The Outsiders, Analyzing Theme
Name: _____________________________________
Theme is the central idea or message in a work of literature. Because theme is so important to a piece of
literature, the title, plot, characters, setting, and mood, all creatively work together to create a message from
the author to the reader.
Circle what topics are developed into themes in The Outsiders.
IMPORTANCE OF WEALTH
SOCIAL GROUPS AND PEER PRESSURE
APPEARANCE VS. REALITY
SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGION
LIVING IN A VIOLENT WORLD
HEROISM
How does a topic develop into a theme? It is when the author develops that topic to send a message to the
reader. These messages are opinion based and deliver an arguable idea.
For example- the TOPIC of FRIENDSHIP, could be developed into the THEME statements below.
a. It is important for teens to feel like they are loved and supported.
b. Friendship is something we all need.
c. Loyalty is important in any relationship.
Which of these quotes supports the
themes above? Label them!
“You know,” Johnny said
slowly, “I never noticed
colors and clouds and stuff
until you kept reminding me
about them. It seems like
they were never there
before.”
“We gotta win that fight
tonight,” Dally said. His voice
was hard. “We gotta get even
with the Socs. For Johnny.”
“Just don’t forget that some
of us watch the sunset too.”
Class Practice:
“Hey.” He said suddenly. “Can you see the sunset really good from the west side?” She blinked, startled, then
smiled. “Real good.” “You can see it good from the east side, too,” I said quietly. (-Pony speaking with Cherry
in Chapter 8).
One theme developed in the novel, The Outsiders, is…_____________________________
This is evident during…_________________________________________________
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In this exchange between Pony and Cherry, the reader learns…_______________________________
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Concluding Statement: ______________________________________________________________________
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On Your Own: There are several themes to our novel. Read the quote that is given, which represents the
theme, and then using specific information and quotes from the text, explain the theme. Use the PEEC format
to help structure your response.
“Someone should tell their side of the story and maybe people would understand then and wouldn’t be so
quick to judge a boy by the amount of hair oil he wore.” (-Ponyboy, Chapter 12)
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“…I could see boys going down under street lights because they were mean and tough and hated the world,
and it was too late to tell them that there was still good in it, and they wouldn’t believe you if you did…” (Ponyboy, Chapter 12)
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“Y’all were heroes from the beginning. You just didn’t ‘turn’ all of a sudden.” (-Two-bit, Chapter 7)
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