Theme: in The Outsiders, society is a cage with no easy way out. A) Explain how greasers and Socs are equally trapped. B) Explain how characters in the novel are able to escape from the cage.

Ponyboy slowly realizes this throughout the novel. I don't think that they actually have identical problems but they do share the angst of growing up.

1. Conformity to a group are pressures they both have. Although the Socs feel it more keenly both groups conform to a certain image.

2. Living up to their image is also a common trait. Ponyboy and Dally are smart but they have pressure to stay within the confines of being a Greaser. Randy does not want to solely identify as a Soc but the pressure is great to conform.

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