Violence

• Violence is a key issue in S.E. Hinton's "The Outsiders," illustrating the enormous inequality in

  society between the Greasers and the Socs. This violence emerges from and maintains

  social inequalities between these groups. The Greasers, who come from the poorer,

  rougher part of town (East Side), frequently clash with the more rich and wealthy Socs, who

  come from the west side. This division fosters an environment in which violence is utilised

  to express anger, frustration, and an environment in which respect is sought.
• An example is,

  "A rumble, when it's called, is usually born of a grudge fight, and the

  opponents just happen to bring their friends along."

  This demonstrates how personal

  arguments between individuals can evolve into larger, more violent encounters. It

  underlines that violence is about more than simply the current conflict; it also involves

  bigger societal problems and group identities.
• Another key event occurs when Ponyboy recounts," Suddenly it was deathly quiet." We had

  all frozen. Nobody in my family has ever hit me." This comment happens after Darry slaps

  Ponyboy, which is an unexpected act of violence within his own family. It emphasises the

  internal strains and difficulties that the characters experience as a result of their societal

  situation.