The Outsiders By S. E. Hinton

Many towns have started to put a public curfew affecting minors, normally around 10 pm. In the Outsiders by S.E. Hinton there is no curfew, would it have been helpful to the characters? Would it have affected them? Despite popular belief, some believe that there should be no curfew, and it may have helped the characters.

Some people believe that there should be a curfew for minors. If there is a curfew there would be less time to get in trouble. “You really killed him, huh, Johnny?" If there was a curfew Johnny and Ponyboy never would have killed Bob. They would be at home minding their own business. On the contrary, some believe that there should be no curfew. The first Amendment states that “All people have the right to gather in groups.” "You're outa your territory, you'd better watch it.” Since there was no curfew, Johnny and Pony had the right to “gather” at the park near their houses. The socs did not have to come to the opposite side of town and harass them like they did.
Additionally, if there was a curfew, crime would drop in the town.
“I remembered how awful Johnny had looked when he got beaten up.” If a curfew was in affect Johnny would not have been beat up so badly. Away from the last part, people believe that there should be no curfew. Even if there was a curfew, that wouldn’t stop people from commiting a crime. If they wanted to do the crime so much, why would a curfew stop them? “Need a haircut, greaser?"... “How'd you like that haircut to begin just below the chin?"... A curfew is not going to stop someone from commiting a crime. With or without a curfew, people still will commit crimes. It will not stop
them.

Finally, if there was a curfew, it would give parents some extra help. "Where the heck have you been? Do you know what time it is?” He was madder than I'd seen him in a long time.” If there was a curfew Darry would not have been upset with Ponyboy. Pony would have been home and he wouldn’t had to worry. But, if there was no curfew, the parents are still responsible for their kids. “I ran home, trembling at the thought of facing Darry.” Just because a curfew is in affect doesn't mean that the parents get a “get out of jail free card.” They are still responsible and should set their own curfew like Darry did.

In conclusion, despite popular belief, some say that there should be no public curfew. It would not have helped the characters in the Outsiders. If there was a curfew the same things would have happened. Greasers will be greasers. “The safety of the people shall be the highest law.” -Marcus Tullius Cicero