A Guide to "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton

As an Oklahoman, it is only fitting to give a guide for the Tulsa-based classic, “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton. In full transparency, I had not read the book until this year. Big mistake on my part, as this book is fantastic. Not a shocking take considering its multiple adaptations, but it should be noted. I think I was around 12 when I was introduced to “The Outsiders.” My dad had come home from work, and it was movie night. He got all of us kids in the living room and popped on the 1983 adaptation of the classic novel. I was way too young to understand the gravity of the movie. I mean, I had no idea the cast was so STACKED. Did you know it was directed by Francis Coppola? WILD. Anyways, I watched the movie and thought, “that was cool.” Moved right on past it. Well, I have since circled back, and I’m glad I did. If you want to ease into reading the classic, I have a couple of ideas. 

First things first. “Great Expectations,” by Charles Dickens. I know. I know. Isn’t that a classic too? Yes, but if you want to better understand “The Outsiders.” I recommend giving it a read. Both books follow a young orphan trying to make his way in the world. While “Great Expectations” follows Pip throughout his boyhood into adulthood, “The Outsiders” follows Ponyboy throughout a couple of months in his teens. “Great Expectations” is also mentioned in “The Outsiders.” Ponyboy loves to read, and he finds comfort in Pip. They’re like birds of a feather. You may better understand how Ponyboy feels if you understand the character he finds solace in. “Gone with the Wind” is also mentioned, but it was more Ponyboy just wanted to read it, not that he felt more seen by the characters in it. I love how Hinton weaves various classics throughout the book. It grounds the novel, encouraging the reader that Ponyboy really does love to read all kinds of novels. Novels that are heralded as great reads. 

Sticking with the book theme, I have to mention “We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart. Ok. In “The Outsiders”, Cherry Valance, one of the soc/socialite girls, mentions that the socs, the rich kids, have problems too. Hinton touches a little bit on the subject, but Lockhart puts high society's concerns at the forefront of her novel. In “We Were Liars,” the reader follows four best friends while they are vacationing on a private island. Everything seems perfect, until it all goes up in flames. What happens to the friends? Were they all even friends in the first place? Can four people be friends without money being a factor? It’s a suspenseful YA novel filled with morally grey characters and ethical ambiguity. It is important to note that this book is not loved by everyone who reads it. If you choose to read it, I would go into it with an open mind and a willingness to try to understand the problems of a social class that may seem to have none. Money fixes most problems. I’m not disregarding that. I am saying money doesn’t make every single problem go away.

I would be remiss to talk about media related to this timeless novel without mentioning the Tony award-winning musical adapted from it. “The Outsiders: A New Musical” is based on the book as well as the Francis Coppola movie adaptation. It is FANTASTIC. Even if you never go and see the musical on stage, the score seamlessly follows the plot. One of my favorite songs is “Great Expectations.” Yes, it is Ponyboy singing about him feeling understood by the character, but also his fears for the future. SPLENDID. Yes. I did cry when I listened to “Stay Gold” for the first time. It is the best musical I listened to last year. Hands down. When it comes to musical adaptations of books, this one is in my top five. Now I knew the general plot of the movie, before I listened to the soundtrack. In the book, we only understand Ponyboy’s perspective of people; the musical added depth to characters like Dally and Darry. It humanized them and gave me a fresh perspective of the characters I was less than interested in before. I had a 12-hour drive, and I listened to the soundtrack completely through… twice. Best decision I made for that road trip. Let me tell ya: it made the trip fly by. Even if you never read the book, do yourself a favor and listen to the soundtrack. 

“The Outsiders” is a story of a young boy going through an inordinate amount of grief and tragedy. It is raw, genuine, and heartfelt. You could watch the movie, listen to the musical, or read any of the books if you feel a little unsteady about immediately jumping into reading the book. Honestly, I would pair anything I previously mentioned with the classic novel. I don’t know if you really need a precursor to it. “The Outsiders is approachable.” It can meet the readers where they are at. Isn’t that beautiful? 

Photo from Rotten Tomatoes