First Impressions – The Outsiders
My first impressions of the book “The Outsiders”
is that the storyline, characters and setting seems to be quite interesting due to the various amount of differences there are in comparison to modern day society. Odd names such as Ponyboy and Sodapop just about indicates that the story is set in the 1950s, as for nowadays, names like that could to potentially humiliate someone out of spite stupidity and small mindedness. Other factors that indicate the time and setting of this story, include
daily language, fashion, social groups and a brief description about the
neighborhood the narrator lives in, which is in the East side of New York. I guess this is what
adds the curiosity factor of wanting to read and know what life was like to be
growing up in time of an early era. The plot of the
story is quite hard to predict but I’m guessing that later on in the book there
will be a serious rivalry between a group of Socs and the narrators group of
Greasers as a result of big fight occurring, which I am anticipating it will be
violent, and furthermore fatal.
Chapters 1 And 2 Questions – The Outsiders
As I have mentioned before, this book is mainly focused on the
extreme rivalry between 2 social groups that are known as the
Socs and the Greasers. The 14-year-old narrator and protagonist Ponyboy Curtis classes
himself as a ‘Greaser’ and generally, Greasers are portrayed as a low class, poor,
wild and long haired type of social group that normally dress in blue jeans and
a leather jacket, living on the east side of New York. The Socs (abbreviation code for the socials) A.K.A the ‘west side rich kids ‘ have an
interest of provoking trouble against the Greasers out of sheer boredom.
Because Ponyboy’s parents have died in a car accident, he lives
with his 2 older brothers named Darry and Sodapop. Darry repeatedly accuses
Ponyboy of lacking in common sense, but Ponyboy is a reliable and observant
character in the book. The protagonist identifies himself as a weak looking
teenager with long light brown, almost red hair and greenish-gray eyes. The main similarities between Ponyboy and his group of
Greasers would be their daily language, fashion, and level of rivalry against
the Socs. Although Ponyboy has a few
similarities, there are also some major differences that set him apart from the
gang. Unlike his group of solid, occasionally aggressive, badly mannered and some
uneducated peers, he is a very intelligent, good natured, well-mannered, dreamy
and weak looking individual with several academic accomplishments and a strong
interest in literature.
Ponyboy’s happy-go-lucky, determined and handsome 16-year-old
brother Sodapop Curtis is the 2nd eldest brother of the family. He
is slimmer but not as tall as Darry (the eldest brother of the Curtis family)
but he has a finely drawn sensitive face that somehow manages to be reckless
and thoughtful at the same time. He’s got dark gold hair that he combs back
long, silky and straight, following dark brown lively, dancing, recklessly
laughing eyes that can be gentle and synthetic one moment and blazing with
anger the next. Sodapop dropped out of school to work in a gas station spending most
of his income on Ponyboy’s school fees, keeping his little undeterred brother
smart. The uneducated Greaser plans on
marrying a Greaser girl named Sandy after she gets out of school. Sandy is
identified as a cute and well-mannered natural blonde with a soft laugh like
her china-blue eyes and nice personality. Ponyboy envies his brother’s handsome
looks but the relationship between these 2 greasers is going very well. A
factor that indicates this strong relationship include Sodapop constantly
sticking up for his brother when rough comments/portrayals are made.
The eldest 20-year-old brother, Darrel Curtis, known as “Darry” is
identified as a six-feet-two tall, broad shouldered and muscular individual who
is the caretaker of the Curtis family. He has dark brown hair that kicks out in
front and a slight cowlick in the back just like his dad but he had eyes of his
own. He’s got eyes that are like two pieces of pale blue-green ice, which have
got a determined set to them, like the rest of him. The unofficial leader
Greasers who is raising Ponyboy and Sodapop is known to be strong, athletic, cool and intelligent but in
Ponyboy’s perspective, Darry is quite hard to please as he is portrayed to give lack of care and respect to the Protagonist. The old looking
20-year-old Greaser quit school and works two jobs 24/7, devoting all his time to
hold the family together and battle against financial struggles. Due Darry's busy schedule, he is left out from
several fun activities with his group of Greasers.
The joker of Ponyboy’s group; Two-Bit, whose real and almost forgotten
name is Keith, is a wisecracking Greaser who regularly shoplifts. He prizes his
sleek black-handled switchblade and instigates hostilities between the Socs and
the Greasers by flirting with Marcia, the girlfriend of a Soc.
Steve Randle has been Sodapop’s best friend since grade school. The 17 year old car fanatical Greaser
who works with Sodapop at the gas station knows cars from the inside and out. He
specializes in stealing hubcaps as he is quite intelligent, cocky, tall and lean. He
wears his thick hair in a complicated arrangement of swirls and is known
to be very tough due the experience of once holding off four opponents in a fight
with a broken soda bottle. He sees Ponyboy as Sodapop’s annoying little brother
and wishes that he would not tag along so often.
Dallas Winston is the
toughest member in Ponyboy’s group of Greasers. Dallas, known as “Dally,” is a
hardened teen who used to fight with gangs in New York. He has an elfin face
with icy blue eyes and unlike his peers, he does not put grease in his
white-blond hair. Dally’s violent tendencies and bad criminal record he takes
pride in make him more dangerous than all the other Greasers.
Johnny Cage is
a sixteen-year-old Greaser with black hair and large, fearful eyes. This
nervous and sensitive teen has not had a good childhood, as he is the child of
alcoholic, uncaring and abusive parents. His nervousness and sensitivity came
from the experience of once being jumped and beaten up badly by the Socs.
Though he is unsuccessful in school, he approaches intellectual matters with
steady concentration and due to the lack of care that he receives from his
parents, he sees the greasers as his true family.
Chapters 3 And 4 Point Of View Piece – The Outsiders
Nobody was at the park at two-thirty in the
morning and it was a good place to sit down and relax until we heard the sudden
blast from a car horn. Ponyboy and I jumped up in sudden shock, unaware of
where the thunderous noise came from, and out of the mist, a blue Mustang was
slowly circling the gloomy park. I shook my head and murmured in fear “I bet
they’re looking for us. We picked up the girls.” Ponyboy agreed with my
assumption and asked if we should run away. The Mustang pulled up and 5 Socs
came out, including Randy and Bob. It was too late for us to escape and I had
an uncanny feeling about where this was going. We were outnumbered as the
gloomy elm trees overshadowed the dark scenery.
“Hey guys, look it’s the same white trash that tried to steal our
girls,” Bob spit out, a little loudly, unable to control his sinister voice. He
was swooning and his words were slurred. They were all drunk and I knew that
they wouldn’t back off without a fight. I looked at Ponyboy and saw that his
face was red filled with rage. Pony made the first move by grotesquely spitting
a large ball of sticky saliva at the Socs in response to the rough comment that
was made. It landed straight onto Bob’s newly polished, fancy, black shoes. His
lips curled in disgust when he realizes what has just happened and suddenly the
fight was on. I attempted to bolt but I was abruptly tackled, then pinned to
the ground by Bob and 2 other Socs whilst Pony’s hands were pulled back by two
other Socs, holding him captive. They slugged me a few times but I remained undeterred
and too full of rage to give up and surrender. Ponyboy was then being pushed
into the direction of the merrily sounding fountain and I caught a few of
Randy’s words, “Hey, Greaser! Need a bath?” I stood up with my mind bombarded
with anger and saw that they were continuously dunking Pony’s head into the
park fountain, attempting to drown him. The freezing cold water was instantly
changing color due to the rapid spread of Ponyboy’s blood and it seemed that he
was on the verge of passing out, permanently. 
I slowly reached into my back
pocket and pulled out my switchblade. I knew that Pony would die any second, so
as I approached Bob with my switchblade, I knew exactly what I was going to do.
Without thinking whilst being filled up with anger and rage, I took the razor
sharp blade and stabbed the imbecile in the back, digging deep into his soft,
bloody flesh. It was a retched, yet dreadful experience. With everyone still
unaware of what had just happened, Bob stood still for a moment, and then
collapsed beside the park fountain having his very last breaths. All the other
Socs seemed dazed, still not believing what they have just witnessed. They suddenly
bolted out of the park leaving Bob’s contempt corpse beside the blood-dripping fountain.
In only a few short seconds, it was just Ponyboy and me. With my hand still
gripping the switchblade, I realized I had just killed someone. My mind began
to fill up with spine chilling, thoughts, regrets and questions about my
life-saving action. I cautiously walked my way out of the blood pool
surrounding Bob, heading towards Ponyboy. I told him that everything will be
okay, so we immediately left the crime scene before the police arrive and start
investigating.Chapters 5 Robert Frost “Nothing Gold Can Stay” Poem Analysis – The Outsiders
Nature's first green
is gold,
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf,
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day
Nothing gold can stay.
Her hardest hue to hold.
Her early leaf's a flower;
But only so an hour.
Then leaf subsides to leaf,
So Eden sank to grief,
So dawn goes down to day
Nothing gold can stay.
This wisely made poem
is basically explaining that nothing can stay perfect, in other words ‘stay gold’.
In the book, Ponyboy recites this poem to Johnny while witnessing a beautiful,
golden sunrise, finally realizing the its true meaning. Johnny later analyzes
the poem, still unaware of its definition. The line “Nothing Gold Can Stay,”
speaks of pure innocence by using metaphors from nature. The poem comes to
symbolize the innocence of Johnny and Ponyboy. Not all of the Greasers possess
this innocence as the word “Golden” symbolizes the way people look and perceive the world before they find out about the reality and
hardships that come along in life. Darry sets a great example in relation to
this poem. “Nature’s first green is gold”. A factor that symbolizes this line
is how Darry had started with the opportunity to become something better. He
had parents, support from his group of Greasers and a raw talent in football.
He was golden until the unfortunate death of his parents in a fatal car
accident, which destroyed all his hopes and dreams. “Then leaf subsides to leaf, so Eden sank to grief.” Having this happened, Darry
had grieved the life he left behind to financially support and take care of his
2 younger brothers. Darry is now trapped in his
current life, stuck with the Greasers and his 2 brothers instead of his once
dreamt bright future. “So dawn goes down to day, nothing gold can stay”. Life
is what it is for Darry, his life has gone to dawn and he has lost his gold,
which symbolizes the beginning of reality of what has happened to each day of
his life.
Chapters 7-8 Similes And Metaphors For Johnny – The Outsiders
Johnny is...
Chapters 9-10 Quote Analysis – The Outsiders
Quote analysis 1
“Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay
gold.” – Johnny (p. 148)
In his last words at the hospital, Johnny references the same Robert Frost poem that Ponyboy recited aloud when they were
sitting at the back porch Windrixville Church, watching the sunrise.
By dying, Johnny fulfills
his prophecy of the poem that “nothing gold can stay”. Before he passed away,
he wishes Ponyboy to remain golden instead of becoming a convict; in other
words, stay "innocent."
This simply explains that
Johnny perceives the uselessness of fighting; and simply wants Ponyboy to hold
onto his golden qualities that set him apart from his gang.
Quote analysis
2
“Its ok… We
aren’t in the same class. Just don’t forget that some of us watch the sunset
too.” – Ponyboy (p. 46)
Ponyboy speaks
these words to Cherry Valance after he, Two-Bit and Johnny spend some time
together with Cherry and Marcia at the drive in.
Ponyboy
finally realizes that even though the two social groups have unequal
lifestyles, attitudes, fashion and financial situations, they nevertheless live
in the same world beneath the son. The words “some of us watch the sunset,”
explains that not all Greasers are rough, badly mannered and unrefined, as that
is their portrayed stereotype.
This is simply
telling us that Ponyboy is growing fond of Cherry as he does not want her to
portray all he, and his companions as a stereotypical Greaser.
Quote analysis
3
“Next time you
want a broad, pick up your own kind.” – Bob (p.55)
Right before
the fight at the park that results in Johnny killing Bob, Bob describes the
reasoning for the attack against these 2 Greasers.
Bob is simply
threatening and reminding what place Johnny and Ponyboy are, in society as
Greasers are supposed to keep their distance away from the Socs.
A while before
their encounter with the Socs in the park, Ponyboy, Johnny and Sodapop hung out
with Bob’s girlfriend, Cherry Valance and another Soc girl, Marcia. In this
case, Bob simply wants the 2 Greasers to stay away from his girl and anyone associated
with the Soc group. This just shows that Bob is quite jealous and shocked that the
Soc girls would broad with these Greasers
Plot Diagram - The Outsiders
Transcript - The Outsiders
Cast
Anthony Carter - Edgar
Guests
Ponyboy - Johno
Randy - Caden
Radio Pier 44 FM
*60’s Music Fades*
Edgar - That was ‘A Day In The Life By The Beetles’,this your host Anthony Carter. Today in the studio Live, we have 2 special guests with us. Please welcome Ponyboy and Randy. Ponyboy is currently 24 years old and has come forward to tell his experience as a child and what it was like to be in the ‘Greasers’ at the time on the east side of New York. We also have Randy here, aged 27 and who had lived on the west side of New York, he has come forward to tell his experiences as well, this is due to the easing of the tension between the groups of either side has increased over the past 10 years.
Johno ( Ponyboy)
Edgar - We will be starting with Ponyboy on this early morning, so Ponyboy how has life been for you these past 10 years?
Johno - Life has been very successful for me in the past 10 years. I am currently a successful author that has published over 10 books. My first ever story named “The Outsiders” is currently a bestseller in local bookstores across the country.
Edgar - When did you first obtain a strong interest in literature?
Johno - My strong interest in literature has been with me ever since I was born. I’m known in as the intelligent one in the family. Darry, my older brother was also intelligent and had a raw talent in football. Unfortunately, our parents passed away in a car crash, making Darry quit football to work 24/7, devoting all his time to pay the bills.
Edgar - How is your relationship with your older brothers, if you wouldn't mind to share it with us?
Johno - Our friendship is as sturdy as an oak. We have been keeping each others backs ever since our parents passed away. My 2nd eldest brother Sodapop is currently working as a fueler along with his buddy Steve Randal as a mechanical analysis. After I graduated school, My eldest brother, Darry quit working 24/7 and is now the coach of a local and amateur football team.
Edgar - Please tell us how you lived your life, knowing that Johnny and Dally had died, how did this affect you?
Johno - When they died, I couldn’t believe how fast everything was happening. It was a traumatic experience, an experience I would never want to encounter again. For around 2 months, my grades at school dropped dramatically, starting from A’s and B’s dropping to F’s and E’s. But during that time, I was sick of the Socs constantly provoking trouble against me. I decided to toughen up my act and be tuff like my companions.
Edgar - Please share your Greaser-like childhood experiences with us on this beautiful sunny morning.
Johno - As a Greaser, I always had a very strong rivalry against the Socs until I discovered how much of a nuisance fighting was when my beloved friend Johnny passed away and taught me a few wise words. My qualities and strong interest in literature sorta set me apart from the gang, but over the years, they have gradually been growing more familiar with my way of life.
Edgar - Ponyboy, we heard a rumour that before your fellow Greaser Johnny passed away, he told you to ‘ Stay Golden’. What does he mean by this?
Johno - He was referring to a Robert Frost poem known as “Nothing Gold Can Stay.” I recited this poem to Johnny during our time, hiding out at Windrixville church. I can remember this time, as if it were yesterday. He was telling me to stay innocent and keep my golden qualities that set me apart from the gang.
Edgar - Ponyboy how did you feel when you saw Bob’s dead body as you woke up from being unconscious?
Johno - After I regained consciousness, I saw Bob’s corpse on the ground, surrounded by a blood pool. During that time, I didn't know what was going on until Johnny told me that he murdered Bob in self defense. For 5 minutes, I was like a stun mullet. We decided to bail, before the cops arrived at the crime scene and when we got to the abandoned church after receiving some help from Dally, Johnny further explained the the scene. For some reason, I had no respect for Johnny’s decision of saving my life and taking another.
Edgar - How did you react when the Socs came and jumped you when you were walking away from the theatre?
Johno - I remember being as timid as a rabbit walking back from the theatre as I remembered that Johnny was recently jumped and beaten badly by the Socs at the time. They came out of nowhere and since I was outnumbered, I couldn’t protect myself. During the beating, I remember constantly shouting for Darry and Sodapop, and out of the mist they came running in with the gang scaring the away Socs. I was relieved but at the same time, I was in vulnerable pain. I couldn’t show this pain in front of Darry so I decided to toughen up.
Edgar - Ponyboy, How is with your relationship with the Socs and to be more specific, Cherry Valance since 10 years have passed?
Johno - I currently have a close relationship with the Socs that I was once huge enemies with, including Randy. Cherry however, is the love of my life. Our relationship is getting stronger and stronger everyday and I finally know what it feels like to be in love as I was once curious and envied with Sodapop’s long lost relationship with Sandy.
Caden (Randy)
Edgar - Hello Randy by the looks of thing that has happen over the past 10 years, it is safe to say that you are more privileged than other members of society.
Edgar - What’s it like to be an upper-class citizen on the west side of New York?
Caden- It’s great getting everything you want, getting to go to a upper class high school but at times it can get annoying because things are too easy and not challenging enough.
Edgar - How were you and Bob friends?
Caden- We became friends during our early years of grade school and our friendship became better as the years went on
Edgar- What was Bob like?
Caden- Robert was a great example of a best friend that you could ever have even though he was over - spoilt and a hot head at times.
Edgar- I’m deeply sorry for your loss of a good friend.
Edgar- Is it possible to explain what happened during the park incident?
Caden- Well as a matter of fact I would be delighted. We rolled up in our blue mustang, we saw Johnny and Ponyboy standing the edge of the park. Bob being a hot head decided to go jump them so we all went, when we got there Bob told us to take Ponyboy and start drowning him and then Bob was stab, we were all scared so we ran away.
Edgar - How did you feel when the event was happening?
Caden- First I felt enraged but after Johnny had taken Bob down, I and the the rest of our group were shocked and scared to death caused by that scrawny little boy no offense Ponyboy.
Johno - It’s alright Randy.
Edgar - How did the loss of your friend affected you?
Caden- The loss of Bob has change me in more than one way now I am more cautious when going to parties, I have also stop drinking to prevent anymore death and I have a lot more respect for other socioeconomic class
Edgar - What made you decide to talk to Ponyboy before the fight between the greaser and the social had happened?
Caden- At the time I had enough of fighting and violence as I saw it would do no good to either side as greaser will alway be greaser and socials will always be socials. Fights would only kill more loved ones from both side I thought it would be beneficial to talk to a younger member of the gang who still has the ability to change their attitude to the situation
Edgar - Do you think Bob’s death could have been easily avoided in the first place?
Caden- Yes I think Roberts death could be averted with some disciplinary action dished out by his parents! This should be the case for all Soc kids.
Edgar - In your opinion, what did you think about the fighting that has happened between the two social classes?
Caden- As I said before I think fighting would do no good to either side as greaser will alway be greaser and socials will always be socials.
Edgar - Do you think an individual could change their social class easily and how will it change them?
Caden - I think an individual can change if they choose to do be determined on changing their social class. It will change them greatly as they know that they have sacrifice to everything that they used to have for a much better life.
