Symbolism in The Outsiders Literary Symbolism Without symbolism

Symbolism in The Outsiders

Literary Symbolism • “Without symbolism there can be no literature; indeed, not even language. What are words themselves but symbols” – Arthur Symons

Symbol • Something – a person, object, situation or action which operates on two levels: • the literal and the symbolic • For instance, an engagement ring is a real object But it also stands for the abiding love of the engaged couple

• All language is symbolizing one thing or another. • A symbol is a word or object that stands for another word or object. • The object or word can be seen with the eye or not visible

• For example, a dove stands for Peace • The dove can be seen and peace cannot • When reading the book of Genesis in the bible, you will find several symbols. • In the story of Adam and Eve, when Eve ate the apple, the apple stood for sin.

More conventional symbols which may be expressed as words or pictures: a flag for country (“the flag”) Go Hogs! Red Razorback for the University of Arkansas an X at the end of a letter for a kiss XXX (“smack!”) “spring” as the symbol of new beginnings a slash line through a sign for NO, as in “No Parking”

FLAGS – symbolize a nation U. S. flag is a symbol of our nation, but it also stands for freedom, liberty, and patriotism UNCLE SAM - also a symbol for the U. S. When we see symbols in literature, they are expected to have significance.

Symbols in literature are expected to have significance • What symbols are evident in the novel we are reading, The Outsiders? • Have you noticed the following symbols?

Greasers • The switchblade represents strength and power. • The Greasers, the lower class, felt safer when carrying this defense. • It was their choice of weapon against harm that may come from the opposing social group, the Socs.

Socs • The blue Mustang represents the upper class Socs. It stands for money power and authority. • It was Bob’s rings, symbols of wealth, that were used to cut up Johnny’s face so badly the day he was left for dead.

• A symbol of the lower class • Many Greasers started smoking at an early age • It made them feel older and helped them to fit into their group. • Later it became a way of passing time and keeping calm.

The drive in movie theatre was a place where the Greasers and the Socs shared the same turf. Both social groups enjoyed theatre together. It was a place where they could co-exist.

The horse represents innocence. Soda’s horse, Mickey Mouse, connects the boys to youth. Soda enjoyed the horse as a young boy. When the horse was sold, Soda was devastated. He shared a special bond with the horse that he could not again duplicate.

• The church was a safe haven for both Ponyboy and Johnny. • It was a hideout for them as they were hiding from their crime. • It was a place that allowed them to be themselves and reflect on their lives. • Later, it was the burning church that allowed them to show their true colors.

So What? • So now that we know about the symbols… SO WHAT? • Why did S. E. Hinton deliberately (on purpose) use these particular symbols? • What purpose do they serve in the novel?

Symbolism • After discussing the symbols found in the novel, The Outsiders…. . • You are going to demonstrate your understanding of symbolism in literature by completing the following activity about yourself!