“Nature’s first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold.”
I love “The Outsiders” by S.E. Hinton; it has been my all-time favorite book since I first laid eyes on its pages at the age of 11. Nearly everyone has read “The Outsiders,” whether it be for a middle school language arts class or because their parents wanted them to be accustomed with the “classics,” but, for whatever reason, this book particularly resonated with me.
As a kid, I was what one would describe as a bookworm (I take much pride in my title as a UAPL Top 100 Reader–shoutout Dad for being so enthusiastic about the donut party). I fondly remember these times as my first green, but, as Robert Frost predicted, I grew out of this phase. Now, I rarely read, but my love for “The Outsiders” has persisted.
“Her early leaf ’s a flower; But only so an hour.”
Each time I experience Hinton’s 180 pages of ever-relevant adventure and compassion, parts of Ponyboy Curtis’ life seem to mirror my own. Although this may sound silly, as life in Upper Arlington bears little clear resemblance to the infamous rivalry between the Greasers and the Socs, I can’t help but draw parallels.
In the spirit of reminiscence, it seems fitting to address those in my life as characters from “The Outsiders.” My earliest leaf involves who I will refer to as Darry, Ponyboy’s hardened yet tough-loving older brother and caretaker. Ponyboy and Darry often clash, with each believing they know what is best for Ponyboy. As I sometimes do with my Darry, Ponyboy feels as though he is
unable to live up to his oldest brother’s standards. However, in the end, they reconcile; although it doesn’t always seem like they like each other, Ponyboy and Darry realize that they love each other in a way only family can. To my Darry: However difficult it is
for me to articulate, I truly love and thank you.
Next, I thank Johnny. Johnny Cade is Ponyboy’s ride-or- die, and they know each other like no others can, with or without words. By the end of the novel, the two establish a nearly familial bond that can be born only out of time and shared experience. It’s lovely to always have someone on your side— someone to run from the law with, in the case of Johnny and Ponyboy, or simply someone to make you feel heard, in my case. The pair is often viewed as a unit, similarly to my Johnny and me. However much I complain about this, I secretly don’t mind the association.
Dearest Cherry: In struggling to find words to describe the impact you have made on my life, I come up with terms such as “healing” and “love.” Cherry Valance finds common ground with Ponyboy over enjoying sunsets, despite their evident differences, and he feels understood by her on the deepest level. To hopefully begin to express what you’ve done for me, I will say that I have always found myself giving more love than I felt I received. You are the first person who I can feel attempting to love me more than I love you.
Finally, Sodapop, the middle Curtis brother, acts as the mediator between Darry and Ponyboy, helping the two to understand each other’s best intentions. Ponyboy admires Soda’s effortless coolness and infectious personality, as I do my own Soda. I have little else to say than to recognize how lucky I am to have you as my built-in best friend.
“Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief,”
As I near the end of this reflection, I recognize the arrogance in framing myself as the protagonist of this story. However, I wonder if everyone should view themselves as the main character. Every human experiences grief; sometimes, joy subsides and sadness takes over. It’s possible that framing oneself as the main character validates that grief, allowing for the best path to healing.
“So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay.”
Is day such a bad thing? However cliche it may sound, I like to think that, perhaps, what’s to come is more gold, or something even more valuable.
