The Outsiders: literature

While reading The Outsiders by S.E Hinton there were a few pieces of popular literature named within the novel. Many of the characters use the pieces to compare, describe and characterize themselves. In the beginning of the novel, Ponyboy compares himself to a character named Pip from Charles Dickens’s Great Expectations. The two boys share similar attributes. They both are poor and struggle with the fact of not knowing were their place is and their true value. Next, Johnny and Ponyboy characterized their lives with Robert Frost’s poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay.” They both begin to realize that like is a constant battle and at some point, whether they like it or not, they have to face reality and the consequences that go along with it. Also, Johnny related Dally to a man in Gone with the Wind, a book Johnny bought Ponyboy because he was always saying how much he wanted to read it. Most importantly, Cherry and Ponyboy discuss books and this helps them understand each other more. This connection caused by literature between the two, plays a key role in reuniting the greasers and socials. Through all these pieces of literature, the opposing groups begin to understand others actions and why they behave a certain way. By the end of the novel, we come to realize that The Outsiders is an autobiography by Ponyboy, he is writing the paper for English class. This final representation of literature proves how it can have an effect on many individuals. Literature is a standout idea in this novel. It is used multiple times and has a huge impact on everyone involved. The literature changes all the characters in the novel and also has an impact on the reader. It being involved will help readers understand more of what is going on and why things are they way they are. Literature brings people together all throughout the novel and also life. It is used in everyday activities and can bring others together no matter if they are rich, poor, black, white etc. It is very powerful.