Ponyboy Curtis Sodapop Curtis Darry Curtis Johnny Cade Dally Winston Two-bit Mathews Steve Randle

Main Characters Socs

• Cherry Valance • Bob Gardner

Conflict Definition: The central problem in a plot.

Man against Man

Man against Nature

Man against Himself

Man against Society

Theme Definition: the main idea, moral or message of a

text Bridging the Gap Between Rich and Poor

The Outsiders tells the story of two groups of teenagers whose bitter rivalry stems from socioeconomic differences

Honor Among the Lawless The idea of honorable action appears throughout the

novel, and it works as an important component of the greaser behavioral code. Greasers see it as their duty.

Theme Innocence Loneliness Isolation Misunderstanding

Symbols Defination: an object, which stands for a quality

or idea. {For example a dove as a symbol for peace or a heart as a symbol for love.}

Symbol: Two-Bit’s Switchblade

Two-Bit’s switchblade is his most prized possession and, in several ways, represents the disregard for authority for which greasers traditionally pride themselves. the blade is stolen it represents a sense of the individual power that

comes with the potential to commit violence

Symbol: Cars Cars represent the Socs power and the

greasers’ vulnerability. Because their parents can afford to buy them

their “tuff” cars, the Socs have increased mobility and protection. The greasers, who move mostly on foot, are physically vulnerable in comparison to the Socs.

Symbol: Hair When the Socs jump Ponyboy at the beginning

of the novel, they ask him if he wants a haircut and threaten to cut off his hair. By doing so, they would rob him of his identity.

Time to Learn…Look up each term….

1. Define it

2. Give an example of it from the book if it applies.

Time to Learn… allusion Symbol

atmosphere Tragedy

Dialect

Dialogue

Flashback

Irony

point of view (3 types) * the one used in The Outsiders.

Define… unfathomable sagely roguishly

incredulous

quavered ruefully conviction

premonition

aghast stupor vaguely indignant

contemptuously subsides eluded