The Ousiders

“We couldn’t get along without him. We needed Johnny as much as he needed the gang. And for the same reason.” This quote from The Outsiders by S.E Hinton shows three big topics in the book. These topics are friendship, loyalty, and being an outsider. These topics become major themes throughout the book. Friendship is a big topic in The Outsiders. The Curtis boys and their friends have a well-built friendship. They trust in each other and are always there for each other. Even though they do not have a lot of money, they will get anything for each other. For example, when Johnny was in the hospital he wanted a copy of Gone with the Wind, Two-Bit went to the hospital gift shop and got it for him. Something that shows true friendship is when the gang always comforts Johnny when he get beat by his father. The gang gives Johnny the family he never had. When Ponnyboy get jumped by the Socs the gang comes running to help him right when they hear him shout for help. Dallas always tries to keep Johnny out of trouble. This shows how much Dallas cares about Johnny. That shows true friendship. Loyalty is also a big topic in The Outsiders. The Greasers are loyal to their own; they are willing to pay virtually any cost to protect those they consider family, including other members of their gangs. Because of their loyalty, Greasers are willing to be ostracized by others, especially the Socs. Members of Greaser gangs refuse to accept any compromise that might threaten their status as a Greaser; they are usually proud to be recognized as members of their group.