Ch. 1 Themes Flashcards
Identity (of self vs. group)
Everybody in this novel has a very clear personal identity shaped by their own way of acting/looking at the world. At the same time, though, every character is also defined first and foremost by the group they belong to. Everybody is first judged because of the group to which they belong, and then, secondarily, because of their actual character. Pay attention to the way that the groups create their own identity and distinguish themselves from others through clothing/fashion, music/movies/pop culture, vocabulary, behavior, activities, education, etc.
Society and Social/Economic Classes
Central to the novel is the concept that people are shaped/defined by the socio-economic class into which they are born. Ponyboy spends a lot of time thinking about the differences between his and his and his gang’s experiences in life with those of the Socs. Cherry and Randy eventually give him some insight into the troubles the Socs face in their lives, but the focus is, obviously, on the troubles faced by kids growing up in relative poverty OUTSIDE the mainstream/middle class life of most of the town.
(Individual v. group/ Identity )
Some members of the group struggles with being very different kinds of greaser. Their individual identity may not necessarily match up with what is expected of them by the group. Pay attention to the way the individuals struggle against being part of the group, particularly Ponyboy, Darry, Dally, and Johnny.
Appearances
This is very much a novel written for teens by a teen in that there is a tremendous amount of focus on appearances. Every character’s appearance is described in detail and commented upon by Ponyboy. Appearance counts for almost as much as character to him, just as it does for most teens. Over time, though, as the major events of the novel begin to unfold, appearance begins to mean less and less to him, while character begins to mean more and more.
Family/Friendship and Loyalty
Loyalty is the held by Ponyboy to be the highest quality. Everybody sticks up and goes out of their way for each other in the gang, no matter what they do. Ponyboy presents this to be the true quality of a friend, to be able to depend on someone no matter the problem,
Violence (and cycle of violence/ futility of violence)
Violence is ever-present in the novel, propelling most of the action and major events. The consequences of violence impact every character in the novel- none of them in a positive way. The cycle of violence, in which revenge/retaliation leads to further revenge/retaliation, is explored, as is the idea that violence, in the end, can never truly solve anything.
Education (through experience)
This is a very common theme in Literature, in which the main character goes through a journey and comes out knowing more about himself, others, and the world, in general, through his experiences. Pay attention to the moments when Ponyboy has major realizations about himself, other characters/groups, and the way the world works.
Choice
Ponyboy’s gang is limited in its options about how to live life, while the Socs seem to be able to do whatever they want. Still, throughout the novel we see characters making choices that have a profound affect on their lives and the lives of those around them. Pay attention to the moments when major decisions are made, the types of choices the characters make, and the results of those choices.
Media
Media and pop culture play a role in shaping people’s opinions about groups. Pay attention to how the media (newspaper) portray the two groups, and also how they deal with the boys after the major event in the middle of the novel. Similarly, pay attention to the references to pop culture and the judgement Ponyboy makes about them.
Heroism
The notion of heroism also plays a central role in the novel. What makes a hero? Does recognition change anything?
