It would be almost impossible to talk about contemporary realism in the young adult literature without talking about Hinton’s The Outsiders. When her book was published, “there was no young-adult market.” It was a story for teenagers, about teenagers, written by a teenager. At the age of 15, Susan Eloise Hinton was frustrated with the lack of realistic fiction for teens and began writing a book that transcended the previously established boundaries in its portrayal of violence, class conflict, and prejudice. With its frank depictions of adolescents, The Outsiders revolutionized the way young adult literature was written, as there was suddenly a demand by teenagers for stories that reflected their realities. The book has gone on to sell more than ten million copies and remain the best-selling young adult novel of all time. In 1983, it was adapted into a movie starring Tom Cruise, Rob Lowe, Emilio Estevez, Patrick Swayze, C. Thomas Howell, Matt Dillon, and Ralph Maccio. The movie was directed by Francis Ford Coppola.
The Outsiders
by S.E. Hinton
192 p. Viking Press. 1967
Gr. 6 Up
14-year old Ponyboy Curtis is a member of the “Greasers” gang, a group of underprivileged teenagers living on the east side of Tulsa, Oklahoma. The greasers are frequently under attack by the socs (short for “socals”), the rival gang of rich kids living on the west side. Ponyboy, an orphan, lives with his brothers Sodapop and Darry. When a fight among the two rivals goes bad, Ponyboy’s friend ends up committing manslaughter. Terrified and desperate, Ponyboy finds himself on the run to hideout. Throughout his journey, Ponyboy discovers that “Things are rough all over” regardless of socioeconomic status. Honest and gritty, the novel touches on many themes: bridging the gap between rich and poor, honor and loyalty, and the importance of youth and innocence.
The Feels
I have so many feels about this book.
Hinton created characters are sympathetic with their ill-fated lives facing fear and violence, poverty, and absentee, non-existent, or abusive parents. But there is this pervading sense of camaraderie that exists among the boys. Ponyboy’s honest and vulnerable narrative makes the story more powerful and lends credibility to teenage readers.
And don’t even say “Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold,” to me, because I may very well lose it.
“Stay gold” is, of course, a reference to Frost’s “Nothing Gold Can Stay,” which the boys apply to the idea of youthful innocence. Ponyboy is essentially a good and smart kid who is trapped by his environment, and his friend Johnny wanted him to remain pure. I think the message of staying true to yourself despite your circumstances is something that probably resonates with many teens.
It’s easy to see why this book is still so popular, because it addresses so many issues that are timeless, especially the need teens feel to be accepted. Plus, everyone loves a good “rumble,” right?
And I, like Ponyboy, think we could all watch more sunsets.
See also:
Literary Feels 