The Outsiders is a powerful and enduring story with brilliant, three-dimensional characters, but the writing, while impressive for a sixteen-year-old, shows the hallmarks of a fledgling writer. The novel's emotional impact is undeniable, but some elements, such as excessive descriptions and pacing issues, detract from its overall quality.
The Outsiders is a classic tale that explores the push and pull between the haves and have-nots, with a focus on the lives of the greasers and their struggles. The characters are brilliantly developed, and the relationships, particularly between Ponyboy and his brothers, are deeply affecting. The story's emotional impact is powerful, and the ending feels inevitable and tragic. However, the writing, while impressive for a sixteen-year-old, shows the hallmarks of a fledgling writer. There are excessive descriptions of the characters' appearances, and some scenes, like the pre-rumble aerials, feel out of place and undercut the emotional weight of the story. The pacing also feels off, with some intense moments feeling shortchanged. Additionally, certain elements, such as the idolization of Gone with the Wind and misogynistic views towards greaser girls, do not age well.
Quick quotes
The characters are brilliant and three-dimensional.
It's a classic story, the push and pull between the haves and the have nots, the violence that begets more violence.
The writing is very good for a sixteen-year-old. But coming back to the novel as an adult made some of the flaws harder to ignore.