Themes 1
Characters treat each other differently based on whether they are Socs or Greasers.
Division/Conflict
Johnny makes a choice to protect Ponyboy, despite the consequences to himself.
Honour/self-sacrifice/loyalty
Darry has to unexpectedly prioritise taking care of Sodapop and Ponyboy.
Forced responsibility.
Ponyboy gets beaten up by a gang of Socs.
Being bullied.
I can't help but stand up for my little kid brother. My older brother can be so hard on him sometimes.
Sodapop
After witnessing violence, Ponyboy begins to see life differently.
Loss of innocence
The Greasers stand up for other Greasers when they are in trouble.
Loyalty
Being jumped is common around the streets where Ponyboy lives.
Living in an unsafe neighbourhood.
Bob does not like when the Greasers hang out with Cherry.
Jealousy.
I couldn't stand seeing my girl with the Greasers. I had to do something.
Bob
Ponyboy struggles to balance fitting in with the Greasers and being himself.
Identity
Ponyboy can sometimes feel disconnected from the other Greasers.
Isolation
Darry hits Ponyboy in a moment of anger.
Domestic violence.
Johnny's home life.
Child abuse
I sacrificed my future to take on responsibilities I was not old enough for.
Darry/Darrel
Characters are judged if they are a Greaser or Soc, rather than who they are individually.
Stereotyping/Division
Characters are shaped by events in the book and change for better or worse because of it.
Growth/development
Ponyboy and Johnny fall asleep in the lot.
Staying out late/past curfew
Characters question how they belong within their social group.
Alienation/questioning identity
I wish I was as tough looking as Paul Newman.
Ponyboy
After speaking to Cherry, Ponyboy realises that the struggles of a Greaser and a Soc may not be so different after all.
Empathy.
Caring for younger siblings comes before socialising.
Responsibility.
Love
Ponyboy feels as though Darry hates him.
Lack of acceptance by caregiver/parents.
I wish the Greasers and the Socs would just understand that things are rough all over.
Cherry Valance