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Why Is The Outsiders Still Relevant Today

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S.E. Hinton's novel The Outsiders may have taken place in the 1960s, but its themes of identity, violence, and social status are still very much relevant in today's society. The narrative follows Ponyboy Curtis, a teenage Greaser from an underprivileged neighborhood, as he struggles to overcome the obstacles of growing up in a violent gang environment and a divided society based on financial circumstances. Given the ongoing struggles with injustice, criminality, and the need to fit in, these topics are still relevant in today's society. One of the most striking similarities between The Outsiders and today's world is the continued presence of social class divisions. Just like the Greasers and the Socs in the novel, there are still stark differences in wealth and opportunity between different groups of people. This can …show more content…

Another parallel between The Outsiders and today's world is the prevalence of gang violence. The novel depicts the rivalry between the Greasers and the Socs, two groups of teenagers who are constantly at odds with each other and resort to violence to settle their differences. This mirrors the gang violence that continues to plague many communities today, as young people are drawn into gangs as a way to find protection and a sense of belonging. The Outsiders shows us the devastating consequences of this cycle of violence, as lives are lost and futures are destroyed in the name of loyalty and pride. Despite these similarities, there are also some key differences between the world of The Outsiders and today's world. One major difference is the role of technology in shaping our interactions and relationships. In The Outsiders, communication is limited to face-to-face interactions and handwritten letters, whereas today we are constantly connected through social media and

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