#THEME OF THE OUTSIDERS HOW TO#

However, at this point, Ponyboy is not able to see beyond himself. For example, Two-Bit gripes about losing his prize switchblade, only because that loss is easier to take than the loss of another friend. The author hints about how the other gang members are dealing with the violent events. Unfortunately, he perceives distancing himself from others as the best way to handle this whole affair. Plus, the earlier deaths of his parents and the instability of his daily life contributed to what he subconsciously perceives as his best route to his survival: shutting down emotionally, merely walking through life without actively participating in it. The events that lead up to this breakdown are overpowering the death of both Johnny and Dally in one day was too much. I didn't know what he had do with it then, but I do now.' However, even after he recovers from his denial about the events and knows that Johnny killed Bob, Ponyboy remains emotionally shut down and depressed. the doctor was there and he had a long talk with the judge before the hearing. But the text assures readers that Ponyboy eventually recovers his memory of the true events of the killing: '. At the time of the hearing, Ponyboy thinks that he killed the Soc, not Johnny. The lack of control that Ponyboy feels in his everyday life leads to his denial and depression that surfaces in these final two chapters.

#THEME OF THE OUTSIDERS HOW TO#

But how to start? Pony starts with the opening lines of Chapter 1. Pony decides that this is his theme topic. Someone should tell their side of the story, from their perspective, and then maybe other people wouldn't be so quick to judge. Suddenly it dawns on Pony that a lot of Dallys live in the world. There is plenty of good in the world, and, most importantly, Pony should tell Dally these ideas as well. He also writes that Pony still has plenty of time to make something of himself. The meaning is that one should not take things for granted, that everyone needs to continue to look at the world as if it is brand new in order to appreciate it. Johnny writes that he had figured out what the poem Nothing Gold Can Stay really meant. He picks up Gone with the Wind and a note from Johnny falls out. All agree that they need to pull together, not apart.ДЄt home that night, Pony cannot make himself work on his theme. Soda reminds them that they should be sticking together, not tearing each other apart. Neither Darry nor Pony had ever thought about how their fighting was impacting Soda. Soda explains that he just can't stand it anymore - always being in the middle, always being torn from one side to the other.

Pony and Darry chase after him and finally catch him down at the park. When Darry and Pony try to bring Soda into the fight and ask him to choose sides, he runs out of the house. Darry's constant nagging only results in arguments. The topic is to be Pony's choice and the theme is proving to be an overwhelming task for him to accomplish. Pony's English teacher assigns a semester theme for him to write, and if he does well on it, he will give him a C for the class even though his work has earned him a failing grade. Pony calmly breaks a bottle and threatens to 'split' them if they don't get back into their car: 'I've had about all I can take from you guys.' The Socs retreat, and Pony picks up the broken glass. The Socs accuse him of being the one that killed Bob Sheldon, and start coming toward him. Pony feels nothing he isn't scared or mad. Two-Bit and Steve go inside and a carload of Socs drive up and three get out. Nothing really matters to Pony any more, and getting through each day is a struggle for him.ДЄt lunch one afternoon, Pony, Two-Bit, and Steve walk over to the gas station. Fighting resumes with Darry as he continually has to berate Pony about getting his homework done. Pony is having a hard time at school, and he is forgetful and clumsy. But things are not back to normal at home. The judge listens to everyone, acquits Pony, and closes the case. Everyone except Pony was able to tell the judge what had happened that night Pony is only questioned about his home life. The hearing with the judge wasn't what Ponyboy had expected.

Theme of the outsiders