Essay based on Theme: Change of Perspective
In the olden days people thought the earth was flat because they did not have enough information about the shape of the earth, others thought it was round. Now we know for sure the earth is a sphere because over time knowledge was gained and perspectives altered. Likewise, in the book, The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton shows the reader that when the main characters get to know each other, their point of view changes. Two gangs from different classes of society; the poorer Greasers and the wealthy Socs, have rivalries based on how they see each other. Throughout the novel, the characters of Johnny, Ponyboy, Cherry and Randy changed their perspectives towards one another. They realize that their …show more content…
Trying to understand and connect to his friend Bob’s death; Randy sees that fighting is pointless and a waste of time, leading to more deaths. In this way Randy’s character shows a change in his perspective towards members of the Greasers. After the children are saved from the fire, Randy talks to Ponyboy, helping him understand that both Socs and Greasers experience pain. The character of Randy helps develop ideas around the themes of violence, especially after Bob’s death. The shootings, stabbings and abuse get too much for him, he decides not to take part in the rumble, saying, “So it doesn’t do any good, the fighting and the killing It doesn't prove a thing” (HINTON page 98). Both boys know that unless something changes in their perspectives they will continue to be in a battle where no one wins.
In her novel The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton looks at class struggle and violence between the Greasers and the Socs. As the main characters get to know each other, their perspectives change. With more information about each other they understand that life is complicated no matter what your background is. They see that a person should not be judged on what they look like or where they come from, their real value and worth are seen through actions and attitudes towards other people because as Johnny’s letter says, “There's still lots