Symbolism Theme There are several important symbols used

Symbolism & Theme

There are several important symbols used in The Outsiders that help the author communicate on a deeper level. A symbol is an object or action that stands for itself and yet also suggests another meaning. For example, a dove is a type of bird. But it can also be used to suggest the idea of peace. Understanding the use of symbols in The Outsiders provides important clues for determining theme, or message of the novel.

Symbol: sunsets Meaning: beauty in the world Evidence: Pony realizes that there are many boys living on the wrong side of a city who watch sunsets. Living in poverty and fear, these boys ache for something better: the beauty in the world evident in the sunset.

Symbol: Mickey Mouse Meaning: unfulfilled dreams Evidence: The one thing that Soda wanted in the world was a horse. This desire was fueled by his close relationship with Mickey Mouse, but his parents could never afford to buy him a horse.

Symbol: the country Meaning: peaceful life Evidence: Pony equates the country to a non-threatening environment away from the excitement of the city where healthy relationships can develop and beauty can be appreciated.

Symbol: abandoned church Meaning: lost hope Evidence: Pony and Johnny have plainly lost hope in the world when they seek escape from an act that was committed in self-defense.

Symbol: cut hair Meaning: loss of identity Evidence: Pony says that hair labeled him as a greaser-it was a greaser trademark. All his friends remark how changed Pony seems with his hair cut and bleached.

Symbol: Gone with the Wind Meaning: Johnny’s aspirations Evidence: Johnny was particularly impressed with the Southern gentlemen described in the novel. Their manners charm, and gallantry were all characteristics Johnny wished to adopt.

Symbol: gold Meaning: youth Evidence: Johnny defines the “gold” of Frost’s poem as “when you’re a kid” or youth.

Symbol: burning church Meaning: purification Evidence: The rescue of the children from the burning church has a cleansing effect on Pony and Johnny, whose lives-stained with the blood of murder-are now redeemed.

Symbol: rumble Meaning: social clash Evidence: The Socs and the greasers represent different social classes-the rich and the poor-fighting against one another.

Symbol: unloaded gun Meaning: powerlessness Evidence: Dally is powerless to fight off the pursuing police just as he is powerless to escape his fate in life as a hood.