What is the resolution of The Outsiders?

There are several resolutions to S.E. Hinton's 1967 novel, The Outsiders. The events of the novel are set in motion when two rival gangs, the upper-class, well-dressed, and elitist Socs and the rebellious hard-knocks, the Greasers, have a flight that becomes fatal. Cherry, a Soc girl who is the girlfriend of another Soc, Bob) begins chatting amicably with Ponyboy, the narrator of the story and the youngest of three orphaned boys, who is himself a Greaser. Bob and his fellow Socs later try to drown Ponyboy in a fountain by way of revenge; however, Johnny (a Greaser and friend to Ponyboy) steps in and stabs Bob, thus saving Ponyboy's life.

One resolution of the novel occurs when Cherry (the Soc girl whose conversation with Ponyboy early in the novel prompted a spat between the two gangs) testifies before a judge that Johnny killed Bob in self-defense. Ponyboy, too, is acquitted by the judge for his involvement in Bob's death, and he is allowed to return home. This legal acquittal in a sense rectifies things for Ponyboy, as he ostensibly has nothing more to fear--at least from the law.

However, Ponyboy's depression continues into the final chapter of the book, leaving him unable to focus and complete his schoolwork. The second major resolution thus occurs when Ponyboy and his paternalistic older brother, Darry, reconcile after an outburst of tears by their middle brother, Sodapop. It is clear throughout the first-person narrative that Darry tries to fill the void of the boys' parents, who died in a car crash; however, he was often cold and overly critical toward Ponyboy, the youngest brother. By the end of the novel (and after the legal resolution), Ponyboy realizes, inspired by a note left by his friend Johnny, that he must make Darry less disillusioned with the world and encourage him to see its beauty.

What is the resolution in The Outsiders?

Towards the end of the story, a lot has happened, and some of the events remain unresolved. Bob is dead, stabbed by Johnny as he was defending Pony. Johnny also dies after sustaining injuries while trying to save the children trapped in the burning church. Dally is killed in what seems to be a suicide mission when he points an unloaded gun at police officers pursuing him.

In a positive move, the Socs truthfully testify before the court. They absolve Pony over Bob’s death and suggest that Johnny acted in self-defense. The conclusion of the case also provides Pony with an opportunity to accept that his best friend is dead. During the hearing, a different side of Dally, the Greasers, and the Socs is also presented, which reflects the failures of society in protecting and guiding the young.

Pony also learns that he has been mistaken about Darry and discovers that his brother loves him, which resolves the conflict between the brothers. Thus, the resolution to the story is not a single event but the conclusion of several conflicts.