In The Outsiders, S E Hinton uses
figurative language and symbolism to reflect the environment in which the "Socs" and the
"greasers" live. The characters are mostly hard and street-wise but Ponyboy, who is
"supposed to be the deep one," is a little different. He is
diligent and, as Dally says of him, "Always having his nose in a
book." These are metaphors relating to Ponyboy's intelligence and love of
reading, something unusual for gang members. Ponyboy's ability to rise above his
circumstances and not let them define him is an enduring theme
throughout.
Dally is a typical gang member, arrested by
the police by the age of ten. He is tougher than the other boys. His tough and seemingly
callous facade will lead to his tragic death. Ponyboy is very wary of Dally whose eyes
are, "Blue, blazing ice, cold with a hatred of the whole
world." This is a metaphor and the reader has no doubt about Dally's
character. However, Dally will reveal that his seemingly hard exterior has another side
to it when he becomes a most unlikely hero, although he is unable to save
Johnny.
Johnny is described as, "Everyone's
kid brother," suggesting that each member looks out for him and feels
partly responsible for him, especially as he is shy and anxious and even
"scared of his own shadow." He
attributes a deeper meaning to Robert Frost's words in the poem Nothing God
Can Stay when he tells Ponyboy to
"stay gold." Johnny
desperately hopes that his friend can stay true to who he is and retain his good nature,
believing in the basic goodness of people and not judging them on
appearances.
There are many comparisons in the book by way
of metaphor and simile and they all add depth to the characters, ensuring that the
reader sees far more than gangsters and fights and does not judge them but recognizes
their own struggles. Ponyboy can only hope to express himself and help others in a
non-violent way, "before it was too late."
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