Symbolism
in
The Outsiders
Literary Symbolism
• “Without symbolism there can
be no literature; indeed, not
even language. What are words
themselves but symbols”
– Arthur Symons
Symbol
• Something – a person, object, situation or action
which operates on two levels:
• the literal and the symbolic
• For instance, an engagement ring is a real object
But it also stands for the abiding love of
the engaged couple
• All language is symbolizing one
thing or another.
• A symbol is a word or object that
stands for another word or
object.
• The object or word can be seen
with the eye or not visible
• For example, a dove stands
for Peace
• The dove can be seen and
peace cannot
• When reading the book
of Genesis in the bible,
you will find several symbols.
• In the story of Adam and Eve,
when Eve ate the apple,
the apple stood for sin.
More conventional symbols which may
be expressed as words or pictures:
a flag for country (“the flag”)
Go Hogs!
Red Razorback for the University of Arkansas
an X at the end of a letter for a kiss XXX
(“smack!”)
“spring” as the symbol of new beginnings
a slash line
through a sign for NO,
as in “No Parking”
FLAGS – symbolize a nation
U.S. flag is a symbol of our nation, but it also
stands for freedom, liberty, and patriotism
UNCLE SAM - also a
symbol for the U.S.
When we see symbols in literature, they
are expected to have significance.
Symbols in literature are
expected to have significance
• What symbols are evident in the novel
we are reading, The Outsiders?
• Have you noticed the following
symbols?
Greasers
• The switchblade
represents strength and
power.
• The Greasers, the lower
class, felt safer when
carrying this defense.
• It was their choice of
weapon against harm that
may come from the
opposing social group,
the Socs.
Socs
• The blue Mustang
represents the upper
class Socs. It stands for
money power and
authority.
• It was Bob’s rings,
symbols of wealth, that
were used to cut up
Johnny’s face so badly
the day he was left for
dead.
• A symbol of the lower class
• Many Greasers started smoking at an early age
• It made them feel older and helped them to fit
into their group.
• Later it became a way of passing time and
keeping calm.
The drive in movie theatre was a place where the Greasers
and the Socs shared the same turf. Both social groups
enjoyed the theatre together. It was a place where they
could co-exist.
The horse represents
innocence. Soda’s
horse, Mickey Mouse,
connects the boys to
youth. Soda enjoyed
the horse as a young
boy. When the horse
was sold, Soda was
devastated. He shared
a special bond with the
horse that he could not
again duplicate.
• The church was a safe
haven for both Ponyboy
and Johnny.
• It was a hideout for them
as they were hiding from
their crime.
• It was a place that
allowed them to be
themselves and reflect on
their lives.
• Later, it was the burning
church that allowed them
to show their true colors.
So What?
• So now that we know about the
symbols… SO WHAT?
• Why did S.E. Hinton deliberately
(on purpose) use these particular
symbols?
• What purpose do they serve in the
novel?
Symbolism
• After discussing the symbols found in the
novel, The Outsiders…..
• You are going to demonstrate your
understanding of symbolism in literature
by completing the following activity about
yourself!