VIVID: JOURNAL OF LANGUAGE AND L ITERATURE - VOL. XX NO.

XX (2017) XXX- XXX

Available online at : http://jurnalvivid.fib.unand.ac.id

Vivid: Journal of Language and Literature

| ISSN (Online) 2502-146X |

SOCIAL IDENTITY CRISIS OF PONYBOY AS THE MAIN CHARACTER IN THE

OUTSIDERS BY S.E. HINTON

1
Tiara Monika
2
Marliza Yeni S.S.,M.A

ARTICLE INFORMATION ABSTRACT

This study discuss about social identity crisis as experienced

Received:
by Ponyboy Curtis, the main character in S.E Hinton novel
Revised:
Available online: The Outsiders. Living in a world divided by socioeconomic
status and rivalling gangs, Ponyboy navigates the tension
between his loyalty to the Greasers and his desire for a life
KEYWORDS beyond gang affiliations. In society's eyes, lower-middle-
class described as bad teenagers, like to mess up, poor, and
Identity Crisis, Social Stratification, have broken homes family. This abstract explores how
Ponyboy’s struggle to define his social identity shapes his
Psychosocial development, Social
character throughout the novel, ultimately leading to
identity. personal growth and deeper understanding of the
complexities of social class and belonging. This research
CORRESPONDENCE applies Erik Erikson's theory of Psychosocial development,
focusing on stage five (identity vs. role confusion).
E-mail: tiaramonika.student.sasingunand@gmail.com

INTRODUCTION

Adolescence is the most vulnerable stage in the growth cycle. According to The World Health
Organization (WHO) definition adolescents as those people between 10 and 19 years of age.
Therefore, the great majority of adolescents are included in the age-based definition of "child",
adopted by the Convention on the Rights of the Child, as a person under 18 years old. The age
varies depending on each country. A person begins their teenage years at the age of 13 years
and ends when he is 20 years old (World Health Organization Adolescent Health 2017).
Adolescent is a period of complex transition that is developmentally different from childhood.
In this period, boys and girls grow physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially from
childhood to adulthood. Some of the emotional characteristics marked during Adolescence are
heightened emotions, dynamic mood variations, emotional complexity, emotions of love, fear,
anger, worry, jealousy, etc. (Swain, 2015)
In the discussion of literary works, there is a genre called young adult literature. Young adult
literature is generally described as books written for an audience of 12-20-year-olds. It may
also include books primarily written for adults that appeal to younger readers. Offered by the
https://doi.org/10.25077/

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‘Department of English at Southern Connecticut State University, Young adult literature

belongs to a different genre from children's books. It first appeared in the 20th century, between
the 1930s and the 1960s, when teenagers began to have a considerable economic impact. The
Young Adult Library Services Association (YALSA) Board of Directors adopted Michael
Cart's white paper, The Value of Young Adult Literature 2008. The sections below are taken
from that document. The word "young adult literature" is inherently ambiguous since the
categories "young adult" and "literature," which make up the phrase, are dynamic and change
as culture and society, which serve as their backdrop, do. In the late 1960s, when teenage
readers between the ages of 12 and 18 were the book's intended audience, the phrase was
originally used to characterize realistic fiction. It addressed topics, events, and conditions that
interested people and was set in the actual (as opposed to imaginary) world. According to the
number of books being reviewed by an authoritative journal, the number of books published
for this audience has also increased due to these newly expansive words, maybe by 25%.
Industry insider Albert Greco asserts that sales of young adult books increased 23% between
1999 and 2005.
Departing from the discussion about Adolescent and young adult literature, in this study, the
researcher will use a literary work by S. E Hinton entitled The Outsiders. Hinton is an American
writer best known for her young adult novel set in Oklahoma, especially The Outsiders (1967),
which she wrote during high school. Hinton is credited with introducing the Young Adult genre.
S.E Hinton began her career writing rhymes at the age of sixteen while attending Will Rogers
High School in the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hinton began writing her first novel, The Outsider,
inspired by the split of students at her school, the "Greaser" and "Socs" groups. The Outsider
was later published in Hinton's first year at the University of Tulsa. Since it was first published,
The Outsider has become a sensation among teenagers. Hinton's work is thought to have spoken
to the hearts of teenagers in America and helped teens see more of their world. The Outsider
delivered Hinton to the pinnacle of fame. In 1988, S.E Hinton received the Margaret A. Edward
Award of the American Libraries Association for her outstanding contribution to writing youth
literary novels. This award is given to honor a writer whose work has contributed greatly to the
development and insight of teenagers in America.
Known as the author of young adult novels, this novel shows the phenomenon of differences in
social classification in the Adolescents world. In other words, this novel is about social identity.
In the novel The Outsiders, social identity plays a central role in the lives of the characters. The
story explores the clash between two rival group, the Greasers an The Socs, who come from
different socioeconomic backgrounds. Moreover, it discusses the influence of the environment
on adolescent characters especially the main character, also social stratification, stereotypes,
and social rules that tend to create status conflicts between characters. Therefore, the research
entitled Social Identity crisis of Ponyboy as the main character in The Outsiders by S.E Hinton.

METHOD

This research is qualitative. Collecting data, processing data, and presenting the analysis results
are some of the stages involved in performing this study. In collecting the data, I apply the
library research method. Two types of data are used in this research: primary and secondary.
The primary data is from The Outsiders by S. E Hinton, and the secondary data are any related

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articles, essays, and book contents that support the research, either online or printed. The second
step is analyzing the data. In analyzing the data, the first thing I do as the researcher is to closely
read The Outsiders by S.E Hinton to understand the storyline. In this thesis, I focused to discuss
about the main character. Afterward, I identified with the Adolescent and their characteristic in
the novel, and I used them to describe the psychosocial perspective of each teenager in The
Outsiders. The data are equalized by using the content analysis method. Content analysis is a
research method for determining the existence of specific words, topics, or concepts in
qualitative data. The findings of this study are presented descriptively. I use descriptive
language by converting argument data from words, sentences, and paragraphs into quotations.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

To develop this chapter analysis, I analyze the influences of society on the characters
and their social identity crisis. In analyzing this chapter, I would like to show how the social
environment impacts the main character's lives, and other characters use psychosocial and
social identity as the theory in this research. This chapter has two significant discussions. The
first subchapter explains the characteristics of The Greaser according to society. The following
subchapter presents Ponyboy, the main character, as a Greaser. Does he have all the
characteristics? What is Ponyboy’s true characteristic?
Before explain about it, I would like to explain the differences between the greaser and the socs

The Greaser 1. Distinctive Appearance: Greasers are known for their greased hair,
often styled with pomade, and their preference for leather jackets and
jeans. This distinctive look serves as a symbol of rebellion and
solidarity.

2. Tight-Knit Brotherhood: Greasers form a close-knit community,

acting as a surrogate family. This strong sense of brotherhood
provides support in the face of societal challenges and discrimination.

3. Economic Struggles: Typically coming from working-class

backgrounds, Greasers face economic hardships. This socio-
economic status contributes to their outsider status and influences
their interactions with the more affluent Socs.

4. Defensive Attitude: Due to the societal prejudice they encounter,

Greasers often adopt a defensive attitude. This defensiveness is a
response to the expectations and stereotypes imposed upon them.

5. Reputation for Delinquency: Greasers carry a reputation for being

troublemakers, a stereotype perpetuated by the Socs and society at
large. This perception influences how others view and treat them.

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6. Solidarity Against Social Division: Despite their tough exterior,

Greasers exhibit a sense of loyalty and solidarity. They come together
in the face of adversity, challenging the social divisions imposed
upon them.
The Soc
1. *Distinctive Appearance:* Greasers are known for their greased
hair, often styled with pomade, and their preference for leather
jackets and jeans. This distinctive look serves as a symbol of
rebellion and solidarity.

2. *Tight-Knit Brotherhood:* Greasers form a close-knit community,

acting as a surrogate family. This strong sense of brotherhood
provides support in the face of societal challenges and discrimination.

3. *Economic Struggles:* Typically coming from working-class

backgrounds, Greasers face economic hardships. This socio-
economic status contributes to their outsider status and influences
their interactions with the more affluent Socs.

4. *Defensive Attitude:* Due to the societal prejudice they

encounter, Greasers often adopt a defensive attitude. This
defensiveness is a response to the expectations and stereotypes
imposed upon them.

5. *Reputation for Delinquency:* Greasers carry a reputation for

being troublemakers, a stereotype perpetuated by the Socs and
society at large. This perception influences how others view and treat
them.

6. *Solidarity Against Social Division:* Despite their tough exterior,

Greasers exhibit a sense of loyalty and solidarity. They come together
in the face of adversity, challenging the social divisions imposed
upon them.

These characteristics contribute to the rich portrayal of the Greasers

as a distinct social group in the novel, highlighting the challenges
they face and the strength of their collective identity.
The Socs, or Socials, in "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton are
characterized by several distinct traits that set them apart from the
Greasers:

1. Wealth and Privilege: Socs come from affluent backgrounds,

enjoying a higher socio-economic status. They have access to

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material comforts, education, and social opportunities that the

Greasers often lack.

2. Conventional Appearance: Socs adhere to more mainstream and

conventional styles of dress. They do not share the rebellious and
distinct look of the Greasers, opting for more traditional clothing and
hairstyles.

3. Sense of Entitlement: Due to their socio-economic advantages,

Socs often exhibit a sense of entitlement. This can manifest in their
interactions with others, including the Greasers, leading to conflicts
based on perceived superiority.

4. Educational Opportunities: Socs typically have better educational

opportunities, reflecting their privileged status. This aspect
contributes to the cultural and intellectual divide between the two
groups.

5. Social Expectations: Socs face certain societal expectations,

including pressure to conform to established norms. This conformity
can be a source of internal conflict for individual characters within
the Soc group.

6. Division and Rivalry: The Socs' interactions with the Greasers are
marked by division and rivalry. The socio-economic contrast
between the two groups fuels tension and conflict, shaping the central
themes of the novel.

7. Influence of Family: The Socs' behavior is often influenced by the

values and expectations of their families, reinforcing social
hierarchies and class distinctions.

Ponyboy is fourteen years old boy. Based on Erikson's theory about the stages of human age,
Ponyboy is on the fifth stage, namely Identity vs. Role confusion. According to Erik Erikson,
identity versus Role Confusion is the fifth of eight psychological development phases between
12 and 19. As adolescence approaches, people start working on a brand-new, unique project:
themselves. Adolescents need to establish their sense of self and identity in this era. Failure
results in role confusion and a weakened sense of self, but success results in the capacity to stay
loyal to oneself. Here's how Ponyboy's relationship with this stage is depicted in the novel:
 Identity Crisis: Ponyboy experiences an identity crisis, which is central to the novel. He
grapples with questions about who he is, what his place is in his gang, and how he fits
into society.

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 Social Labels: The social labels of "Greasers" and "Socs" represent external
expectations and stereotypes, and Ponyboy is torn between conforming to the Greaser
identity or trying to transcend it.
 Sense of Self: Throughout the story, Ponyboy begins to question the preconceived
notions and stereotypes he has about Greasers and Socs. He seeks to understand who he
is beyond these labels.
 Relationships and Loyalty: Ponyboy's relationships with his brothers, particularly
Sodapop and Darry, play a significant role in his identity development. He explores
what family means to him and how his loyalty to the gang impacts his identity.
 Self-Reflection: The events of the novel force Ponyboy to reflect on his actions, beliefs,
and values. He starts to recognize that he has more in common with people from
different backgrounds than he initially thought.
 Resolution: By the end of the novel, Ponyboy begins to develop a clearer sense of self
and a more nuanced understanding of the world around him. He realizes that he doesn't
have to conform to a specific role or label and can be his own person.
Ponyboy's journey in "The Outsiders" exemplifies the typical struggles and challenges that
individuals face during the "Identity vs. Role Confusion" stage of Erikson's psychosocial
development. The novel illustrates how he navigates these challenges, ultimately finding a path
towards self-discovery and a more mature understanding of his identity.

1. Ponyboy's Identity Crisis as a Member of Greaser.

Social identity is the collection of traits that make a person indubitably recognizable or
well-known by the society in which they reside. Various physical, social, and mental
characteristics of people serve as the typical criteria by which social identity groupings are
defined. Race and ethnicity, gender, social class, socioeconomic standing, sexual orientation,
physical and mental disabilities, and religion or religious beliefs are a few examples of social
identities. Societal identity and class, one of the main topics and the plot's primary motivators
sin The Outsiders, is the gap between the social classes. Hinton aimed to portray teenage life
more realistically by using her own experience. The conflict is caused by class distinction,
which drives much of the action. The fourteen-year-old boy and his gang are combatting their
adversary, the Socials (socs). Ponyboy Curtis, the protagonist in "The Outsiders" by S.E.
Hinton, experiences an identity crisis as a member of the Greasers. He grapples with conflicting
aspects of his identity throughout the novel. On one hand, he identifies with the tough, working-
class Greasers who are like a family to him. On the other hand, he's intellectually inclined,
enjoys literature, and feels a disconnect from the Greaser lifestyle. This inner conflict is central
to Ponyboy's character development. He realizes that his identity is not solely defined by his
socioeconomic background or the Greaser label. Through the events of the story, he comes to
understand that individuals are multifaceted and shouldn't be judged solely by appearances or
stereotypes. This realization helps him reconcile his identity and find a sense of self beyond his
affiliation with the Greasers.

2. Ponyboy's True Identity.

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In the novel "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton, Ponyboy Curtis is the protagonist. His true
identity is that of a sensitive and intelligent young boy who doesn't fully fit in with either the
rough Greasers or the more affluent Socs. Ponyboy undergoes an identity crisis as he struggles
to reconcile his own values and identity with the expectations and stereotypes associated with
his social group. Throughout the story, Ponyboy grapples with the notion that he's more than
just a Greaser (1) and he finds common ground with some Soc characters like Cherry Valance.
This internal conflict is a central theme of the novel, as Ponyboy strives to find his place in a
world defined by social divisions and violence. Ultimately, Ponyboy's realization of his own
identity and the impact of societal labels on people is a significant part of his character
development and the message of the novel.

CONCLUSIONS

After studying The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, I have some point as conclusion:

1. In the novel "The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton, the perspective of society on the

Greasers evolves over the course of the story. Initially, Greasers are seen as

troublemakers and delinquents by mainstream society. They are often judged based

on their appearance, socioeconomic status, and association with gangs. However, as

the novel progresses and the reader gets to know the Greaser characters, including

Ponyboy, Johnny, and Dally, their humanity and individual struggles become

evident. The novel challenges stereotypes and encourages readers to empathize with

these characters, understanding that their circumstances and choices are often a

result of difficult life situations and a lack of support. By the conclusion of the novel,

the perspective of society on the Greasers begins to shift. The tragic events that

transpire throughout the story force some characters, including those in the Greasers'

own community, to re-evaluate their prejudices and judgments. The novel ultimately

suggests that labelling people based on appearances and stereotypes is unfair and

that true understanding comes from looking beyond these surface judgments.

2. Ponyboy Curtis experiences a crisis of identity throughout the story. His true

identity is shaped by both his family and the gang he belongs to, but he also

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questions where he truly belongs in society. Ponyboy's crisis of identity stems from

the tension between the expectations placed on him as a Greaser and his desire to

break free from societal stereotypes. He's a sensitive and thoughtful individual who

doesn't fit the tough Greaser image entirely. He loves literature and sunsets, which

sets him apart from some of his peers. His true identity, however, is a blend of his

loyalty to his family and his realization that there's more to people than their social

labels. By the end of the novel, Ponyboy comes to understand that people, whether

Greasers or Socs, have their own struggles and vulnerabilities. He learns to see

beyond the surface and values human connections. So, Ponyboy's crisis of identity

leads him to a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him. His true

identity is not solely defined by his social group but by his capacity for empathy and

his ability to bridge the gap between different social classes.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

I want to say thank you and alhamdulillah for the grace that Allah has given me. I am still given
health and strength to complete this thesis and noble greeting for the prophet Muhammad SAW,
who brings enlightenment and becomes the best role model for us. The greatest appreciation
and thanks to the best supervisor, Mrs. Marliza Yeni S.S.,M.A who gives me advance and
guidance in completing this thesis. I also would like to say thank you for my examiners ibu
Dra.Diah Tyahaya Iman, M.Litt.,Ph.D., bapak Dr. Maizufri, M.S and ibu Dra. Eva Najma, M.
Hum who give me suggestion for improving my thesis

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