The novel explores the themes and values of family and honour.
It shows us the dynamics of families having been brought up in different social contexts compared to each other.
The socioeconomic differences that are visible in everyday life are shown in the relationship of the greasers and socs. Their bitter rivalry stems from the fact that have had very different upbringings. Although it explores the fact that the social classes do not automatically mean that they are polar opposites. The two classes share some qualities in common and it fuels the idea that there is a possibility for the two groups to work alongside each other.
Throughout the story, the idea of honour is largely displayed. Acts of honourable sacrifice are written and it shows that even in the lower social class of the greasers, honour and courtesy are important.
It shows us the dynamics of families having been brought up in different social contexts compared to each other.
The socioeconomic differences that are visible in everyday life are shown in the relationship of the greasers and socs. Their bitter rivalry stems from the fact that have had very different upbringings. Although it explores the fact that the social classes do not automatically mean that they are polar opposites. The two classes share some qualities in common and it fuels the idea that there is a possibility for the two groups to work alongside each other.
Throughout the story, the idea of honour is largely displayed. Acts of honourable sacrifice are written and it shows that even in the lower social class of the greasers, honour and courtesy are important.
The Greasers
The geasers were poorer in comparison to the socials. They would carry around weapons such a switchblades and were abe to make quick decisions due to the fact that it was likely, if they were out by themselves they may be attacked by the socs. They took pride in what they looked like, more specifically their hair, styling it with products such as oil and grease.Many started smoking cigarettes at a young age to 'ease their pain or stress' and would partake in 'rumbles' with socs or members of different greaser gangs.They were very loyal to the members of their own family and gangs. List Of Greasers Ponyboy Curtis: The story's main protagonist and narrator, fourteen year old Ponyboy Curtis, simply reffered to as 'Ponyboy'. Ponyboy lives with his two siblings, Darry and Sodapop. Darry repeatedly accuses him of lacking common sense, although he is reliable and truthful. Over the course of the novel he matures after dealing with issues such as social classes, death and family problems. Darrel Curtis:Ponyboy and Sodapops older brother,Darrel "Darry" Curtis is twenty years old and left with the responsibility of raising his siblings because their parents passed away in a car accident. He is athletic and intelligent and works two jobs to support his family. He becomes a role model for Ponyboy. Sodapop Curtis: Sodapop is the middle Curtis brother. He has movie star like good looks and charisma. He has a happy attitude and has a positive outlook on serious challenges. Dally Winston: Dally is one of the toughest members of the immediate greasers gang. He is strong and previously ran with gangs in New York. Unlike the rest of the gang he has more violent tendencies and is proud of his criminal record. Johnny Cade: Johnny is sixteen years old and is described as having large fearful eyes. He approaches matters with strategy,concentration and calmness. Since his parents are not there for him he looks at his gang as his true family. |
The Socs
The socials (more commonly known as 'socs') are wealthy, privileged teens who are violent towards the greasers. Lived in large houses on the west side of the town.They were described as having a future in comparison to the greasers.They felt too cool to do many things and thought it made them look good attacking greasers. According to people like Randy and Cherry the socs faced their own challenges(although it was more metal and emotional, unlike the greasers physical challenges). They wanted boundaries and someone to tell them no. List Of Socs Robert Sheldon:Robert, known in the novel as 'Bob' was a member of the group that took part in beating up Ponyboy in the beginning of the book and is later killed at the hands of Johnny when he is trying to drown Ponyboy. Sherri 'Cherry' Valance:Cherry, Bob's girlfriend meets ponyboy, Johnny, Two-bit and Darry in a cinema with her friend Marcia. Ponyboy and Cherry have a lot in common and feel comfortable talking to each other.In the days before the rumble, Cherry takes it upon herself to get information about the socs plans and relays it to the greasers, Randy Adderson: Randy is a handome member of the socs and was Bobs best friend. In the story he sees the problems with the fighting between the greasers and socs. He helps Ponyboy realise that the socs face their own challenges and feel pain just as much as anyone else. He attempts to make peace with Ponyboy and refuse to fight in the rumble. |