The Outsiders: theme

When I first read The Outsiders by S.E Hinton I did not fully understand the issues occurring. However, I saw the movie, loved it and had to read the book again. Instantly I understood the theme- connecting with the opposed. Throughout the novel, you learn about the two teenage groups, the Socials and the Greasers. The socials consist of rich young men and women who cherish their finer things. The greasers are poor hard workers whose lives are constant battles, whether they are dealing with money/food shortages, parents arguing or no place to call home. The groups have different opinions and values, which causes an on going rivalry that consists of fights, rude remarks and unfortunately death in each group. Both groups constantly obsess over their social standing because of how important they make it out to be. Growing up in that kind of environment makes you believe, the higher your social ranking the more power and respect you have. Automatically both groups become consumed with this fact and will do anything for that power.  Suddenly the rivalry comes to a standstill when Cherry Valance a soc, has an interest in a greaser named Ponyboy Curtis. They share the same opinion about the rivalry agreeing it is pointless and both have an interest in literature and sunsets. Over time both Ponyboy and Cherry realize that the groups have more in common than they think. In addition, they have the same mentality of sticking together and risking their lives for one another.  The connection shows there is not a huge difference between the groups and the root cause to it all is money. That is what Hinton is trying to express through her novel. That money should not mean anything, especially when it divides young adults into groups and causes agony. Cherry Valance and Phonyboy Curtis relationship shed light on this troubling time. No matter what social group you are in, everyone shares the same misfortunes. Both groups shared some attributes but could not set aside their differences to even notice. S.E Hinton wanted to make it clear to all readers that it does not matter if you are poor or wealthy, boy or girl, social or greaser everyone has conflicts and money is just an object.