Ponyboy's Identity In The Outsiders

According to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, a person needs to have basic needs, psychological needs and self-fulfilment needs to reach their highest potential in life. In the story The Outsiders, Ponyboys feelings and actions are influenced by stage five in Erikson’s Theory on the Stages of Development and his needs according to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Ponyboy knew his identity at first, but because of his actions and influences he is confused about his identity. Ponyboy has to cut his hair and has to hide with Johnny because Johnny had killed Bill, the Soc, and Ponyboy was there with him. “We’re gonna cut our hair, and bleach yours” (71). Ponyboy is confused about his identity because now he has to cut and bleach his hair. Ponyboy was a straight A student. He was different than most Greasers, most Greasers had bad grades. “I knew I was flunking out in that class, but golly, I couldn’t help it” (169). He is losing his identity because he was smart, but is turning into most Greaser. He was unique, but now he is becoming like most greasers. …show more content…
Ponyboy has to protect himself because he was there when Johnny had killed the Soc. “There is an old abandoned church on top of Jay Mountain”(61). Ponyboy had to hide away from the cops so he would not get caught. He is doing this to be safe and not to be caught. This occurs in the second level that is Safety needs on the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs. Ponyboy and Johnny had a great friendship, they were like brothers. “‘Oh, damnit, Johnny, don’t die, please don’t die...’”(149). This is a result of care and love for Johnny. This is the third level of Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, having friends and intimate relationships. Ponyboy loved and cared for Johnny so much he even took the blame for killing