The Outsiders Literary Devices

A reckless, hot-tempered boy, cocky and scared stiff at the same time.

I had to read Great Expectations for English, and that kid Pip, he reminded me of us...

Johnny realizes that he doesn't want to die at 16 - it's not long enough.

Pony struggles to get along with Darry - resulting in a physical fight (slap).

[Johnny] would have run away a million times if we hadn't been there.

He's got eyes that are like two pieces of pale blue-green ice.

Our hair labeled us greasers, too - it was our trademark. The one thing we were proud of.

Nobody was ever going to beat him like that again. Not over his dead body...

I was sweating something fierce, although I was cold.

Dally’s jacket protects Ponyboy from the fire.

We killed time by reading Gone with the Wind...especially stuck on Southern gentlemen.

Johnnycake's eyes were fearful and sensitive; hers were cheap and hard.

Ponyboy is narrator of the novel.

Johnny just looked dead. Like a candle with a flame gone.

We were so careful...if that old church ever caught on fire there'd be no stopping it.

My head swam...Finally my stomach calmed down...I relaxed, hoping Johnny would remember cig...

I almost jumped out of my skin. 

It was almost four months ago. I had walked down to the DX station to get a bottle of pop...

The countryside represents Ponyboy’s desire for a peaceful and tranquil existence.

If you can picture a little dark puppy that has been kicked too many times..you'll have Johnny.

I was reminded of Jack London's books - you know, where the wolf pack waits in silence for...

Dally handed me a shirt about sixty-million sizes too big.

Soda attracted girls like honey draws flies.

If you rubbed [Dally] the wrong way - look out. 

After Bob's death, Randy has trouble choosing whether or not to participate in the rumble.