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The Outsiders

 

Also the Socs demonstrate their power not only through their cars but other material possessions like jewelry, and clothes. For example, Bob Sheldon's rings function similarly to the Socs' cars. Throughout literature, rings and jewelry have been traditional symbols of wealth. The rings in the novel represent the physical power that accompanies wealth. By using his rings as weapons, Bob takes advantage of his economic superiority over Ponyboy and the other greasers, using his wealth to injure his opponents. By using wealth, the Socs are admitted into society and gain respect. By using material possessions that the Greasers cant afford the Socs can hold control over them and repress them.
             The Greasers on the other hand are on the bottom rung of society. Throughout the novel the Greasers can be seen to be picked on by high society (the Socs.) The Greasers have nothing to conform to high society with so they are banished from it and hence are forced to look for standards of their own. For example, the Greasers have long hair. In Chapter 5 when Johnny cuts Pony's hair, Pony feels he has lost his identity as is upset by this. The Greasers have formed their own identity through their long hair, thus setting standards for their own society. Also by having long hair, the Greasers form an identity. Cultural values of the 1960s called for men to keep their hair short, and the greaser style is a clear rebellion of this social convention. It is not only distinctive, but, as a physical characteristic, this hair is truly a core part of the greaser personality. When the Socs jump Ponyboy at the beginning of the novel, they ask him if he wants a haircut and threaten to cut off his hair. By doing so, they would rob him of his identity. Also since the Greasers cant afford expensive material possessions like jewelry to show power they resort to cheaper materials. For example, Two-Bit's switchblade is his most prized possession and, in several ways, represents the disregard for authority for which Greasers traditionally pride themselves.


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