Gangs In The Outsiders

“Sixteen years on the streets and you can learn a lot. But all the wrong things, not the things you want to learn. Sixteen years on the streets and you see a lot. But all the wrong things, not the things you want to see.” (S.E Hilton, The Outsiders). In the Outsiders, Hilton demonstrates the rough life of gang living. In the story there many negative examples and consequences from the gang life, such as, “rumbles”, violent acts, and even tragic deaths. The gangs were small groups, within the community in which members were often loyal to each other, and to the gang as a whole. All member of the gangs seemed to have unconditional love for one another, and would sacrifice for each other, but shared in hatred and spite for the other group. This caused conflict within the community. Often the gang members would set aside their personal differences, to remain united, and loyal to the group.

Violent acts, and distrust between gangs within the community are clear in the storyline and portrayed. A few negative examples and consequences from the gangs include: violence, fear, isolation, and retaliation. One such time was when Ponyboy was “jumped” returning home from the movies. The Socs pulled a knife on him, threatened to cut his throat and his “pride” by cutting his hair. This act of terror fueled the hate and violence, creating a
The scare of Ponyboy getting jumped and threatened, and the murder of Bob show the violence that results from the hate and spite of divided groups. In the story there many negative examples and consequences from the gang life. The gangs were small groups, within the community in which bad choices were made out of loyalty to the group, and to the gang as a whole. All member of the gangs seemed to have great love for one another, and would sacrifice for each other, but the hatred they shared caused so much sadness and pain within the