The Outsiders: A Rebel’s Story
The Outsiders
Bibliographic Data
Original Title: The Outsiders
Title: Rebel
Author: Susan E. Hinton
Edition: Alfaguara, Santillana Group
Collection: Series Red
This book contains 12 chapters and a bibliography of the author.
Abstract
After leaving the cinema, Ponyboy is robbed and beaten by the Socs, the rich West Side gang. Another day, Johnny goes to the cinema with Ponyboy, where they meet Cherry and Marcia, girlfriends of the Socs who beat up Johnny. Bob, Cherry’s boyfriend, sees Ponyboy with his girl. Upon returning home, Ponyboy argues with Darry, as usual, and runs away with Johnny to their hideout. They encounter the Socs, who are drunk and want to fight. They grab Ponyboy and begin to drown him. Johnny, frightened, stabs and kills Bob with his knife. Terrified, they run to Dally, who gives them money, a gun, and directions to a hideout in Windrixville, an abandoned church. They disguise themselves and hide in the church. Days pass, filled with smoking and boredom. Dally visits, informing them that the police are searching for them and takes them out to eat. Returning, they find the church on fire, with children trapped inside. Johnny and Ponyboy rush in to save them. Ponyboy escapes with minor burns, but Johnny is severely injured. Dally, also risking his life, rescues Johnny. Both suffer severe burns. In the hospital, Ponyboy tells the children’s parents what happened. Johnny’s condition worsens. Dally recovers slowly. That night, a rumble between the Socs and greasers is planned. Dally escapes the hospital, determined to participate. The greasers win, and Dally and Ponyboy rush to see Johnny. Johnny dies. Devastated, Dally flees. Ponyboy returns home, injured and exhausted. Dally calls, saying he’s running from the police. They find him confronting the police with an unloaded gun. He is shot and killed. Ponyboy struggles to cope with the loss of his friends and his own injuries. At the trial, Ponyboy is anxious about being sent to an orphanage. He is asked if he likes school. Afterward, Ponyboy struggles with his studies. His English teacher gives him a chance to pass by writing an essay. Ponyboy is initially unable to write, causing an argument with Darry and Sodapop. He finally picks up a pen and begins: “When I stepped out into the bright sunlight from the darkness of the movie house…”
Main Characters
Ponyboy Curtis: The youngest of three brothers, Ponyboy is imaginative and dislikes fighting, despite being a greaser. He loves sunsets and is sensitive. He is the youngest of the gang and gets along well with Sodapop, who protects him, but not with Darry. He is proud of his long hair and respects Dally. He doesn’t like his name.
Darrel (Darry) Curtis: The oldest brother, Darry is serious and works hard to support his family. He is strong and respected in the gang. He is protective of Ponyboy and regrets hitting him. He feels responsible for his brothers after their parents’ death.
Sodapop Curtis: Sixteen years old, Sodapop is energetic and charming. He is a greaser with long, blond hair and a perpetual smile. He works at a gas station with Steve Randle.
Steve Randle: Sodapop’s best friend, Steve is seventeen and skilled with cars. He works with Sodapop and dislikes Ponyboy.
Johnny: Johnny is timid and scared after being beaten by the Socs. He carries a knife but is afraid to use it. He is sensitive and close to Ponyboy. He admires Dally and enjoys reading.
Keith (Two-bit) Mathew: The oldest of the gang, Two-bit is humorous and skilled at stealing. He carries a switchblade and is proud of his long, red sideburns.
Dallas Winston (Dally): Dally is the most respected member of the gang. He is rebellious and has a criminal past. He is tough and loyal to his friends.
Main Theme
The main theme explores the realities of youth, including street fights and delinquency.
Secondary Theme
The story highlights that not all young people involved in gangs enjoy violence and that they have feelings.
Personal Opinion
The book is engaging and addresses real-world issues.
Vocabulary
The vocabulary is realistic and includes slang and curses, reflecting street language. The story is told in the first person by Ponyboy.
About the Author:
Susan E. Hinton was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in 1950. She began writing The Outsiders at age 16, drawing from her own experiences. The novel won awards and was adapted into a film.