Symbols The Outsiders By S.E. Hinton a deeper meaning

Definition It is a literary term in which a person, place, or thing is used to represent something else (the dove is a symbol of peace) In novels, writers use ideas, people, or things to represent other ideas Characters in literature are often symbols of good or evil.

Symbols Do you recognize any of the following symbols? Do you know what they stand for?

Why do we use Symbols? Visuals are easier to remember Add richness to story Increases likelihood of making connections

Symbols for Greasers The switchblade represents strength and power. The Greasers felt safer when carrying this to protect themselves. The cigarette is a symbol commonly seen in the book as well. Many of the Greasers started smoking at an early age. It made them feel older and helped them fit into their group. Later it became a way of passing time and keeping calm.

Hair symbolized pride and defiance. It was all greasers had Hair symbolized pride and defiance. It was all greasers had. They didn’t have money or cars, but they could have hair.

Symbols for Socs The Blue Mustang represents the upper class Socs. It stands for money, power and authority. Rings symbolized fear for Johnny and power for Bob. Bob wore them to show his status and wealth. Johnny feared them because of how they were used to beat him badly.

People as Symbols In literature, sometimes minor characters often are symbolic of some greater idea or theme. In The Outsiders, Two-Bit symbolizes how much fun it is to disregard authority and be irresponsible. He steals everything including his prized switchblade, and he has chocolate cake and beer for breakfast.

Green = innocence / being young Ponyboy Cherry Eye Colour – the colour of a persons eyes represents the characters’ personality trait. Green = innocence / being young Ponyboy Cherry Ice Blue Eyes = makes them seem cold and impersonal Darry Dally (narrow too making him seem even harder) How do we know this? – Robert Frost’s poem….

The Lesson: Nothing Gold Can Stay Nature's first green is gold, Her hardest hire to hold. Her early leafs a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief; So down goes down today. Nothing gold can stay. by Robert Frost

“Stay gold Ponyboy…!” - Johnny Cade Examine Robert Frost's poem, Nothing Gold can Stay.  What do you think the poem is saying?  How might this apply to the characters in the novel?

Sunsets and Sunrises Sunsets and sunrises in The Outsiders represent the beauty and goodness in the world, particularly after Johnny compares the gold in the poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay” to the gold of the sunrises and sunsets Ponyboy enjoys. The sunset also stands for the common humanity of all people, regardless of the gang to which they belong. - In their first conversation at the drive-in, CHERRYand PONYBOY find common ground in their enjoyment of the same sunset from opposite sides of town.

Create A Symbols Crossword With a partner, create a crossword of symbols from The Outsiders using the symbols we discussed and some of your own ideas. Switchblade Eye colour Rings Cars Cigarettes Madras Sunset / Sunrise Mickey Mouse (Soda's Horse) the country Drive-in Abandoned church Cut hair and greasy hair "Gone With the Wind“ Gold