The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton has long been a beloved classic in young adult literature, capturing the struggles of adolescence, social divides, and the yearning for a sense of belonging. Written in 1965 when Hinton was just 16 and growing up in a turbulent time in America, the novel was published in 1967. Her writing helped to solidify the young adult genre as one where people could genuinely examine adolescent realities. This effect on the field is still noticeable today. In fact, as a person of a certain age, The Outsiders is a book that was part of my high school English Literature required reading list.
Then, in 1983, Francis Ford Coppola’s film adaptation brought the story to the big screen, introducing a new generation to the gang rivalry between the Greasers and the Socs. It was a film that “everyone” wanted to see! But how does the movie compare to the book? In this post, we’ll explore the differences and similarities between the two, with an emphasis on characterization, mood, tone, and the importance of the era in which the film was made.
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Characterization: A Deeper Dive in the Book
In the novel, Hinton’s rich, introspective writing gives us an intimate look at the inner lives of the characters. The protagonist, Ponyboy Curtis, is not just the narrator of the story but also its emotional center. Through his eyes, we understand the complexities of the Greasers and the tension between them and the more affluent Socs. The book allows readers to explore Ponyboy’s thoughts in depth, particularly his reflections on identity, loyalty, and family. Other characters like Johnny, Dally, and Two-Bit are similarly fleshed out with intricate details. This allows us to see the pain and confusion beneath their tough exteriors.
The film, while visually capturing the essence of the characters, has to condense and streamline these layers due to time constraints. Some of the subtle emotional nuances that are present in the book are lost in the movie. For instance, while the movie shows Ponyboy’s internal conflict, it doesn’t have the space to explore his introspective musings as deeply as the book does. Johnny’s transformation, too, feels somewhat rushed in the film, lacking the slow, evolving complexity seen in the novel.
That said, the film does a fantastic job of visually representing the characters. The star-studded casting choices – especially Matt Dillon as Dally and C. Thomas Howell as Ponyboy – are highly praised and help bring the characters to life in a new way. Their performances capture the spirit of the novel’s characters, even if the emotional depth is sometimes abbreviated.
A Grade Ahead explores characterization, among other fiction topics, in our 5th grade English program Check it out here!
Mood: Reflecting the Tension of the Times
The mood of The Outsiders is one of tension, alienation, and yearning for connection. In the book, the mood fluctuates between moments of quiet contemplation and intense action. Ponyboy’s narrative voice allows for a reflective, often melancholic tone. His observes the world around him and the brutal realities of class conflict.
The movie, being a visual medium, emphasizes mood in a different way. The music, cinematography, and pacing heightens the mood. Coppola’s direction captures the feeling of the 1960s, with its sharp divisions between social classes. The film uses the contrast between the Greasers’ scrappy, rough-around-the-edges world and the polished, privileged lives of the Socs to underline the emotional weight of their differences. The soundtrack, featuring songs from artists like The Rascals and Steve Perry, reinforces the mood of youthful rebellion and conflict, which resonates with the film’s audience. This music further evokes the era in which the movie was made, giving it an added layer of historical significance.
While the book is often more introspective and subdued, the movie uses visual cues – such as the contrasting locations, lighting, and even the physical differences in the characters’ appearances – to enhance the mood of societal division and personal struggle. The emotional impact in the movie feels more immediate and visceral, while the novel lingers on Ponyboy’s reflective tone.
Tone: A Sense of Hope Through the Struggles
The tone of The Outsiders is perhaps its most defining feature. In the book, Hinton strikes a balance between optimism and despair. Despite the violence and hardships the characters face, there is always an underlying sense that things could be different if only people were willing to look beyond labels. Ponyboy’s journey, from naivety to a deeper understanding of the world, encapsulates this balance of hope and heartbreak.
The movie maintains much of the book’s tone, though it’s influenced by the visual style and pacing of the medium. Coppola brings a gritty realism to the story, but he also injects a sense of romance into the narrative, especially in the relationships between the characters. The tone of the film shifts during pivotal moments – such as the tragic death of Johnny and the subsequent emotional fallout – which allows for an emotional payoff. That said, the film’s tone is a bit more dramatic and condensed, which changes the pacing and depth of the original novel’s exploration of complex emotions.
Does your child enjoy analyzing on a deeper level? Do you want them to understand the difference between mood and tone? A Grade Ahead’s curriculum for older students – such as our 6th and 7th grade English programs – explores both of these topics and more!
The Era and Its Importance
Another layer of significance: the 1980s. This decade, a time of economic disparity and rising youth subcultures, saw many young people grappling with issues of identity and class. The Outsiders, while set in the 1960s, resonated with the youth of the ’80s in a way that mirrored the divide between the working class and the affluent. The casting of young actors like Patrick Swayze, Tom Cruise, and Rob Lowe – many of whom were rising stars at the time – also contributed to the film’s connection to the culture of the time period.
The 1980s saw the rise of teen-focused movies that depicted youth rebellion and the struggles of adolescence, such as Fast Times at Ridgemont High and Sixteen Candles. In this context, The Outsiders film was not just a reflection of the ’60s but also of the ongoing struggles of youth trying to navigate societal pressures, making the movie even more relevant to its contemporary audience.
S.E. Hinton wrote several novels adapted into films. Rumble Fish (1975) became a movie in 1983, directed by Francis Ford Coppola. That was followed by That Was Then, This Is Now, which was published in 1971 and adapted in 1985. Tex (1979) was turned into a movie in 1982. All of these adaptations focus on themes of youth, identity, and personal struggle, with The Outsiders becoming one of the most iconic films of the 1980s.
Conclusion
Both S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders and Coppola’s film adaptation of the same name are iconic in their own right, and while the movie captures some of the distinctions of the novel, the book’s nuanced characterization, reflective mood, and tone offer a richer, more introspective experience. The movie is a visually dynamic portrayal of the original story, with its 1980s context adding an interesting layer of relevance for its audience. Ultimately, both the book and the movie highlight the timeless nature of the themes they explore: identity, class struggle, and the search for connection. This makes The Outsiders a story that continues to speak to generations of readers and viewers alike.
In short, teens often praise The Outsiders for its relatability, emotional depth, and timeless portrayal of friendship and societal divides. Many of them connect with the struggles of the characters, as well as the lessons the book teaches about understanding others and dealing with personal challenges.
What do you think? Have you read or watched The Outsiders? Do you prefer the book or the movie? Let us know which book-turned-movie we should explore next in the comments!
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Author: Pamela Crum, Teacher Coordinator at A Grade Ahead
