The Outsiders – Section 5 Symbolism

Lesson Objective Today I will analyze symbols in The Outsiders using a close reading and symbolism chart.

What you see is NOT always what you get… Sometimes you get more! Symbolism What you see is NOT always what you get… Sometimes you get more!

Sometimes you get more!

A symbol is… Something LITERAL (tangible) that represents something else – something FIGURATIVE. An icon (picture) that represents something and/or has meaning behind it. Literally, this is a flag. We can touch it. Figuratively, the flag represents ideals of freedom, independence, liberty, and justice.

Even toddlers recognize common symbols…

What do the following symbols represent? Turn and talk with your elbow partner.

GO… CAUTION… STOP! AMERICAN VALUES DANGER EDUCATION

Groups use symbols For example… 5th period start

Color often symbolize moods..

Seasons can be used as symbols Spring might represent life, rebirth, renewal. Winter might represent death or an ending.

Objects can be symbolic (hold meaning) also …

What might these colors symbolize?

Red?

How about this pink ribbon?

What’s the difference? How is this difference represented SYMBOLICALLY? Turn and talk with your elbow partner!

Turn and talk with your elbow partner! Which would you rather receive? Why? What’s the difference? How is this difference represented SYMBOLICALLY? Turn and talk with your elbow partner!

Some symbols are generic, such as the color red representing love Some symbols are generic, such as the color red representing love. You see them over and over again in books, poems, etc. Other symbols, such as “GOLD” in The Outsiders, are specific to individual novels. Many symbols used in literature have become familiar parts of the mainstream culture. Remember, “STAY GOLD” is a song by Stevie Wonder that contains a similar message to that of the poem (Nothing Gold Can Stay) and in the novel (The Outsiders).

Symbolism in The Outsiders (Literal “thing” in the story) Textual Evidence (quotation) Figurative/Symbolic Meaning Madras and Mustangs “Even if they did have their own troubles. I really couldn’t see what Socs would have to sweat about – good grades, good cars, good girls, madras and Mustangs and Corvairs – Man, I thought, if I had worries like that I’d consider myself lucky” (Hinton 36). The clothes and cars represent the Socials and their social class. The greasers are constantly reminded of what they don’t have. The Socials are often seen cruising through town flaunting this inequity between the two groups. Cars represent the Socs power and the greasers’ vulnerability. Because their parents can afford to buy them their “tuff” cars, the Socs have increased mobility and protection. The greasers, who move mostly on foot, are physically vulnerable in comparison to the Socs. Greasers like Darry, Sodapop, and Steve REPAIR cars. The fact that the greasers must service and care for Soc possessions demonstrates that the Socs have power over the Greasers.

Your Task: ACTIVITY: Now, try to identify what you think the following tangible items might symbolize by filling in the chart on your worksheet page. Remember! – There are no “correct” answers – only logical, intelligent theories supported by evidence from the text. Title of the book The Greaser Haircut Sunset/sunrise One you pick on your own!