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Essay / How Ponyboy Changes in The Outsiders: Surprising Parallels in breeding, socio-economic status, and temperament. But as the story progresses, Hinton points out the surprising similarities between these antagonists: their often untapped reserves of anger and passion, their distinction among their peers, their vices, and their disappointment in their families. Like Bob and Ponyboy, several other Soc/greaser pairs turn out to be duplicates of each other. By going beyond the superficial differences between Bob and Ponyboy, notably the way Ponyboy develops in "The Outsiders", Hinton highlights the feeling of fragility and confusion that unites all teenagers, whether they are affluent or disadvantaged. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned"?Get the original essayBob and Ponyboy in The OutsidersBob begins the novel as the emblem of all that is "Soc", i.e. -say everything that is rich, smug, entitled, and different from Ponyboy and his friends. The sinister blue Mustang that appears and reappears throughout the novel highlights the economic difference between Bob and Ponyboy; it's like Ponyboy can't see past the beautiful car to the scared boy behind the wheel. Cherry comments on the feeling of coldness and reserve that Bob and the Socs project. This distance contrasts directly with the fiery Ponyboy, who makes frequent and passionate displays of contempt and admiration towards his brothers and friends. Bob's identification as "Soc" evokes the pomp, comfort, and opulence of a social club, while Ponyboy's identification as "greaser" draws our attention to his dirty, uncut hair. In looks and appearance, Ponyboy and Bob couldn't be further apart. On the other hand, Bob and Ponyboy share a sense of nostalgia and doom that becomes more and more striking as the story unfolds. Although Bob is meant to be a pillar of restraint, he attacks Ponyboy when he fears his girlfriend will abandon him. Although Ponyboy is supposed to be aflame with simple, dramatic emotions, he often holds back tears in the hospital and at church, displaying the same kind of reserve that Cherry portrays in Bob. Both Bob and Ponyboy stand out among their friends: Bob because he is a natural leader, according to Cherry, and Ponyboy because he demonstrates academic talent and literary gift. Both Bob and Ponyboy have stupid vices (drinking and smoking, respectively) that turn out to be more dangerous than they first appear. Most surprisingly, Bob is just as unhappy with his parents as the orphaned Ponyboy is with his own mother and father. Although Bob can have as much money as he wants, he feels that his parents are coddling him and wishes they would occasionally show him respect by refusing one of his childish requests. Despite their superficial differences, Bob and Ponyboy share feelings of frustration, anxiety, and heartbreaking hope. Changing Ponyboy and Others in The Outsiders Like Bob and Ponyboy, several other presumed antagonists turn out to be strikingly similar in The Outsiders. Cherry seems much more refined than Sylvia, Edie, and the other fat girls, but like those girls, Cherry admits to feeling admiration for Dally's virile ferocity. Randy is partly responsible for seriously injuring Johnny, but like Johnny, he has a share of anxiety and naive idealism, which leads him to consider withdrawing from combat.
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