The Outsiders

             Hinton's first novel, "the Outsiders," is set on the cruel, harsh streets of a Texan city in the 1960's. On the surface, the book seems like a tale of mindless violence, brutality and belligerence, but if you scrutinize it then you will discover a powerful story including Christian imagery and profound morals. We are told of the division in society due to prosperity and class between "The Socs" (short for "Socials") from the West side and "the Greasers" from the East side by 14 year old Ponyboy Curtis. He gives his notions on life, wealth and society. It is a didactic and edifying novel which is semi-autobiographical. There is more to it than first meets the eye.
             The novel includes constant gratuitous violence in various different formats. There is the obvious street violence, " I lay still, swearing at them between gasps of air. A blade was held against my throat," said Ponyboy Curtis, who was attacked on the street on his journey home. It was not out of the ordinary for a "Soc" to attack a "Greaser" in this way, although Pony was still not anticipating it.
             There is also domestic violence in which the prominent victim is Johnny Cade, 16; "We were used to seeing Johnny banged up - his father clobbered him around a lot," Ponyboy explains. It is evident from Pony saying this that domestic violence is not out of the ordinary and it does not come as a surprise to Ponyboy and the gang to see Johnny in this state.
             Of course not quite as severe, but verbal violence is very distressing too. "You know what a "Greaser" is? White trash with long hair!" teased a Soc. Verbal violence is used a lot by the gangs because it makes them seem "tough" but at the same time is not getting them into any trouble or causing any injuries or damage.
             There are also the typical "rumbles"; "a rumble, when it is called is a born grudge fight, and the opponents just happen to bring their friends along.