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The image at the bottom right shows a picture of green eyes.

This is alike Cherry’s eyes


that were described to be striking green eyes. Green eyes in The Outsiders book
symbolize how people can differ from first impressions and the tendency to prejudge
others based on appearances or assumptions. In this case, these assumptions were truly
just stereotypes placed on each social group based on their group identity.
At the start of the book, Ponyboy stated: “I wish they were more gray, because I hate
most guys that have green eyes.” In this case, this showcases Ponyboy’s previous
experience with “guys that have green eyes”, forming a sense of negative stigma against
them. Despite what he shared, he was still drawn to Cherry who had green eyes, though
he “hate most guys that have green eyes.” This act of prejudgement shows the
unpredicatibility of Cherry; she seemed like a popular and judgemental person, especially
when she was talking to Dallas, but she had a kind soul and an open mind, which was
completely surprising to Ponyboy.
Therefore, it shows the stereotypes placed on Cherry and how different she is from a
stereotypical Soc; she listens and empathise while stereotypical Socs judge and poke fun.
This hence, shows how her green eyes are not only a physical description, but also
reflects her true personality, differentiating her from other stereotypical Socs.

One of the images shows a colour transition from black and white to a vivid scenery
landscape. The message of this image is that Cherry was able to create a new perspective
in the story where the storyline was mainly narrated in a first-person perspective of
Ponyboy. This image has a change in colour where the black and white image slowly
transitions to a colourful and vivid landscape. This highlights the before and after of the
storyline and perspective. It symbolises the importance of perspective that Cherry could
provide.
Ponyboy was very isolated from other social groups and did not experience situations
like the other characters in the story such as the Socs, Cherry and Bob, or even the other
greasers like Darry and Johnny. Therefore, his point of view, of which us readers depend
on to know more, is very limited. When Ponyboy shared about how Johnny got beaten up
by some Socs, Cherry mentioned that “We have troubles you’ve never even heard of. You
want to know something? Things are rough all over.” This quote provides the readers and
Ponyboy with another small perspective of the Socs and how their lives may not be as
perfect as they seem.
It unlocks a different point of view belonging to a Soc who does not fit in the stereotype
placed on them but yet experiences and have the same identity as any other normal Soc.
This hence, shows the transition of being a dull and colourless image to a colourful
vibrant one, symbolise how a minor character like Cherry, with her defined experience
and perspective, can shape the point-of-views of the reader and Ponyboy.

The image below the landscape picture shows a person with a happy mask while
holding a mirror which reflects an upset, frowning face which implies how someone
looks or presents themselves may not always be how they actually feel on the inside. The
images gives the message of how Cherry despite portraying herself as a wealthy and
popular Soc, is not like the stereotypical Soc and does not have a life that seems as
perfect as what the greasers may think. Firstly, the quote: “I kind of admire him,”
addressed by Cherry about Dallas, shows how different her mentality, about the
stereotypical tough greaser like Dallas, is from others. Many Socs would judge and
dislike Dallas for his sly and playful nature, but Cherry admires his ability to express
himself freely in a carefree way. This, in a way, implies that Cherry is not really able to
express herself as a Soc and may had issues with clashing personal and social identity
qualities. Thus, it highlights Cherry’s personal social struggles where she exhibit herself
to be more presentable to fit in with the rest of her social group based on the labels placed
on her by society.
Additionally, Cherry challenges Pony to see that the Socs are as individually unique as
the greasers are, and as troubled. This can be seen in the quotes: “It’s not just money,”
and “We’re sophisticated – cool to the point of not feeling anything. Nothing is real with
us.” These statements further expresses Cherry’s worries and personal struggles as a Soc,
they may not actually be accurate to all Socs but it is afterall Cherry’s own thoughts and
opinions. She is a prime example of a unique individual trying to fade into the crowd and
conform to society.
The differently reflected mask also suggest that Cherry is not who she seemed she is.
Cherry being a Soc, is naturally expected to side with her peers, the other Socs, when in
conflict with the greasers. In contrast, Cherry acts as a spy for the greasers, and in doing
so wants not only to help the greasers, but the Socs as well. She wants the fighting to end,
and she does whatever is necessary to even the sides and balance the power between the
two rival groups. This further highlights her unstereotypical nature of being selfless,
thoughtful and open-minded. She most likely would not attempt to help the greasers if
Ponyboy had not shared Johnny’s traumatic experiences caused by Socs, specifically
someone close to her; her boyfriend. She knew that if other Socs found out that she was
siding with the greasers, her reputation would be ruined.The fact that she cared enough to
listen and even tried to aid the greasers showed her selflessness and open-mindedness.
Therefore, it showcases her personal qualities that are hidden and overlooked due to her
covering it up to seem more “sophisticated” and “cool”, just like any other typical Soc.
The image of a lion represents how Cherry is courageous. This is seen in a pivotal scene
at the movie theater when Dally, a Greaser, crosses boundaries by putting his feet on
Cherry's chair and making inappropriate remarks after she and Marcia had ignored him.
Cherry, fearlessly asserts herself. Her words, “Take your feet off my chair and shut your
trap,” further demonstrate her courage. Cherry knew for a fact that Dally was a greaser
and as a Soc, you would think that she would assume the worst of him and not dare to say
a word in fear of something happening to her. Instead, she stood up for herself and
Marcia despite not knowing what Dally could have done to them. She even threw a drink
at him when he continued pestering them. Additionally, Cherry stood up against Bob, her
Soc boyfriend, when he became aggressive at the drive-in. This is seen in “No! Stop it!
We'll ride home with you. Just wait a minute.” She refused to tolerate his drunk behavior
which was signaling to Ponyboy and Johnny he wanted to fight and she even supported
Ponyboy and Johnny during the confrontation, highlighting her courage to challenge the
norms of her social group. Her willingness to form open connections across these
boundaries also highlights her courage to reject societal expectations. Thus, the image of
the lion shows Cherry’s lion-like courage to stand up for what is right.

The image of a scale represents how Cherry is fair. This is evident in when she refused
to watch the fight between the Greasers and the Socs and put a stop to it. This shows her
refusal to partake in the violence caused by societal divisions and differences. She
acknowledges that both groups contain individuals with their own struggles, challenging
the idea of a simplistic "us versus them" mentality. Additionally, Cherry played a crucial
role in the trial, providing testimony that goes against the Soc perspective.
This is seen in the quote: “Cherry told them what had happened before and after Johnny
and I had been jumped”. This emphasises her commitment to justice and fairness even if
it meant going against her own social standing which further demonstrates her strong
morals. Thus, the image of the scale represents how Cherry is fair.

The image of the open skull with a brain represents how Cherry is open-minded and at
the same time smart. This is seen through her interactions with members of the Greasers,
despite being a Soc. For instance, she strikes up conversations with Ponyboy and Johnny
as seen in, “You don't look the type. What's your name?". Despite just having a bad
encounter with Dally a few seconds ago, she did not stereotype Ponyboy and Johnny and
treated them kindly while having a genuine onversation, demonstrating a willingness to
understand them beyond societal labels. Her ability to see individuals for who they are,
rather than judging and assuming based on social groups, reflects her open-mindedness.
At the same time, Cherry has to be smart about who she is openly friends with due to her
status as a Soc which is evident in, “Ponyboy... I mean... if I see you in the hall at school
or someplace and don't say hi, well, it's not personal or anything, but...". This emphasises
how she needed to prioritise her reputation but still remained cordial to him by letting
him know it was nothing personal and it was just the fact that they were from two
different worlds. Thus, the image of the open skull with a brain represents how Cherry is
open-minded and at the same time smart.

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