Leather Jacket
Symbolism
S.E. Hinton refers to Dally’s leather jacket several times throughout the story. When authors repeat
things, it’s usually for a reason. So, why does Hinton keep mentioning the jacket? LET”S SEE IF
YOU CAN FIGURE OUT THE SYMBOLISM!
1) Page 61 Notes: (Why does Dally give him the jacket? What is it supposed to be used for?)
2) Page 62 Notes: (How does Ponyboy describe the jacket? Why does he use it
here?
3) Page 69 Notes: (How is the jacket helping Ponyboy when this page begins?)
4) Page 93 Notes: (What is happening in this scene? What does Pony say about the
jacket?
5) Page 94 Notes: (What do we learn about the jacket on this page? Give context
with your answer.
6) Page 114 Notes: (How does Ponyboy describe the jacket on this page?)
Conclusions: Look back on all your answers. What could this jacket SYMBOLIZE?
Figures of Speech
Student Examples - Similes, Metaphors, Personification, Symbolism
SIMILES – (comparison of two unlike things using comparison words such as like, as, than)
School is as funny as watching paint dry.
My dad’s hair looks like a jungle.
My mom says my eyes shine like diamonds.
My sister is as annoying as a mosquito.
I love my brother like Santa Claus loves cookies.
I text as fast as a fat guy eats McDonalds.
Girls say I’m as hot as the sun.
METAPHORS – (comparison of two unlike things without using comparison words)
My life story is a crazy roller coaster.
My mom can be a thunderstorm.
I am a freight train on the football field.
My life is a bag of tricks because it always surprises me.
I am a pig when I eat.
PERSONIFICATION – (a statement that gives human qualities to something that is
not human)
When I smile, the mirrors sing with delight.
My taste buds don’t agree with many foods.
When I hit a baseball, it screams with fear.
When I play guitar the notes sing.
SYMBOLISM – (something that has a deeper second meaning.)
A leather jacket in The Outsiders
What does the leather jacket symbolize?
As a reader, I want you to always be aware of the author’s intent. This means, what is the author trying
to get the reader to think about? In this book, maybe you noticed that S.E. Hinton keeps mentioning
Dally’s jacket. Usually, if an author repeatedly mentions something in a novel, it’s for a reason. On
the “Leather Jacket” sheet I gave you before the test, I had you look at SIX different times the jacket
was mentioned in the story. Then I asked you to consider what the jacket could symbolize. Here are
some ideas that you may or may not have connected:
1)
Dally first gives Pony the jacket before he’s to run away from the police. Pony is unsure
what is ahead of him. He is scared and has little to take with him. Dally gives the jacket
to Pony to keep him warm and protect him on his journey.
Symbolism – Is there anything you can think of, in general, that protects Pony as he’s
moving through his life? Remember that Pony has no parents to guide him and protect
him. So who does?
2)
Pony notes that the jacket is too big for him, but he’s thankful that he has it.
Symbolism – So Pony doesn’t quite fit in the jacket too well. Is there anything
else in Pony’s life where he may not exactly feel like he fits in? Maybe something
he’s still grateful for, and relies on?
3)
As Pony and Johnny hide out, they sleep on a cold, hard floor. Pony is still frightened,
but he has the leather jacket to wrap up in and keep warm.
Symbolism – When Pony felt most vulnerable and in need, what is it that he can turn to
for comfort.
4)
While in the fire at the church, Pony states that he wished he could take off the jacket
because it was so hot.
Symbolism – Is there anything in Pony’s life that he wishes he could just remove from
time to time. Something that he is grateful to have, but perhaps makes him
uncomfortable at times…
5)
After the fire, Pony becomes aware that the jacket probably saved his life in the fire.
When Pony is alone in that moment, and things come crashing down on him, that Jacket
is there to shield him from the pain and burn.
Symbolism – What is it in Pony’s life that has shielded him from tough situations in life?
When things come crashing down for Pony (parents dying, getting jumped, girl
problems, etc.) what protects him from the pain and hurt?
6)
Finally, after the fire, the jacket looks badly stained and burned black. However, Pony
still pulls the jacket on and wears it proudly.
Symbolism – Is there anything in Pony’s life he likes having around him, even though it
may not always look good for him? Even if he wished he could separate himself from
time to time? Something that he doesn’t necessarily feel like he fits into? Something
that protects him during difficult times or when he’s vulnerable?
Now, what could this leather jacket be symbolizing?