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Loss Of Innocence In The Outsiders

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Throughout the novel The Outsiders, Ponyboy Curtis probably changes more throughout the course of the Outsiders than any other character. Ponyboy’s innocence plays a major part of the novel. In the course of the novel Ponyboy matures and feels many different types of feelings in certain events. One example of this is when Johnny and him saved the kids from the burning church and were part heroes part criminals. In this example Ponyboy’s actions describe how he is maturing and how he is witnessing important events unfold in the book.

Towards the start of the Outsiders Ponyboy is an intelligent young teen, who is part of the track team. Although, he lacks the perspective to understand everyone around him. This means he can only see his part of the story and fails to see why others act the way they do. One example of this is how Darry, Ponyboy’s older brother, is always treating him bad. Ponyboy is constantly always thinking about how Darry bully’s him and is mean to him for no reason. Also, …show more content…
When Johnny Cade is in the hospital he say the words, “ Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold.” this means to stay youthful and innocent. This example refers to Ponyboy changing throughout the book because the quote explains that Ponyboy should still stay gold and not worry about having to be a greaser all the time, and being mature.

Finally, throughout the book the Outsiders, it shows many changes of character qualities in Ponyboy. Ponyboy experiences one of the most life changing events that shapes his character from being shy, kind, and confused about life to being confident, less afraid, and wiser, and many other qualities. By the end he is a changed man and has a larger understanding of life, and how many of the tough events he went through brought him to being more mature and more

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