The Outsiders By S. E. Hinton
Reflection Write about a time that you may have felt like an “outsider” in a group of people. What made you feel like you were not part of the crowd.
The AUTHOR S.E. HINTON wrote THE OUTSIDERS as a means for paying for college. She wrote it at age 16. She uses her initials so that boys will read her book.
SETTING TIME: 1960’s Tulsa, Oklahoma MUSIC: The Beatles, Elvis Presley (think Disney’s Teen Beach Movie) CLOTHES: Khakis and polo shirts for soc’s; jeans and leather jackets for greasers. (think Disney’s Teen Beach Movie)
CHARACTERS- THE CURTIS BROTHERS Ponyboy Curtis – Our Protagonist; 9th grader; smart; good writer; very sensitive. Sodapop Curtis- middle brother; Pony’s fave person; good looking; easy going; works at gas station Darrell “Darry” Curtis-Oldest of the Curtis brothers ; takes care of Pony and Soda since the death of their parents; strict on Pony; muscular, works on construction
Other Protagonist s Johnny “Johnnycake” Cade- small looking 16 year old from abusive home. He is the “pet” of the gang. Was beat up severely months before the events in the book begin. He carries a switchblade knife because of the beating. He hero worships Dally Winston. Dallas “Dally” Winston- juvenile delinquent. He has been to jail. He is mean. He looks out for Johnny.
Background (things to know before reading) THE GREASERS Poor kids Mostly rough-have to take care of themselves Smoke Like to fight (especially Soc’s) The Soc’s (pronounced soshes with long o-abbreviation for social). Rich kids Have cars, clothes and all the advantages Drink Like to fight (especially greasers)
FILM PICTURES OF THE CHARACTERS-THE GREASERS
The Socials
Other Items to help visualize