The Effect on the Reader of The Outsiders
Category: Literary

Grade Level: Middle School

Background: In The Outsiders, several other literary works are mentioned. Robert Frost's poem, "Nothing Gold Can Stay," gives a rather pessimistic view of life, suggesting that the best experiences can't last for long. Gone With the Wind, a novel set at the time of the Civil War, is the book Ponyboy reads to Johnny when they are hiding in the church. At the end of The Outsiders, Johnny writes a note and puts it in the novel, where he knows Ponyboy will find it. Johnny's message to Ponyboy is optimistic or hopeful: "There's still lots of good in the world."

Your Task: Tell whether you believe the overall effect of this book on a reader is optimistic (hopeful) or pessimistic. Consider the characters and events as well as the poem and war novel. Support your opinion with specific references to the book. Do not simply retell the story.

Click this to close the window.