The Outsiders Group

Question:

shikamaruprince
shikamaruprince
Student
High School - 9th Grade

What is the main theme of "The Outsiders"?

I've heard the thing about the conflict but my teacher won't accept that is there another one.

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Posted by shikamaruprince on Friday June 26, 2009 at 7:22 AM and tagged with theme.

Answers:


  1. brandih

    eNotes Editor

    This question has been previously asked and answered. Please see the links below, and thank you for using eNotes.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/outsiders/q-and-a/how-does-theme-be...
    http://www.enotes.com/outsiders/q-and-a/theme-poem-nothin...
    http://www.enotes.com/outsiders/q-and-a/what-themes-text-...

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    Posted by brandih on Friday June 26, 2009 at 10:09 AM


  2. egraham17 Teacher

    eNotes Editor

    One of the themes is "stay true to yourself." That's what Johnny's saying to Ponyboy when he tells him to "stay golden." Another theme is kind of cliche, but powerful nonetheless, which is "Never judge a book by its cover." We see Greasers who live up to the stereotype of the juvenile delinquent, Socs who live up to the stereotype of the spoiled, bored, rich kids causing trouble, and those who blow stereotypes out of the water. Johnny is a hero, who saves children at the risk of his own life, & only uses violence in self-defense. Ponyboy loves to read, and does well in school. Cherry fights for the Greasers, and proves herself to be an independent young women. Carrying this further, we find the theme that "The same sun sets on all of us," meaning that we all carry essential aspects of humanity within ourselves.

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    Posted by egraham17 on Friday June 26, 2009 at 10:14 AM

  3. jg2499
    jg2499 Student
    High School - 9th Grade

    The most important theme in the novel would probably be the one that grasps most of the main issues that occur. This is why the main theme would have to be social status. This theme is relevant to the main issues in the novel, making it the main theme.

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    Posted by jg2499 on Monday September 7, 2009 at 1:53 AM