Staying Gold(Revised)

Staying Gold

(Written Week of March 26th)

 

Author’s Note: I have written this piece to improve upon my goals for the writing rubric of, improving my score in organization by creating a clear topic/ main idea in my writing and improve to an advanced score, in all areas of conventions. Not only this but to showcase my knowledge of the main theme,  in the novel “The Outsiders,” by S.E. Hinton, of defying stereotypes, as well as giving well detailed thought out examples of this main theme throughout the book. I hope you enjoy this piece as much as I have enjoyed writing it.

Stereotypes, definition; a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing: "sexual and racial stereotypes.” “The Outsiders,” by S.E. Hinton, is a novel about the struggles of being known by a stereotype and being judged upon by what you look like, where you come from, the friends you have and your financial situation. Throughout this story only few are able to see past these stereotypes such as, Johnny Cade (Greaser), Ponyboy Curtis (Greaser), Darry Curtis (Greaser), Cherry Valance (Soc) and Randy (Soc). This is the same reason that makes defying stereotypes the main theme of this novel, which is shown in countless ways.

                There are many examples of why defying stereotypes is the main theme of the story. Such as, on page twenty-five of chapter two Ponyboy and Johnny are at a drive-in movie and they meet Cherry Valance along with her friend Marcia, Dallas Winston has just finished badgering Cherry with his flirty remarks. Due to the actions of Johnny and Ponyboy being so kind to both of them and trying to make Dally leave them alone, Cherry says to Ponyboy and Johnny, “Y’all sit up here with us. You can protect us.” This is an example of defying stereotypes due to the fact that Cherry and Marcia are Socs and Ponyboy and Johnny are Greasers, with the history of the fighting and the rivalry between the two of these groups it would not be expected for them to get along. Nor would it ever really come to mind the idea of Socs and Greasers ever becoming friends. But the moment that Cherry says this to Ponyboy it seems as if there are no Socs or Greasers. No, at this very moment you see merely the same sunset in the background.
                Of all of the examples of how defying stereotypes is the main theme of this impeccable novel one that really caught my attention is on page eighty-two of chapter six, is when Johnny and Ponyboy run into a burning church to save these children’s lives. Due to their actions a newspaper article was written about them, in this newspaper article they explain the background that they come from and call them heroes. This is an excellent example of defying stereotypes because of the way that even though Johnny and Ponyboy were Greasers and even though that they do not come from a history of being heroic. This shows that no matter what background you come from or what people may think of you, it can really surprise you just how much you are capable of. It shows that just because a person is known by some stereotypical name does not mean that, they are not capable of everything we are capable ourselves and that you should never underestimate anyone. 

While reading this story you come across numerous amounts of examples of how defying stereotypes is the main theme of the story. Another great example of this is at the end of chapter nine on page one hundred-thirty, Jonny says to Ponyboy “Stay gold Ponyboy…Stay gold,” before passing away. What he means by that is to stay true to who you are, stay kind to Cherry and treat the Socs with the respect that they deserve. This clearly showcases defying stereotypes because of the way Johnny is telling Ponyboy to treat the Socs with respect and stay true to who he is. Staying true to who you are and treat others, who in others eyes may be an enemy, with respect, that’s what defying stereotypes is.  

While defying stereotypes is the main theme of this story this situation can also be very relatable to our everyday lives. Everyday people are judged just the way the Greasers and the Socs are. But the extraordinary thing about this book is that they are able to overcome these stereotypes, giving us yet again a great lesson to take away from this book and relate back to our everyday lives. That is why this book can also be so relatable.

Many people only dream of getting the chance to defy their social stereotypes and the characters in this story have the remarkable courage, strength and integrity to defy the stereotypes of the Greasers and the Socs, is people to look up to and cherish. There is no question in my mind that defying stereotypes is the main theme of this story. Through the experience of reading “The Outsiders,” by S.E. Hinton I have not only learned many things about myself and my life, but life in general. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone. Just always remember that no matter what you think about someone or what stereotype they may be under, you must always stay gold.