Monik a |i

DECLARATION

I hereby declare that this thesis entitled ‘’Social Identity Crisis of Ponyboy
as The Main Character in The Outsiders by S.E Hinton’’, has not been
submitted. As the result of my own work under the guidance of Marliza Yeni
S.S.,M.A. There has not been any a form or idea written or published by others,
except those referred to in this thesis and mentioned in bibliography.

This thesis submitted in partial fulfillment to the requirement for the

degree of Sarjana Humaniora. The results embodied in this thesis have not been
submitted to any other university or institute for any degree or diploma.

Padang, 31 August 2023

Tiara Monika
 M o n i k a | ii

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

First of all, 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.

Furthermore, I sincerely would like to say thank you for my academic

supervisor, ibu Dra. Eva Najma, M. Hum for guiding me since first day being
Universitas Andalas student and thank you for head of English Department bu
Novalinda, S.S.,M.Hum who always tries to give the best for our beloved
department. Lastly, the greatest thanks addressed to all lecturers of English
Department of Andalas University who have contribution in my education stage.

Padang, 31 August
2023

Tiara Monika
 M o n i k a | iii

DEDICATION

To my beloved parents, ayah Harmon and ibu Ratna, who always support
me, give endless prayers, guiding me to be better person where I have to be
persistent person. Something that starts must be lived until it’s finished. To my
sister and my litle brother, Reza Umami and M. Kevin Alamsyah who always
push me to finish my study. Thank you for accompanying and staying up late in
the process of writing this thesis. I appreciate my big family, who always support
me. I love you all.

Thanks to KSR PMI Unit UNAND, the organization where I grew and
become a better person also meet a lot of great friends. To uni Reka permata zalen
who always support me, be my lovely best friend, and one of the reason I can
continue my thesis, Thanks a lot un. Thanks to Anita, kak Nisrina, kak Ncung for
being the part of my thesis process story. Thank you for being a place where I can
tell a lot about everything, Big thanks to Ayu Kurnia Febri, Dea Safitri and Suciati
Agustin for guiding me when I’m confused. I’m so proud to have you, guys. To
Melinda and Tiara Delovenia, thank you for being my friend also makes me
cheerful.

To my special person, Mr. R, who always give me endless support and

hear my complaints. Thank you for giving the best advice and taking me for
travelling to reduce the burden on my mind. Thank you for being my second
home and always be there when I’m on my weakness condition.
 M o n i k a | iv

ABSTRACT

This thesis discuss about social identity crisis as experienced by Ponyboy

Curtis, the main character in S.E Hinton novel 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 beyond gang
affiliations. In society's eyes, lower-middle-class described as bad teenagers, like
to mess up, poor, and have broken homes family. This abstract explores how
Ponyboy’s struggle to define his social identity shapes his character throughout
the novel, ultimately leading to personal growth and deeper understanding of the
complexities of social class and belonging. This research applies Erik Erikson's
theory of Psychosocial development, focusing on stage five (identity vs. role
confusion). After analyzing the novel, I found that Hinton highlights the universal
theme of identity formation amid societal pressures and divisions. To support this
research, I use the qualitative method, library research, and close reading method.
As a result, this research shows how the main characters survive his crisis identity
and how Ponyboy changes society's view of him and his friends. Ponyboy proves
that children who do not come from the upper classes are not as bad as society
portrays them; I also conclude that in the end, Ponyboy managed to change
society's view of him and his friends, and they are more respected in societies.

Keywords: Identity Crisis, Social Stratification, Psychosocial development,

Social identity.
 Monik a |v

ABSTRAK

Tesis ini membahas tentang krisis identitas sosial seperti yang dialami oleh
Ponyboy Curtis, tokoh utama dalam novel S.E Hinton, The Outsiders. Hidup di
dunia yang terbagi berdasarkan status sosial ekonomi dan geng-geng yang
bersaing, Ponyboy mengatasi ketegangan antara kesetiaannya kepada Greasers
dan keinginannya untuk hidup di luar afiliasi geng. Di mata masyarakat, kelas
menengah ke bawah digambarkan sebagai remaja nakal, suka berbuat onar,
miskin, dan mempunyai keluarga berantakan. Abstrak ini mengeksplorasi
bagaimana perjuangan Ponyboy untuk mendefinisikan identitas sosialnya
membentuk karakternya di sepanjang novel, yang pada akhirnya mengarah pada
pertumbuhan pribadi dan pemahaman yang lebih dalam tentang kompleksitas
kelas sosial dan kepemilikan. Penelitian ini menerapkan teori perkembangan
Psikososial Erik Erikson dengan fokus pada tahap kelima (identitas vs.
kebingungan peran). Setelah menganalisis novel tersebut, saya menemukan bahwa
Hinton menyoroti tema universal pembentukan identitas di tengah tekanan dan
perpecahan masyarakat. Untuk mendukung penelitian ini, saya menggunakan
metode kualitatif, studi kepustakaan, dan metode close reading. Hasilnya,
penelitian ini menunjukkan bagaimana karakter utama bertahan dari krisis
identitasnya dan bagaimana Ponyboy mengubah pandangan masyarakat terhadap
dirinya dan teman-temannya. Ponyboy membuktikan bahwa anak-anak yang tidak
berasal dari kalangan atas tidak seburuk yang digambarkan masyarakat; Saya juga
menyimpulkan bahwa pada akhirnya Ponyboy berhasil mengubah pandangan
masyarakat terhadap dirinya dan teman-temannya, dan mereka lebih dihormati di
masyarakat.

Kata Kunci: Krisis Identitas, Stratifikasi Sosial, Perkembangan Psikososial,

Identitas Sosial.
 M o n i k a | vi

TABLE OF CONTETS

TABLE OF CONTETS ....................................................................................... vi

CHAPTER I ........................................................................................................ 1
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................... 1
1.1. Background of The Result ......................................................................... 1
1.2. Identification of Problem ........................................................................... 3
1.3. Review of Previous Study. ......................................................................... 4
1.4. Research Questions.................................................................................... 9
1.5. Scope of The Research .............................................................................. 9
1.6. Objective of The Research. ........................................................................ 9
CHAPTER II ..................................................................................................... 11
THEORIES AND METHODS ........................................................................... 11
2.1. Theoretical Framework of The Research .................................................. 11
2.2. Method of Research. ................................................................................ 17
2.2.1. Collecting the Data ............................................................................ 18
2.2.2. Analyzing the Data ............................................................................ 18
2.2.3. Presenting the Result of Analysis ...................................................... 18
CHAPTER III .................................................................................................... 20
PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF THE OUTSIDERS BY S. E HINTON...... 20
3.1. Character ................................................................................................. 20
3.1.1. Ponyboy Michael Curtis .................................................................... 20
3. 1. 2. Johnny Cade .................................................................................... 21
3.1. 3. Soda (Pop) Patrick Curtis. ................................................................ 21
3. 1. 4. Darrell (Darry) Shayne Curtis .......................................................... 22
3.1.5. Stave Randle. .................................................................................... 22
3.1.6. Dallas Winston (Dally). ..................................................................... 23
3.1.7. Two-Bit Mathews. ............................................................................ 23
3.1.8. Sherri (Cherry) Valance .................................................................... 23
3.1.9. Bob Sheldon. ..................................................................................... 24
3.1.0. Randy Adderson. ............................................................................... 24
3.2. Theme ..................................................................................................... 25
3.3. Point of View .......................................................................................... 25
 M o n i k a | vii

3.4. Plot .......................................................................................................... 26

3.5. Setting ..................................................................................................... 28
CHAPTER IV.................................................................................................... 31
4.1 The Characteristics of The Greaser in The Perspective of The Society. ..... 31
4.1.1. Juvenile Delinquency. ....................................................................... 32
4.1.2. Broken Home and Poverty. ............................................................... 37
4.2. Ponyboy’s Identity Crisis. ........................................................................ 39
4.2.1. Ponyboy's True Identity..................................................................... 42
4.2.2. Ponyboy's Identity Crisis as a Member of Greaser. ............................ 40
CHAPTER V ..................................................................................................... 48
5.1 Conclusion. .............................................................................................. 48
5.2. Suggestion. ............................................................................................. 49
Works Cited ....................................................................................................... 51
 Monik a |1

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1. Background of The Result

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).

In his article entitled Social, and Emotional of Adolescent Bimal Charan

Swain, explains that 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 ‘Department of English at

Southern Connecticut State University, Young adult literature belongs to a

 Monik a |2

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
 Monik a |3

"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.

1.2. Identification of Problem

The Outsiders implies an in-depth view regarding how a teenage boy has

to feel discomfort in society about class stratification. In this novel, Hinton wants

to show that society plays an essential role in determining the division of social

class. This novel presents the life of the main character, Ponyboy Curtis, and his
 Monik a |4

struggles with right and wrong in a society where he believes that he is an

outsider. Ponyboy feels that the class division system implemented by society

does not suit him, but on the one hand, he is forced to accept the rule. Ponyboy

recounts his experience of classist inequality as a driving force in his life through

escalating conflict steeped in class divisions and increasing awareness that

classism and its violence are not inevitable facts of life. Ponyboy has a moment of

critical understanding, a quantum leap in his view of his situation, which allows

him to break free of his self-image as a victim.

I argue that this novel shows that the society plays a significant role on the

shaping of teenager identity. Thus, taking Poniboy as the object of research, this

thesis is examining his psychosocial development which lead to the shaping of his

social identity.

1.3. Review of Previous Study.

Not only in the real world, some writers make Adolescence a hot topic to

discuss, one of which is young adult literature that discusses teenagers and their

problems, and psychosocial views of adolescents are also discussed. Because of

this problem, I have found several articles, theses, and books that cover similar

topics about teenagers.

One of the essential articles to help this research is an article by Joanne S.

Gillespie entitled “Getting inside S. E. Hinton's The Outsiders” sources by The

English Journal, Vol. 95, No. 3 (Jan. 2006). In this article, the author describes

that The Outsiders continues to be relevant to adolescents, opening discussions on

rejection, acceptance, and stereotyping. The author is a junior high school teacher.
 Monik a |5

She uses the novel The Outsiders as learning material because, according to the

writer, The Outsiders discusses the problems of Adolescents, which are timeless

and suitable for discussion with his students in their teens. In this article, the

author prioritizes using the discussion method casually and providing space for

students to express their opinions. Students learn how characters relate to one

another. Also, the author gives the reason why she used The Outsiders is that the

novel has "To discover how literature can capture the richness and complexity of

human life". The writer concludes that The Outsiders is an exciting story that the

students like. The characters in The Outsiders have a tough exterior, but they are

also individuals who are sensitive in responding to difficult situations. According

to the author, The Outsiders has moral values that are timeless, and the story

inspires teenagers today to think about accepting and rejecting as well as the value

of each individual. After reading and understanding this article, I think it is an

exciting and helpful article for my research because the author reflects on the

novel The Outsiders in the lives of teenagers today by conducting open

discussions with junior high school students in their teens.

The next is a thesis analysis novel by S.E Hinton, The Outsiders, written

by Gisela Winska Esmeralda, entitled "Social Stratification as Depicted In The

Outsiders” The Faculty Of Humanities at Diponegoro University (2019). This

thesis analyzes the novel's social stratification and its impact on social

stratification. Social stratification-related stereotypes of the Greasers and the Socs

will also be examined. Two classifications are the basis for the stereotype.

However, the Greasers and Socs are indeed stereotyped as belonging to different

social classes, with the Greasers being the lower class. After reading this thesis, I
 Monik a |6

assume that the author only focuses on the discussion of social stratification

contained in the novel The Outsiders. The author does not explain the theory or

literary approach she uses in analyzing the novel The Outsiders. Also, the author

only describes the intrinsic and extrinsic elements of the novel without conducting

an in-depth discussion. Unfortunately, the discussion is not detailed, and the

author does not explain the purpose and the final result of the research on The

Outsider novel she studied.

. The next and most important article about the novel The Outsiders is by

Sandra Beals entitled “Modeling Liberation: Audience, Ideology, and Critical

Consciousness in S. E. Hinton's The Outsiders” source Children's Literature

Association Quarterly, Volume 43, Number 2, Summer (2018). This article raises

the issue of social rules or social systems. The author of this article argues that

The Outsiders focuses specifically on social class and hierarchical power

structures. For the discussion of social class stratification, the author discusses

using the main character's point of view. The Outsiders is a novel that reflects the

social culture in the United States. The Outsiders offers a granular and realistic

window into life in a classist environment from the perspective of an underclass

person. The Outsiders novel also discusses violence perpetrated by teenagers, not

physically but also causes mental violence by causing effects on victims and

describes how they cover up their violent acts. This article also explains that the

division of social class has been a hereditary culture; both "Socs," groups of

teenagers with upper-class social status, and "Greasers," groups of teenagers with

lower social qualities, show their acceptance of classist ideology/class division

through beliefs. Implied or expressed. They even assume that there is nothing they
 Monik a |7

can do about the system of domination. They act and speak as if the system was

given and cannot be changed. According to the author, The Outsiders secretly

assigns higher values to upper-class characters compared to lower-class

characters. After analyzing this article, I think this article uses too many

complicated terms, and the language is difficult to understand. In this article, the

author quotes too many sentences from the novel, and the explanation is too long

and convoluted. In this article, it is difficult to analyze the important points and

main points of the article discussion.

The next article that would be relevant to this research is a journal from

Remschmidt H entitled “Psychosocial Milestones in Normal Puberty and

Adolescence” Directed by Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry,

Philipps University, Marburg, FRG (1994) (Vol, 41). In this article, the author

relates the psychosocial influence on adolescent development at puberty.

According to her, psychosocial factors can alter the pubertal processes' timing and

outcome. The emergence of abstract thinking, the increasing capacity for

introspection, the development of personal and sexual identity, the establishment

of a set of values, increasing independence from family, the importance of peer

relationships, which can have a subcultural quality, the establishment of a system

of values, and the increasing autonomy from family are the most significant

psychological and psychosocial changes in puberty and early adolescence. These

changes can be seen as developmental tasks during normal development, but they

can also be used to analyze developmental aberrations and psychopathological

diseases. From the developmental psychopathology perspective, several puberty

and adolescence psychiatric problems can be seen differently. In this article, I

 Monik a |8

found psychosocial influences on adolescent development, especially in

developing traits, thought patterns, and behavior. In my opinion, this article is

related to the novel The Outsiders because it has the same topic, discussing

teenagers and the social sphere. One example is in the story The Outsiders, the

two groups of teenagers indirectly follow society's perspective on the existence of

social stratification.

The last article that may help this research is an article by Randall M.

Jones, John M. Vaterlaus, Mark A. Jackson, And Torrey B. Morrill, entitled

“Friendship characteristics, psychosocial development, and adolescent identity

formation.” (2014). The author of this essay discusses how young individuals

complete psychological development, identity status, and friendship measures.

Friendship conflict and support were related to psychosocial development and

identity statuses. According to Erikson's prescription in this article, early

psychological stages were important to identity statuses. After statistically

controlling for the predictive variability contributed by trust, autonomy, initiative,

and industry with the identity status measures, conflict and support within

friendships contributed to identity achievement (3.2%), moratorium (2.4%), and

diffusion (2.5%) but were not associated with foreclosure scores. Support within

friendships was adversely associated with diffusion, while competition within

friendships was positively related to moratorium and diffusion. Based on those

previous studies, I conclude that my research is about Adolescence and the

Psychosocial view on teenagers and their development also their problems. The

research focuses on the Psychosocial analysis of teenagers in young adult

literature in the novel The Outsiders by S.E Hinton by applying Psychology and
 Monik a |9

Psychosocial. I also investigate whether the lesson in the story still is relevant

nowadays.

1.4. Research Questions

The main focus of this research is to explain how literary works can reflect

psychosocial views of Adolescence and society, especially in young adult

literature. That will be implied in The Outsider by S. E. Hinton. The research

will be conducted by focusing on answering these three questions:

1. How the perspective of society on the Greasers?

2. Does Ponyboy have an identity crisis as a member of Greaser?

How about Ponyboy’s true identity?

1.5. Scope of The Research

The research is intrinsic and focuses on how the continuation of the

developmental stage of a teenage boy (Ponyboy) is caused by issues related to

social stratification. I will analyze how the novel shows society rules about social

class in this novel and the impact on Ponyboy's identity. The research also shows

how Ponyboy struggles to solve problems in a fight for his rights as an underclass

in society.

1.6. Objective of The Research.

This study uses the Psychosocial approach and Social identity theory,

especially those related to social identity crisis. This reveals the social aspects of

each group of teenagers in society and identity crisis of the main character,

Ponyboy. It shows Ponyboy's feelings that he is having doubting his identity and
 M o n i k a | 10

his place in the society because of social stratification. More than that, it shows

the way of Ponyboy as the main character to solves his problems to help himself

to find his identity and express all his feeling of the rules made by society

regarding social stratification.

 M o n i k a | 11

CHAPTER II

THEORIES AND METHODS

2.1. Theoretical Framework

Adolescence is an important time for establishing the social position of

individuals. During this time, young people are exposed to various new social

situations, such as parties, bars, and concerts. As a result, young people come into

contact with friends and strangers, compelling them to learn and develop new

social roles without the supervision of their parents (Inglés, Hidalgo, & Méndez,

2005). To conduct this research, I use the Psychosocial theory by Erik Erikson.

According to James Marcia in his book entitled Identity and The Life

Cycle explained that young people go through a process of figuring out who they

are and what they believe in. Marcia identified four stages:

1. Identity Diffusion: When teens haven't really thought about their

identity much yet.

2. Identity Foreclosure: When they adopt beliefs and values without

questioning them because they're told to.

3. Moratorium: A stage where they actively explore different ideas

and beliefs.

4. Identity Achievement: When they've thought things through and

settled on their own beliefs and values.

So, Marcia's theory helps us understand how young people develop their

sense of self and identity.

 M o n i k a | 12

Identity: Youth and Crisis is a book written by Erik H. Erikson, a

renowned developmental psychologist. According to this book, Erikson explores

the concept of identity formation, particularly during the adolescent and young

adult years. He delves into the challenges individuals face as they navigate the

process of developing a sense of self and identity in the context of society and

culture. The book is considered a seminal work in the field of psychology and has

had a significant influence on our understanding of human development and

identity. (1994).

Based on the book entitled The Life Cycle Completed: extended Version

by Joan Erikson, alongside her husband Erik Erikson, contributed to the field of

developmental psychology with their theory of psychosocial development. Joan

Erikson expanded on Erik Erikson's work, emphasizing the importance of

psychosocial challenges and growth throughout the entire lifespan. Their model

includes eight stages of development, each characterized by a specific

psychosocial crisis and virtue:

1. Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy): Developing a sense of trust in

caregivers. Virtue: Hope.

2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood): Gaining

independence and self-control. Virtue: Will.

3. Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool): Taking on new challenges and

exploring. Virtue: Purpose.

4. Industry vs. Inferiority (School Age): Developing competence and

skills. Virtue: Competence.

 M o n i k a | 13

5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence): Establishing a sense of

identity. Virtue: Fidelity.

6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood): Forming close

relationships. Virtue: Love.

7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood): Contributing to

society and family. Virtue: Care.

8. Ego Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood): Reflecting on life and

finding meaning. Virtue: Wisdom.

Joan Erikson's contributions highlighted the lifelong nature of

psychosocial development and the importance of successfully navigating these

challenges for personal growth and well-being. (1998).

Based on Erik Erikson in his book Childhood and Society, outlines a

framework for understanding human development across the lifespan. Erikson's

theory emphasizes the importance of social interactions and experiences in

shaping an individual's identity and personality. This theory consists of eight

stages, each associated with a unique psychosocial crisis or challenge that

individuals must navigate. These stages encompass childhood, adolescence, and

adulthood, emphasizing the interplay between individual psychological

development and societal influences. (1950).

Erik Erikson's psychosocial theory is a developmental theory that focuses

on the social and emotional aspects of human growth across the lifespan. It

consists of eight stages, each associated with a specific age range and a unique

psychosocial crisis or challenge. These stages are:

 M o n i k a | 14

1. Trust vs. Mistrust (Infancy): Infants learn to trust their caregivers and

develop a sense of security or mistrust if their needs are not met.

2. Autonomy vs. Shame and Doubt (Early Childhood): Toddlers start to

assert their independence and develop self-confidence or feel shame and

doubt if their efforts are stifled.

3. Initiative vs. Guilt (Preschool): Children explore their world and take on

responsibilities, leading to a sense of purpose or guilt if they're overly

criticized.

4. Industry vs. Inferiority (Elementary School): Kids develop competence

and self-esteem through school and social activities or may feel inferior if

they experience consistent failure.

5. Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence): Adolescents seek to establish

their own identities and may experience confusion if they don't find a clear

sense of self.

6. Intimacy vs. Isolation (Young Adulthood): Young adults focus on forming

deep, meaningful relationships or may face isolation if they struggle with

intimacy.

7. Generativity vs. Stagnation (Middle Adulthood): Adults work to

contribute to the next generation and society in meaningful ways, or they

may feel stagnation.

8. Integrity vs. Despair (Late Adulthood): In old age, individuals reflect on

their lives and may experience a sense of integrity and fulfillment or

despair over unmet goals.

 M o n i k a | 15

Erikson's theory emphasizes the importance of resolving these psychosocial crises

at each stage to achieve a healthy personality development. It has been influential

in the fields of psychology and education for understanding human development

and identity formation.

Since the characters in this novel are between 14-20 years, the stages

discussed is five stage which is Identity vs. Role Confusion (Adolescence and

emerging adulthood) (11- 20 years). A sense of one’s current and future self vs.

lack of commitment and instability. Individuals start working on a new and

special kind of project at the start of adolescence: themselves. Erikson considered

identity a fundamental idea, and his writings have greatly impacted popular

culture, theory, and research in the years after that. The phrase "identity crisis"

was first used and discussed by Erikson. This phrase was not commonly used until

Erikson, even though it is now commonplace in many regions worldwide.

Based on the main character struggle about society rules, there is a term

called Social Identity that is relate to the discussion. Social Identity Theory,

developed by social psychologist Henri Tajfel in the 1970s, is a psychological

framework that explains how individuals define themselves and their place in

society through group memberships. The theory suggests that people categorize

themselves and others into various social groups based on race, ethnicity,

nationality, religion, sports team and derive their self-concept and self-esteem

from these group affiliations.

Social Identity Theory has been influential in understanding various social

phenomena, including intergroup conflict, stereotypes, discrimination, and group

 M o n i k a | 16

cohesion. It helps explain why people may identify strongly with certain groups,

even if those groups are relatively insignificant in the broader context. (1970).

The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton explores the theme of class stratification,

primarily through the conflict between the Greasers and the Socs, two rival gangs

in the story. Class stratification theory, also known as social class theory or

stratification theory, is a framework used in sociology and other social sciences to

understand how societies are structured hierarchically based on social and

economic factors. This theory explores how individuals are grouped into different

social classes, each with distinct characteristics and opportunities, and how this

stratification impacts various aspects of their lives.

The criteria for categorizing individuals into upper class, middle class, and

lower class can vary depending on factors such as income, wealth, education,

occupation, and social status. Here's a general overview:

1. Upper Class:

 Income and Wealth: Typically, the upper class comprises those

with high incomes and significant wealth. They often have

substantial assets, such as real estate, investments, and luxury

possessions.

 Education: Many in the upper class have access to quality

education, often including prestigious universities.

 Occupation: They may hold top-level positions in corporations or

have successful businesses.

 M o n i k a | 17

 Social Status: They have a high social status, often associated with

influential connections and a privileged lifestyle.

2. Middle Class:

 Income: Middle-class individuals generally have moderate to

comfortable incomes that allow for a decent standard of living but

may not be as extravagant as the upper class.

 Education: They typically have access to education beyond high

school and may have college degrees or vocational training.

 Occupation: Middle-class jobs vary widely, including professions

such as teachers, nurses, engineers, and managers.

 Social Status: They have a stable social status and may own homes,

save for retirement, and afford some luxuries.

3. Lower Class:

 Income and Wealth: The lower class typically has lower incomes

and limited wealth or assets.

 Education: Education levels can vary, but access to quality

education may be limited.

 Occupation: Jobs may involve manual labor, service work, or

lower-paying positions with limited job security.

 Social Status: Individuals in the lower class may face economic

challenges, have less access to resources, and struggle to meet

basic needs.

From the categorize above, I conclude that, the Greaser is the lower class and

the Socs is the Upper class. The greasers in S.E. Hinton's novel "The Outsiders"
 M o n i k a | 18

are portrayed as lower-class because they come from impoverished backgrounds

and lack the social and economic advantages of the "Socs," who are the wealthier

and more privileged group in the story. The greasers often live in rough

neighborhoods, face economic hardships, and are stigmatized by society due to

their appearance and behavior.

2.2. Method of Research.

This research is qualitative. Collecting data, processing data, and

presenting the analysis results are some of the stages involved in performing this

study.

2.2.1. Collecting the Data

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 articles,

essays, and book contents that support the research, either online or printed.

2.2.2. Analyzing the Data

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.

2.2.3. Presenting the Result of Analysis

 M o n i k a | 19

The findings of this study are presented descriptively. I use descriptive

language by converting argument data from words, sentences, and paragraphs into

quotations.
 M o n i k a | 20

CHAPTER III

PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF THE OUTSIDERS BY S. E HINTON

This chapter discusses the intrinsic elements of the novel. Intrinsic

elements deal with some aspects like character, setting, theme, point of view, and

plot. These aspects are essential and related to each other to create the story.

Through this chapter, the reader could understand The Outsiders more deeply.

3.1. Character

Character is one of the most important structure in every story. A character

in a story can be a human being, an animal, a being, a thing. In order to advance

the plot of the novel, authors use characters to carry out acts and deliver dialogue.

An Introduction to Literary Studies by Mario Klarer (1999) Characters in a text

can typically be represented as either types or as unique people. there two types of

character, a flat character in literature is characterized by the dominance of one

particular characteristic. The phrase "round character" typically refers to a persona

with more intricate and distinctive traits (17).

3.1.1. Ponyboy Michael Curtis

Ponyboy Curtis: The protagonist and narrator of the story, Ponyboy is a

sensitive and intelligent teenager. He's a member of the Greasers, but he doesn't

fully fit in due to his love of literature and his longing for a better life. Ponyboy is

characterized by his loyalty to his friends and his struggle to find his place in a

divided society. Ponyboy is a boy who loves to read books and watch movies, and

he finds his habits different from the rest of the greasers (1). Pony is the youngest

member of their gang, and the other gang members represent extended family
 M o n i k a | 21

members to him. Ponyboy takes care of himself so as not to cause problems in the

community (2). Ponyboy is an intelligent boy; he gets good grades and has a high

IQ and everything, but sometimes he doesn't use his head or is clumsy. These

occasions get Pony into trouble that he could avoid. Also, Ponyboy likes to go for

walks (3).

3. 1. 2. Johnny Cade

Johnny is Ponyboy's best friend and a fellow Greaser. He's portrayed as

quiet, nervous, and sensitive. Johnny's character undergoes significant

development throughout the novel, transforming from a timid boy into a heroic

figure. He was 16 years old, physically small, and came from a home where

physical and verbal abuse was commonplace. Next to Ponyboy, he is the

youngest. He is also the smallest and has a short stature (9). Because of the Socs'

bullying of him, Johnny suffered severe trauma that made him scared of even his

own reflection. This thrashing almost made him anxious, and Socs frightened him

to the point where he kept a penknife concealed in his pocket. His eyes have an

apprehensive and tense appearance (9). In the end of story, Johnny became an

hero who saved the kids at the church and he finally died as an hero. He is not

only a gang pet, but he is a kind boy with purely white heart.

3.1. 3. Soda (Pop) Patrick Curtis.

Ponyboy's older brother, Sodapop, is known for his good looks and easy-

going nature. He serves as a peacemaker within the Greasers and provides

emotional support for his brothers. Aged between sixteen and seventeen. Soda is a

teenager's favorite since he is a gorgeous kid. Since he disliked attending classes

and reading books, he dropped out of school. Having a happy and carefree nature,
 M o n i k a | 22

Soda is a young child. He never stops smiling and acting upbeat. He works at the

nearby gas station and has dropped out of high school. His looks fit for a "movie

star." Because he comprehends everything, is laid-back, considers Ponyboy like a

buddy, and doesn't exert much control, Ponyboy prefers Soda among his two

siblings to Darry. Lively, dancing, irrationally laughing eyes that can be

empathetic and gentle one second and flaming with wrath the next (6-7).

3. 1. 4. Darrell (Darry) Shayne Curtis

The eldest Curtis brother, Darry, is responsible for Ponyboy and Sodapop

after their parents' deaths. He's characterized by his strong work ethic and

dedication to his family, which sometimes makes him seem strict. The legal

guardian of Ponyboy and Soda and his 20-year-old brother. He puts in excessive

hours of effort and, if things had gone his way, would already be a college

student. It's difficult for him to be engaged in reading or creating art (1). In his 20

years, Darry has experienced a lot and has matured too quickly. Ponyboy and

Soda can count on Darry to be harsh and strict with them and to keep them out of

trouble. Darry believes that focusing on his life alone is sufficient (2). For his

younger siblings, he took on the role of parent. Regarding appearance and

behavior, Darry should be identical to their father (4). Strong, composed, and

intelligent.

3.1.5. Stave Randle.

Steve Randle, seventeen, was a tall, slender man with thick, greasy hair

that he maintained with intricate swirls. Since elementary school, he was tacky,

considerate, and Soda's best friend. Cars were Steve's area of expertise. Because
 M o n i k a | 23

Stave and Soda are close friends, Ponyboy likes Stave. Due to his opinion that

Ponyboy is just an unruly young child, Stave dislikes him (8).

3.1.6. Dallas Winston (Dally).

Dally is another Greaser who has a tough exterior and a criminal

reputation. He's portrayed as reckless and hardened by life's challenges. Dally's

character exemplifies the impact of a harsh environment on youth. Dally had been

detained at the age of ten after spending three years living on New York's seedy

underbelly. He was more violent than the other gang members combined. Dally

was more resilient, icy, and vicious. He was just as crazy as the boys wearing the

downtown garb (8-9).

3.1.7. Two-Bit Mathews.

A Greaser known for his sense of humor and love of mischief, Two-Bit

provides comic relief in the story. He's characterized by his fondness for

switchblade knives and his loyalty to the gang. The oldest member of the group

was Two-Bit Mathews. He was well-known for both his black-handled

switchblade and shoplifting. Every single thing he said was hilarious. He enjoyed

brawls, blondes, and for some strange reason, going to school. At eighteen and a

half, he was still a junior and had never acquired any knowledge (8).

3.1.8. Sherri (Cherry) Valance

Cherry is a Soc, a member of the wealthy and privileged social class. She

is characterized by her beauty, intelligence, and her willingness to challenge the

social divide by befriending Ponyboy. Cherry or Sherri is a cool girl. She had

great looks. She participated in the school's cheerleading squad. Cherry, the
 M o n i k a | 24

girlfriend of the Socs, is a lovely young lady. She is beautiful and considerate to

Ponyboy (17). She is adorable, wealthy, and sticks up for her convictions. Cherry

works as a spy for the greasers and desires to aid both the greasers and the Socs.

She does all it takes to balance the power between the opposing parties and even

the sides to end the fighting.

3.1.9. Bob Sheldon.

Bob is a Soc who represents the antagonistic side of the social conflict.

He's characterized by his sense of entitlement and his violent nature, which leads

to a pivotal event in the story. The first Soc to attack Johnny was Bob Sheldon. He

is Cherry's boyfriend and, like Johnny, a victim of his own family. Unlike Johnny,

Bob's parents do not physically or verbally abuse him. Still, they nonetheless

engage in just as harmful behavior: they permit Bob to avoid taking accountability

for his actions. Bob is a wealthy child who has never had to work for anything.

His parents have never placed limits on him and have consistently caved into him.

His best friend, Randy says, "His parents let him run wild." Because they loved

him too much or too little, Pony wonders. When the Socs assault Johnny and

Ponyboy in a park, Johnny kills Bob (40-42).

3.1.0. Randy Adderson.

Randy Adderson is Bob's best friend; he is a fellow Soc. Randy refuses to

fight in the big rumble because "Greasers will still be greasers and Socs will still

be Socs." As a Socs, Randy avoided killing people, being harmed in fights, and

witnessing his friend being killed by the police. The affluent father of Randy

could afford to pay any fines levied and clear his son because his involvement was
 M o n i k a | 25

negligible. But Randy makes Ponyboy consider how his actions are affecting his

own family (40).

3.2. Theme

A theme is a key, overarching concept. As the characters work toward

their objectives, the broader problem becomes apparent. It has more to do with the

deeper issues of identity, philosophy, or morality that emerge throughout their

endeavours and less with whether they will succeed in winning the race, getting

the date, or discovering the treasure. According to the book entitled A Handbook

of Critical Approaches to Literature by Guerin (2005) The theme is an intricate

part of literature that takes extremely deliberate analysis to understand, and it is

unlikely to inspire the same precritical response that the more obvious features do

(13). The Outsiders explores themes such as class struggle, identity, friendship,

and the impact of societal expectations on individuals. The main character,

Ponyboy, feels like an 'outsider' in his group because he doesn't feel like what

society portrays to his group, The Greasers. Someone who feels like an outsider

will conclude that life is not fair. Here, Ponyboy tries to find his identity amidst

the rules that society has created.

3.3. Point of View

A literary point of view is the perspective from which an author tells a

story. It is one of the authors' most crucial decisions in shaping a story. According

to the book of An Introduction to Literary Studies by Mario Klarer (1999) A text's

presentation of people, events, and environments is referred to as a point of view

or narrative perspective. The subtleties of narrative points of view emerged

 M o n i k a | 26

concurrently with the invention of the novel and can be distilled into three

fundamental positions: the action of a text is either mediated through an external,

unspecified narrator (omniscient point of view), through a person engaged in the

activity (first-person narration), or it is presented without any additional

commentary (figural narrative situation). ‘The Outsiders’ uses the first-person

perspective of the main character, Ponyboy. During the story, we will find the use

of ''I'' and ''Me''. It gives readers the reaction that they feel like Ponyboy in each

situation and condition. For example, “I was wishing I looked like Paul Newman--

- he looks tough and I don't--- but I guess my own looks aren't so bad” (2).

3.4. Plot

The plot is the events the author describes that make the reader interested

in the story from beginning to end. The events that make up a story's plot all lead

to or have an impact on one another and form a larger narrative. In other words,

the plot is a set of causes and effects that mold the entire story. According to A

Glossary of Literary Terms by Abrams (1999), In a theatrical or narrative work,

the plot (which Aristotle called the mythos) is made up of the events and acts that

are represented and organized to achieve specific artistic and emotional results.

The plot revolves around the rivalry between two groups, the greasers and the

Socs (short for Socials), and the events that unfold as a result of this conflict.

There are five structural element of Plot that will be analyzing in this

research: exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and resolution.

The story exposition starts with Ponyboy (the main character) and his gang

The Greasers. Ponyboy is a fourteen years old boy who lived with his two
 M o n i k a | 27

brothers. Ponyboy with his brothers, Darrel (Darry), who is twenty years old, and

Sodapop, who is sixteen years old have recently lost their parent in automobile

accident. Ponyboy feels unfair with society's rules regarding the division of

groups based on social class. There are two groups of teenagers based on social

class: The Greasers, the lower class, and The Socs, the upper class. The story

opens with Pony returning alone from a movie when he is stopped and beaten by a

group of Socs, who also threaten to kill him; however, some gang members show

up and chase the Socs away, setting the tone for the rest of the book.

The rising action is when Ponyboy attends a drive-in movie with two

additional gang members, Johnny Cade and Dallas Winston (Dally). They

encounter Sherri (Cherry) Valance and her friend Marcia at the drive-in, who left

their Soc loves behind since the boys were drunk. Dally leaves after reprimanding

the girls, but another greaser named Two-Bit Mathews joins Pony and Johnny.

The men offer to drive them home after the movie as the girls' boyfriends

continually threaten to fight the greasers. Cherry breaks up the altercation, and the

girls leave with their partners. In this scene, Cherry tells Ponyboy that not all

members of the Socs gang are evil, Like the Greaser; not all members of the

Greaser are bad boys, and ponyboy agrees (26).

The story's climax is when Pony and Johnny hang out in a vacant lot

before returning home. In this scene, ponyboy feels unfair by the treatment of

people against him who discriminate against their status. he dreams of living a

quiet life with his siblings and his parents. When Johnny wakes Pony up at two in

the morning, they both nod. Pony leaves for home right away since Darry is

waiting, and it is way past his curfew. Darry hits Pony out of anger and in the heat
 M o n i k a | 28

of the moment. After leaving his house to look for Johnny, Ponyboy returns to the

parking lot. Pony attempts to escape, but they take him to the park to cool off

before returning to their house. At the park, Cherry and Marcia's ex-boyfriends

show up once more. The Socs hold Ponyboy's head under the water and shove

Pony and Johnny face-first into the fountain due to their numerical disadvantage.

When Johnny notices Ponyboy sinking, he is horrified and pulls his switchblade

to kill Bob, the Soc.

The falling action in this story is when Ponyboy and Johnny escape to the

church because they are afraid of the events that have involved them. Pony and

Johnny hide with Darry's help.

The story resolves when Johnny dies as a hero for saving the church

children. Through this incident, Ponyboy and his friends promise not to get

involved in any more trouble and never fight again. They realized and finally

decided to be good children and accept their societal position. At the end of the

story, At the end of the story, Ponyboy receives a letter from Johnny and he

rewrites the story to be made into a work in his English assignment.

3.5. Setting

The setting is one of the most important parts of a novel. According to the

book The Bedford Introduction to Literature: Reading, Thinking, Writing (1981)

The setting, or the time and place where the action occurs in literary works, is

crucial. "Setting is the context in which action of a tale occurs," according to

Meyer (1990: 107); Meyer divides the setting into three main categories. It

typically contains the story's setting, era, and social milieu. A setting might be a
 M o n i k a | 29

specific room, home, nation, or area. The story's period is indicated by the setting

of time. The social setting of a narrative refers to the state of society at the time.

For the setting of the place in The Outsiders, The story is set in Tulsa,

Oklahoma, and the setting plays a significant role in shaping the characters' lives

and experiences. Social stratification in Oklahoma, like in many other parts of the

United States, is influenced by various factors such as income, education, race,

and geography. Oklahoma has a diverse population, and while some areas may

have lower levels of social inequality, disparities do exist.

Some of the other places in the novel are movie house (1), this is the place

where the story starts to begin. In this part, Ponyboy is attacked by The Socs gang

for walking alone. Greasers must not travel alone, or they will get jumped, or

someone will shout at them, “Greaser!”. 2. Nightly Double drive-in movie. Here

is where Ponyboy, Johnny, Dallas, and Two-Bit Mathews meet Cherry and her

friend. They are both girls from The Socs. Cherry and Ponyboy are students at the

same school. In this part, Cherry and Ponyboy start talking about The Greasers

and The Socs (16). While on the way home from the Night double drive-in,

Ponyboy, his friends, and cherry meet the gang of The Socs, and almost an

argument breaks out between them. When going home after sleeping until the

early morning hours, Ponyboy is greeted by Darry with an angry face, and Darry

slaps Ponyboy and makes him run away from the house (38). The Park: Ponyboy

and Johnny rest in the park after running away from home. The park was about

two block square. Instantly, five members of the Socs approached Pony and

Johnny. Here is where the incident occurred when Bob attacked Ponyboy and

Johnny killed Ponyboy to save Ponyboy (40). The last place in this novel is The
 M o n i k a | 30

Church (48). After the tragic incident, Johnny kills Bob to save Ponyboy; they are

worried and flee to an old church with Dally's help. Here they blame each other,

and it seems that they are not ready for the risks they will face in the future. While

at church, Ponyboy and Johnny learned a lot about life and improved their

personalities. Unfortunately, a fire burned down the entire church, and here

Johnny sacrificed to save the church children. Johnny and Pony were injured and

rushed to the hospital, but sadly, Johnny died, and he died as a hero.

From the story's beginning to end, Hinton does not display information

about the time setting in this novel. Referring to the publication The Outsiders the

story probably takes at around the 1967s.

 M o n i k a | 31

CHAPTER IV

SOCIAL IDENTITY CRISIS OF PONYBOY AS THE MAIN

CHARACTER IN THE OUTSIDERS BY S.E. HINTON

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?

4.1 The Characteristics of The Greaser in The Perspective of The Society.

The story of Ponyboy Curtis, who fights with morality in a culture where

he feels unfair, is told in this novel, The Outsiders. Based on class division by

society, there are two types of teenager groups, namely Greaser and Soc. "Socs,"

groups of teenagers with upper-class social status, and "Greasers," groups of

teenagers with lower social status. Soc is short for "social"; they are wealthy, can

get away with almost anything, and have a good family background. On the other

hand, a greaser permanently resides on the outside and must keep an eye on

himself. In this section, I will focus on how society describes greasers in The

Outsiders.
 M o n i k a | 32

4.1.1. Juvenile Delinquency.

Juvenile delinquency, sometimes referred to as juvenile offending, is the

act of engaging in criminal activity while a minor or a person is under the legal

age of majority. Complex factors contribute to crime. It includes social and

psychological factors that interact to produce specific behavior. Most young

offenders are not cared for by their parents. Sometimes, children who live

separately from their parents will fall into the wrong path or "get lost" because

they are in the wrong environment and there is no supervision from their parents.

Children who lack a home and live on the streets are said to be at risk. Juvenile

delinquency is also attributed to childhood psychological stress, aggression,

imitating criminal authority, and other factors.

a. Greaser and Physical look

In The Outsiders, style is an essential distinction between greasers and

Socs. Greasers are described as young people from the wrong side of the tracks.

They typically have a distinctive style that sets them apart, which can be seen as

rebellious or delinquent by society. Some common physical characteristics and

style elements associated with greasers in the book include: Greasers wear blue

jeans, T-shirts, leather jackets, and sneakers or boots. They have long, greased

hair and leave their shirttails untucked. Socs wear ski jackets, tan-colored jackets,

wine-colored sweaters, and striped, checkered, or madras shirts. They are clean-

shaven and have "semi-Beatle haircuts.". These physical characteristics and

clothing choices are used by the author to portray the greasers as outsiders and

delinquents in the context of the story.

 M o n i k a | 33

“I only mean that greasers do things like that, just like we wear our hair

long and dress in blue jeans and T-shirts, or leave our shirttails out and wear

leather jackets and tennis shoes or boots” (2). The Greasers are considered by

society as teenagers who like to make trouble. They look untidy, like troubled

teenagers with a lower middle-class economy. Although we would like everyone

to be treated equally, this is frequently not the case. Money brings power, and

because social systems have shackled us, it is challenging to change them. It

makes a distinction between the upper-class group from the lower-class group.

b. Greaser, Fight, and Bad reputation.

The greasers are known as well as teenagers who like to fight and their bad

reputation. Fights are a common occurrence among the Greasers, who frequently

clash with the Socs, the wealthier and more privileged group of teenagers. These

fights are often a result of socioeconomic tensions and misunderstandings. The

Greasers fight to defend their pride, territory, and honour. One of the key

moments in the novel is the rumble, a large-scale fight between the Greasers and

the Socs, which has significant consequences for the characters. The Greasers

have a reputation for being troublemakers, delinquents, and outsiders. They are

often viewed as social misfits and are unfairly judged by the rest of society. This

negative perception stems from their economic circumstances and their clashes

with the Socs. However, the novel challenges these stereotypes by portraying the

Greasers as complex individuals with their own dreams, aspirations, and

struggles. Greasers would suddenly be attacked, and whenever there was chaos

and destruction in society, they would always be made suspects. (11).

 M o n i k a | 34

Greasers have their own rules when they fight. They will attack the enemy

together. Greasers will not start a fight first and will try not to be caught by the

police when they fight. Greasers fight to protect themselves and defend their

friends, proving they are solid teenagers. Unlike the Socs, they attack weak and

poor people. They will use parental power to free them from the clutches of the

law. "He went hunting some action--- booze or dames or a fight. I hope he doesn't

get jailed again. He just got out". (21) "Socs are rough. They gang up on one or

two; they rumble with each other in their social clubs.” (22).

Due to the Greasers' lousy reputation in society and the difference in

status, they are shunned by people with middle and above social status. Parents

will not allow their children to hang out with the greasers. For society, greasers

are children who will negatively influence their environment. The night Ponyboy

met Cherry, a girl from a high social class, they met with Soc members, and when

Soc was about to attack Ponyboy, Johnny and Two-bit, Cherry intervened for

them, and she said to Ponyboy that they couldn't be friends due to difference in

status. "We aren't in the same class ..." "It was because we're greasers," Johnny

said, and I knew he was talking about Cherry. "We could have hurt her

reputation." (33-34).

Before the big tragedy, after the night's meeting with Cherry and other

Socs members, Ponyboy gets into trouble and gets into a big fight with his older

brother, Darry. Darry is very worried about Ponyboy. Here we can see that, for

Greasers, family and friends are everything, even though most come from broken

homes. (36). On the night that Ponyboy ran away from home after having a big

fight with his brother Darry, Ponyboy was assaulted by members of the Socs.
 M o n i k a | 35

This part is where the big tragedy that changed the lives of Ponyboy and

Johnny begins. The Socs start first attacking and taunting Ponyboy and Greaser.

Socs call the greaser "white trash with long hair." that night, socs tortured

Ponyboy and Johnny until Ponyboy was almost unconscious. (40). Soc attacked

and threw Ponyboy into the pool in the park. Pony tried to escape Soc's grip but

couldn't and started losing consciousness. Johnny, who was with Pony at that

time, attacked Bob suddenly until Bob finally lost his life. This accident is where

the peak of the problem begins to form. The conflict between the two groups

escalated. “I killed him," “Bob, the handsome Soc, was lying there in the

moonlight, doubled up and still.” (40).

Since the incident that night, Greaser's name has become increasingly

known in the eyes of the public. Ponyboy and Johnny disappear and become

wanted by the police. Even though they accidentally killed Bob that night, they

did it to protect themselves. However, they are Greasers who are always looked

down upon by society. As Dally tells them that Greaser is in danger, Greaser

becomes even more unsafe to go out alone because Pony and Johnny killed

someone important to Soc. "The Socs and we are having all-out warfare all over

the city. That kid you killed had plenty of friends, and all over town, it's Soc

against grease. We can't walk alone at all. I started carryin’ a heater”. (60).

c. Greaser and Irresponsibility.

As teenagers who are unstable and still looking for identity, many of them

are still irresponsible. However, adolescents will show maturity or wisdom when

they have to take responsibility for managing the consequences of their decisions
 M o n i k a | 36

and actions. A teenager has to go through this cycle several times before

becoming a full-grown adult. Many of the greasers in the novel come from broken

families and have to fend for themselves. This often leads to a sense of defiance

and a tendency to engage in risky behavior. They are seen as outsiders in society,

and their lack of opportunities and resources can sometimes lead them to make

poor choices. While some greasers may appear irresponsible, they also

demonstrate loyalty, camaraderie, and a sense of justice throughout the story,

which adds depth to their characters. After a tragic night and Bob's murder, Pony

and Johnny try to hide and escape with Dally's help. It proves that they are still

unable to take responsibility for their actions. After explaining to Dally what

happened, Johnny asks Dally to help them hide. (43). By following the

instructions from Dally, Pony and Johnny arrive at the old church. They look very

messy and chaotic. The next day, Johnny tells Ponyboy to change their

appearance because the police must have a description of them as murderers and

fugitives. (51).

After tidying up their performance, Ponyboy and Johnny took a break.

They flashed back to the night they killed Bob. Johnny brings up the incident

again and feels very sorry. Ponyboy cries, feeling scared because they have killed

human life. Here it is clear that Ponyboy and his friends are just immature

teenagers. They were afraid to be held accountable for their actions and chose to

run away. Even though at first it wasn't entirely their fault, what Pony and Johnny

did was a very wrong action. They regret what they did but cannot do anything

about it.
 M o n i k a | 37

"Whatta we gonna do?" “I was crying by then. It was getting dark, and I

was cold and lonesome. I closed my eyes and leaned my head back, but the tears

come anyway.” (53). Ponyboy asked Dally if it was safe to come out of hiding,

and Dally replied that it would be safe for now because the police wouldn't be

looking for Pony and Johnny here because they thought you would run off to

Texas. (58).

From this part, it is clear that Ponyboy and Johnny are teenagers who are

unstable and cannot be responsible. Pony and Johnny are confused and worried

about their actions, fearing the consequences they will get. Ultimately, they chose

to escape trouble after killing Bob, The Soc. Even though they did this to protect

themselves, running away from trouble and being irresponsible is not good.

4.1.2. Broken Home and Poverty.

Broken families make less money and have children performing poorly in

school. Even worse, they expose their children to the possibility of low salaries

and unstable families, ensuring a cycle of financial hardship that is likely to

continue if not worsen. In The Outsiders, The Greasers are described as broken

family children with middle to lower economic conditions and children who have

dropped out of school. Also, almost all greasers have broken home kids. They

were abandoned and abused by their parents “We’re poorer than the Socs and the

middle class. I reckon we’re wilder too” (2). Darry, Ponyboy's oldest brother,

could not continue his studies because he had to support his two younger siblings.

Soda, Ponyboy's second brother, also doesn't go to school. He works to help Darry

with living expenses. (12).

 M o n i k a | 38

Johnny was one of those children whose parents didn't care for them and

thought they didn't exist. Johnny’s parents were very mean to him. He constantly

beats up Johnny. “We were used to seeing Johnny banged up--- his father

clobbered him around a lot, and although it made us madder than heck, we

couldn’t do anything about it.” (24). “Johnny’s Parents didn’t care if he came

home or not”. (35). For them whatever happens to their children is none of their

business. "They didn't. Blast it, Johnny, what do they matter? Shoot, my old man

doesn't give a hang whether I'm in jail, dead in a car, or drunk in the gutter. That

doesn't bother me none.". (63).

Ponyboy and his brother always welcome the greaser members who want

to rest at their house. They always stay together. Even though the greasers are not

welcome in their homes, they always have a place to come home. Greasers are

family. Greasers are homes for their residents. "Our front door is always

unlocked in case one of the boys is hacked off his parents and needs a place to lay

over and cool off. " (76).

While Johnny was in the hospital, his mother came to visit him. Johnny

doesn't receive visits from his mother. Johnny's parents came to visit him in the

hospital only to say they would be so happy when he was gone. He was sad and

hurt by his parents. Johnny hated his parents. “I said I don’t want to see her.”

“His voice was rising.” “She’s probably come to tell me about all the trouble I'm

causing her and how glad she and the old man are when I'm dead." (88).

After all, family is one of the most influential factors in a child's life. If the

family is good, the child's life will also be good, but if the family is damaged, the
 M o n i k a | 39

child's life will also be damaged. Family is the first means for a child to grow and

develop. Parents play an essential role in this process. Parents' parenting style will

shape the child's personality; if parents educate and supervise their children well,

children will grow well; if parents educate their children poorly and cannot

supervise them, a bad personality will be formed for the child. In The Outsiders

novel, the role of parents is lacking for The Greaser. Children need their parents to

guide them, but because there is no parental role, the greasers eventually develop

into children who lack affection, which significantly affects their lives, one of

which is social life. They seek comfort outside the home because they feel home

is no longer home.

4.2. Ponyboy’s Identity Crisis.

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.

 M o n i k a | 40

 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.

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

 M o n i k a | 41

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 in 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.

An example of the impacts of society's prejudice against greasers:

Ponyboy feels unfair about the treatment of society that differentiates greasers and
 M o n i k a | 42

Socs. Moreover, the upper class forbade their children or their families to be close

to or associated with The Greasers. “well, it's not personal or anything, but we

couldn't let our parents see us with you all." (33).

Even after all that happened, Ponyboy hates The Soc and thinks it's not the

Greaser's fault. "I hate them. It was their fault Bob was dead; their fault Johnny

was dying; their fault Soda and I might get a pit in a boys' home." (83). Ponyboy

feels that society will blame the Greaser for every mistake, even though the

Greaser is only defending himself when attacked by Soc. Just because they are a

greaser doesn't mean all their problems are theirs. Ponyboy wants to prove that he

and his friends are good kids, even though they are greasers. “And besides, we

wanted to show those Socs we weren’t trash, that we were just as good as they

were” (94).

In the end, after all the incidents and problems that Ponyboy experienced

in just two weeks, he didn't want this injustice to happen to the other kids too.

Ponyboy wants everything to live by the norm. He does not like any other

ponyboy or Johnny to experience oppression and injustice just because of

differences in social status.

4.2.2. Ponyboy's True Identity.

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
 M o n i k a | 43

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.

"I'm supposed to be smart; I make good grades and have a high I.Q. and

everything." (3). From some of the novel fragments above, it could be seen that

Ponyboy is different. He is an intelligent kid who likes academic things,

contrasting his brother.

The night Ponyboy and Johnny met and talked with a girl named Cherry

and her friend, they also thought Ponyboy was different from other greasers'.

Ponyboy is a polite and good boy, so that makes others not afraid of him even

though he is a greaser. "What's a nice, smart kid like you running around with

trash like that for?" (17). “You greasers have a different set of values. You’re

more emotional.” (27). Also, other greasers know that Ponyboy is such a good

boy. "Two-Bit always said he wondered why Johnny and I were such good

buddies." (28).

When Ponyboy tragically happened and Johnny became implicated in

Bob's killer, Ponyboy was very frustrated. Even though he was a greaser, he never

caused trouble or got involved with other juvenile delinquents. For him being a

greaser was hard enough. (47). Due to this tragedy, Ponyboy and Johnny, who
 M o n i k a | 44

were initially worried and afraid of the consequences they would face, finally

ventured back and surrendered to the authorities to be held accountable for their

actions. This section also shows how Ponyboy and Johnny can develop into better

teenagers who dare to take risks with their actions. They were initially teenagers

who ran away from problems and were irresponsible, and then they developed

into responsible teenagers. Adolescents will show maturity or wisdom when they

have to take responsibility for managing the consequences of their decisions and

actions. “Johnny had been quietly finishing his fifth barbeque sandwich, but now

he announced: We’re goin' back and turn ourselves in." (62).

One thing that can prove that Ponyboy is a good teenager is when the old

church where they were hiding is burning. Instantly Ponyboy and Johnny became

heroes because they dared to brave a big fire to save trapped children. “I’ll get

them, don’t worry!” “I started at a dead run for the church, and the man caught my

arm. I’ll get them. You kids stay out!” “I jerked loose and ran on. All I could think

was: We started it. We started it. We started it”. In this part, we can see that

Ponyboy and Johnny are not teenagers who always cause trouble. They are also

good kids who feel responsible and want to save others. While Ponyboy went to

the hospital because of exhausted and nearly fainted after the fire, he was

accompanied by someone there on their way to the hospital. His name is Jerry.

Jerry explained that Johnny and Dally's condition seemed worse. He said about

the bravery of Ponyboy and his friends. Jerry called them brave heroes sent down

from heaven. Ponyboy denied Jerry's words and said they were a greaser poorly

known by the public. Johnny, who's been involved with a recent murder case and
 M o n i k a | 45

Dally, who's always been involved with the police. Jerry doesn't believe that good

kids like them are troubled teenagers.

Jerry stayed with Ponyboy all the time. He keeps thanking Pony and his

friends for saving the kids. Pony tells him everything about the greasers and the

murderer case, but Jerry does not blame them. Jerry said becoming heroes might

help them escape trouble since it was self-defense. (70).

While the incident at the church is a crucial turning point in the story, it

does not fundamentally change Ponyboy's identity. However, it does lead him to

gain a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him, which

contributes to his character development throughout the novel. After the rescue

action for the church fire tragedy, the next day, the newspapers publish news

about the heroism of Ponyboy and his friends. “I started at the newspaper: On the

front page of the second section was the headline: JUVENILE DELINQUENTS

TURN HEROES.” (77). Other things that prove that Ponyboy feels different from

other members of the greasers are that he does not like to fight, violent, and other

juvenile delinquents. “I don’t want to be hood, but even if I don’t steal things and

mug people and get boozed up, I’m marked lousy.” (95).

After this incident, people's views of the Greasers, especially Ponyboy and

Johnny, changed. Ponyboy is seen as a hero by some and as a criminal by others,

reflecting the divided perceptions of society. To some people, Ponyboy is viewed

as a hero because he risked his life to save children trapped in the burning church.

This act of bravery and selflessness garners admiration from those who recognize

his good intentions and courage. Public began to view the Greasers in a better
 M o n i k a | 46

light. Greasers made history as troubled child who dared to take heroic actions to

save others and take responsibility for his actions. Many journalists always visit

Ponyboy for interviews about the heroic stories of Ponyboy and his friends, but

they don't stop there; the most challenging test for the Greasers is the departure of

their precious friends. Initially critical in the hospital, Johnny finally died; Darry,

who heard of Johnny's death, ran away and committed suicide, and Greaser finally

finished their last Fight with Socs. (85-104)

After the rumble, Ponyboy and his friends immediately went to the

hospital to visit Johnny and reported that they had won the war with Soc.

Unfortunately, Johnny was in critical condition when they got to the hospital. He

is dying. Dally was still forced to go inside by threatening, and finally, they met

Johnny. Unfortunately, they meet Johnny when he is finally died. Johnny died as a

hero.

Johnny left his last message to Ponyboy. He said, "Stay gold, Ponyboy.

stay gold..." Ponyboy and Dally could not believe that Johnny was dead; for him,

Johnny is their best buddy. After Johnny's death, Ponyboy returned home in a

devastating condition. He could not accept the fact. It's different with Dally, he

runs and robs a grocery, and the cops are after him. Dally was devastated. When

the police surrounded Dally, he took a gun, and finally, Dally died following

Johnny. Dally wanted death, and he always got what he wanted. This part proves

that their friendship is not just an ordinary friendship. Their friendship is like a

close brotherhood. (105-110)

 M o n i k a | 47

I concluded that Greaser and Soc were just ordinary teenagers who were

separated by social status differences created in society. They are not exactly what

society portrays them to be. Like a greaser who commits Juvenile delinquents,

they become heroes who save others.

The events of two weeks changed Ponyboy's life. Even though Ponyboy

refuses to feel that he is not the same as the other greasers, he is still a greaser and

has to accept his identity. It is just that Ponyboy doesn't want to be a greaser who

is belittled by society. Greaser is still Greaser, and Soc is still Soc. Greasers do not

always cause trouble, and Socs do not always become respected because of their

social status. It was an absolute rule in society that they were indeed different, but

after all, they were just ordinary teenagers. Ponyboy tries to live everyday life.

After the death of his close friend, Johnny, Ponyboy pours his story into his

English assignment so he can be remembered.

 M o n i k a | 48

CHAPTER V

CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION

5.1 Conclusion.

Adolescence is a time of difficult transitions that differ from childhood

regarding growth. Boys and girls develop physically, mentally, emotionally, and

socially throughout their transition from childhood to maturity. Adolescence is

when a person establishes their identity and chooses the route they want to take as

they mature.

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

 M o n i k a | 49

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 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.

5.2. Suggestion.

It is evident that many other subjects might be addressed and expanded

from this work in light of the study I completed and discussed before. The
 M o n i k a | 50

Outsiders offers timeless teachings because social and economic class distinctions

are still prevalent today. Teenagers need guidance and protection because they are

human beings with extremely sensitive emotions, which will help them develop

into better people. At this point, society and parents must play a part without even

passing judgment on them based on their color, gender, economic background, or

social standing.
 M o n i k a | 51

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