Introduction to The Outsiders The Introduction Power Point

Introduction to The Outsiders

The Introduction Power Point Includes: 1. The greasers and the socials – two rival groups in the story 2. Gang violence in the 1960 s 3. Why the author wrote the book

GREASERS AND THE SOCIALS • rival groups of friends/characters in the novel

GREASERS AND THE SOCIALS: differences • Greaser gang: (referred to as “grease”) – Lower-class gang – Poor; low income – Wore leather jackets – Longer hair/put grease in it – From “wrong side” of town – Violent/ reputation of being trouble-makers – Streetwise – Low academically – Carry blades/always ready to fight – Territorial

Greasers influenced by Elvis Presley

GREASERS AND THE SOCIALS: differences • Social gang: (referred to as “soc”; NOT SOCK!) – Higher-class gang; some athletes, intellectuals, – Wealthy – Wore preppy clothing like buttoned sweaters or madra shirts (collared shirts) with khakis – High academic achievement – Snobby – High social expectations – Drive fancy cars/sports cars/ Ford Mustang/Corvair – Not very streetwise – Law abiding citizens – Like to jump/rob/beat-up greasers if they are alone

GREASERS AND THE SOCIALS: similarities Both teenagers Both place high importance on image Both want to be accepted by their group Both groups take little time to understand the other group • Both groups remain loyal to their own group • •

GANG VIOLENCE IN THE 1960 S • Hinton was frustrated with social divisions within her high school • the social divide inspired her to create the greaser and social gang • Violent gangs in the 60 s drank alcohol, had parties, usually did criminal activities such as robbery or drugs

PURPOSE OF PUBLISHING THE OUTSIDERS • Breaking the female writer stereotype in the 1960’s: – Most authors that wrote about gangs and violence were male authors – Most authors that were female did not have novels that had a majority of their characters be male – To be respected and to not be prejudged, the author went by the name S. E. Hinton

• S. E. Hinton • S. E. stands for Susan Eloise Early picture of Hinton