The document discusses symbolism in literature and identifies several symbols in S.E. Hinton's novel The Outsiders. It explains that symbols represent something on both a literal and symbolic level. Some of the key symbols in The Outsiders are the switchblade representing strength for Greasers, the blue Mustang representing wealth and power for Socs, cigarettes representing fitting in for Greasers, the drive-in movie theater as a place where Greasers and Socs could coexist, Soda's horse Mickey Mouse connecting the boys to innocence, and the church providing refuge but also revealing the characters' true selves. The document suggests Hinton deliberately used these symbols to serve some purpose in the novel.

1. Symbolism
in
The Outsiders

2. Literary Symbolism
• “Without symbolism there can
be no literature; indeed, not
even language. What are words
themselves but symbols”
– Arthur Symons

3. Symbol
• Something – a person, object, situation or action
which operates on two levels:
• the literal and the symbolic
• For instance, an engagement ring is a real object
But it also stands for the abiding love of
the engaged couple

4. • All language is symbolizing one
thing or another.
• A symbol is a word or object
that stands for another word or
object.
• The object or word can be seen
with the eye or not visible

5. • For example, a dove stands
for Peace
• The dove can be seen and
peace cannot
• When reading the book
of Genesis in the bible,
you will find several symbols.
• In the story of Adam and Eve,
when Eve ate the apple,
the apple stood for sin.

6. a flag for country (“the flag”)
Go Hogs!
Red Razorback for the University of Arkansas
an X at the end of a letter for a kiss XXX
(“smack!”)
“spring” as the symbol of new beginnings
a slash line through a sign for NO,
as in “No Parking”
More conventional symbols which may
be expressed as words or pictures:

7. FLAGS – symbolize a nation
U.S. flag is a symbol of our nation, but it also
stands for freedom, liberty, and patriotism
UNCLE SAM - also a
symbol for the U.S.
When we see symbols in literature, they
are expected to have significance.

8. Symbols in literature are
expected to have significance
• What symbols are evident in the novel
we are reading, The Outsiders?
• Have you noticed the following
symbols?

9. Greasers
• The switchblade
represents strength and
power.
• The Greasers, the lower
class, felt safer when
carrying this defense.
• It was their choice of
weapon against harm that
may come from the
opposing social group,
the Socs.

10. Socs
• The blue Mustang
represents the upper
class Socs. It stands for
money power and
authority.
• It was Bob’s rings,
symbols of wealth, that
were used to cut up
Johnny’s face so badly
the day he was left for
dead.

11. • A symbol of the lower class
• Many Greasers started smoking at an early age
• It made them feel older and helped them to fit
into their group.
• Later it became a way of passing time and
keeping calm.

12. The drive in movie theatre was a place where the Greasers
and the Socs shared the same turf. Both social groups
enjoyed the theatre together. It was a place where they
could co-exist.

13. The horse represents
innocence. Soda’s
horse, Mickey Mouse,
connects the boys to
youth. Soda enjoyed
the horse as a young
boy. When the horse
was sold, Soda was
devastated. He shared
a special bond with the
horse that he could not
again duplicate.

14. • The church was a safe
haven for both Ponyboy
and Johnny.
• It was a hideout for them
as they were hiding from
their crime.
• It was a place that
allowed them to be
themselves and reflect on
their lives.
• Later, it was the burning
church that allowed them
to show their true colors.

15. So What?
• So now that we know about the
symbols… SO WHAT?
• Why did S.E. Hinton deliberately
(on purpose) use these particular
symbols?
• What purpose do they serve in the
novel?

16. Symbolism
• After discussing the symbols found in the
novel, The Outsiders…..
• You are going to demonstrate your
understanding of symbolism in literature
by completing the following activity about
yourself!