The amazing novel, “The Outsiders”, written by S.E Hinton; is set in mid-west America, in the early 1960’s. “The Outsiders” is a gripping book about two rival groups, the Socs and the Greasers; and the inequality between their two very different social divisions. “The Outsiders” is told from a first person perspective by the main character, Ponyboy Curtis. The story addresses the themes of expectations and responsibility through the hardworking and strong character of Darry Curtis, and the symbolic use of his brothers and the importance sport plays in his life.
Darry Curtis has many expectations to fulfil, as he’s acting in the place of both his parents. They were killed in a car accident, leaving Darry to make the money for the household and take guardianship of the boys. When Darry saw Ponyboy in hospital, close to tears, he says, “I thought we lost you, like we did mom and dad.” (Darry~ pg 121). If Darry’s guardianship was deemed unsatisfactory, his brothers would be moved into a home for boys. Darry had high expectations for his youngest brother Ponyboy, because he felt that he could …show more content…
He’s seen as the leader of the group and has many responsibilities that come with this. He acts as a protector for the gang, particularly when they get into trouble with Socs or the police. “Listen, Soda. You and Ponyboy, if the fuzz show, you beat it out of there. The rest of us can only get jailed. You two can get sent to a boys’ home.” (Darry~ pg 166-167). Darry’s also the primary money earner for the household, and has to sacrifice many of his own hobbies, such as athletics, and the chance for an education, for the boys. “Ponyboy, you don't think enough, you don't realize all Darry's giving up just to give you a chance he missed out on. He could have stuck you in a home somewhere and worked his way through college.” (Sodapop~ pg
Darry Curtis has many expectations to fulfil, as he’s acting in the place of both his parents. They were killed in a car accident, leaving Darry to make the money for the household and take guardianship of the boys. When Darry saw Ponyboy in hospital, close to tears, he says, “I thought we lost you, like we did mom and dad.” (Darry~ pg 121). If Darry’s guardianship was deemed unsatisfactory, his brothers would be moved into a home for boys. Darry had high expectations for his youngest brother Ponyboy, because he felt that he could …show more content…
He’s seen as the leader of the group and has many responsibilities that come with this. He acts as a protector for the gang, particularly when they get into trouble with Socs or the police. “Listen, Soda. You and Ponyboy, if the fuzz show, you beat it out of there. The rest of us can only get jailed. You two can get sent to a boys’ home.” (Darry~ pg 166-167). Darry’s also the primary money earner for the household, and has to sacrifice many of his own hobbies, such as athletics, and the chance for an education, for the boys. “Ponyboy, you don't think enough, you don't realize all Darry's giving up just to give you a chance he missed out on. He could have stuck you in a home somewhere and worked his way through college.” (Sodapop~ pg