Test Review for The Outsiders
Elements of Plot, Conflict, and
Theme
Internal Conflict
• Human vs. himself/herself
• Johnny’s struggle w/ his fear after
being beaten up by Socs
• Dally’s struggle to control his anger
• Pony’s feelings of shame over being
a poor Greaser
• Staying in hiding vs. turning
themselves in
External Conflict
• Human vs. Society
• Greaser vs. Soc
• Human vs. Nature
• Pony vs. Darry
• Human vs. Human
Elements of Plot
• Exposition
• Rising Action
• Climax
• Falling Action
• Resolution
Universal Themes
• Discovering the purpose of one’s
life
• Human need for love & acceptance
• Fear of death
• Coming of age/growing up
• There are forces of good & evil in
the world, & the forces shape who
we are
Themes in The Outsiders
• All people have problems regardless of
their social status
• There is more to a person than just
his/her appearance
• Family can build you up or break you
down
• Violence accomplishes nothing good
• Loyalty & trust between friends is
important