The Impact of Violence in "The Outsiders" by S.E.

Hinton

In "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton, gang violence is a major theme, and the author wants us to
understand its consequences. Let's look at three instances of violence in the story and the lessons
they teach us. One important event involves Ponyboy, a greaser, being attacked by the rich socs, this
is how violence can happen, Ponyboy could have fought back, but he chooses not to, showing us that
violence isn't the right answer.

Another problem occurs when Ponyboy's friend Johnny defends himself from bob, and badly injures
bob. This sets off a chain of events and makes Johnny feel sadness and regret, not only that but it
angers the socs and eventually leads to a gang war against each other, which leads to more
problems, It teaches us that violence causes sadness and anger for both parties, and it’s never the
right answer.

The story includes a large gang fight between the greasers and the socs, causing bob to die and
Jhonny to get extremely injured. Eventually the greasers win the gang fight, this shows the
destructive nature of violence that resulted in someone getting killed. Only shortly after the gang
fight, the greasers become depressed and sick, which then causes Dally to rob a store and get shot by
the police. The author wants us to realize that violence is never the answer, and it can cause mental
issues in both parties.

In conclusion, “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton, proves that violence has always consequences, and it
will never solve problems but will always make more. By showing social issues in the book, It helps
teach the reader about the consequences of violence and the long term effects it causes.