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The Symbols Behind the Outsiders
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Knives
In the Outsiders, symbols of personality, wealth, and power effect each character in their own ways. Knives are typically owned by both the Socs and greasers, but the greasers use their knives as defense against Soc's deadly drive-by attacks. Dally, one of the rougher and cold greasers, carry's a knife so sharp, sleek, and slim that it is only used for show and not self defense. Johnny, on the other hand, has a nine-inch blade for nothing but defending himself and his friends, and purchased it after he was nearly beaten to death by the Socs.
The Symbols Behind
the Outsiders
The sun in the Outsiders is not a symbol of power or defense, but of love and the single connection we know of greasers and Socs. Ponyboy meets a girl named Cherry at a drive in and are great friends throughout the duration of the novel. The catch is that Cherry is a Soc, and is kind and gentle to Ponyboy. Eventually they realize that they both watch the sunset together, just in different places. Ponyboy even mentions, "Can you still see the sunset from there?"
The Sun
Cars
Although the Socs are very intimidating, they don't think it's enough. With all of their money, they decide to go all in on the "tough" style by purchasing Corvairs and Mustangs just to show off their power over the lower and middle class.
Cigarets
All characters smoke cigarets, not just to look tough or strong, but to calm themselves down after some freak accident. It shows that the greasers really just want to get by, stay calm, and live their lives the way they want to without anyone judging them.
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Using this guide and presentation, you can go into the Outsiders understanding what symbols guide all characters to push the compelling plot forward.
Hair
Hair is a major factor in any characters appeal to enemies. In fact, the reason greasers are called that is because they lace grease through their hair to look stronger than they truly are and force the Socs to divert their attention away from them. Most hair in this novel is very long and sleeked back heavily with grease, for only the Socs can afford decent haircuts.
Jackets are another form of appeal and personality, both in the Socs and greasers. The Socs either wear expensive leather, wool, fur, and football jock jackets. These forms of ranking in society creates even more division in class. The greasers, on the other hand, wear jackets to show that they mean business so that no one will come near them, and going along with the hair, keeps everyone but the Socs away from them and their society.