Krystopher Lloyd Opstelten

The Outsiders was written by S.E. Hinton in 1965 first published in 1967 by Viking Press. This novel is about the new age of gangs and the terrible things they do. This book follows the activities of two rival gangs known as the Greasers and the Socs.  Tension arises when two members of the Greasers gang, Ponyboy and Johnny, get jumped by a group of Socs. During this gang fight Ponyboy was being drowned in a fountain by a Soc named Bob.  Johnny used a knife to stab Bob and save Ponyboy but Bob died and the conflict between the gangs increased.

So now let me talk to you about the main differences I uncovered between the book and the movie. The novel certainly lacked the violence that was portrayed in the film and was more concerned with the characters. In the novel I found it quite simplistic in some parts but the character portrayal was quite complex. All around the novel was a good read and easy to follow and at some points I was asking myself questions as I felt involved in the scenes and situations that Hinton described throughout this great novel. Another odd difference was that the descriptions of the characters in the book were not reflected in the appearance of the same characters in the movie. Dally is supposed to be blonde with ice blue eyes but has dark hair in the film. Another thing I picked up on was that Ponyboy and Johnny weren’t swearing in the book but certainly let fly in the film.

In the film it was mostly violence, violence, violence! The cinematic version of the Outsiders emphasised the brawls and scenes when the Socs and Greasers were head to head fighting or arguing with each other. Although it is more simple and less story line involved this one would have clearly been a favourite for those of you who are into action packed thrills! In this the characters such as Ponyboy and Johnny are always getting into trouble with the Socs and having to get out of situations or stand up to them!

Now let me talk about the stylistic features in The Outsiders. One of the main motifs would definitely be the car, do you not agree? The Socs’ mustangs always driving around and coming into shots is a symbol of the Socs power and authority against the Greasers vulnerability. The conflict between rich and poor is shown in this series as it is the rich Socs verses the poor Greasers. In general the novel’s gloomy prognosis is that the battle between the classes is a long-lasting one

In general I found the novel to be more complex and engaging in a way where you have to imagine the brawls whereas the film was just get up and go for me! But in my opinion the book was better, understanding the finer parts of The Outsiders really draws you into it that little step further to complete that goal of a good book!