One could argue that the primary lessons in S. E. Hinton's classic novel The Outsiders are the importance of not judging others based on their appearance, background, or social status and that fighting is futile and useless. Throughout the story, Hinton sympathizes with the Greasers, who are lower-class troubled teenagers and delinquents. Despite their bad reputations, the Greasers consist of loving, considerate friends who are extremely loyal, selfless, and brave. Ponyboy narrates the story and is depicted as an intelligent, insightful teenager who resents the fact that he is marked lousy simply because he is a Greaser. Similarly, Pony unfairly judges Cherry Valance, who is portrayed as a caring, understanding Soc cheerleader. Despite their backgrounds and different classes, both characters are similar and discover that they are more alike than they are different. Fortunately, Pony and Cherry are able to look past their differences and become friends.
Hinton also illustrates the futility of violence. Randy Adderson refuses to participate in the rumble because it will not change anything between the Socs and Greasers, and even Pony mentions that fighting does not make any sense. Following the rumble, Pony suffers a serious injury, and Johnny Cade tells Dally that fighting is useless. These characters' comments and reactions to violence reveal Hinton's underlying message, which is that people have more in common than they think and fighting is useless.
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