The Outsiders

A comprehensive set of flashcards covering cultural concepts and literary terms relevant to 'The Outsiders'.

Culture

Defined by the patterns of behavior and thinking shared by a group of people.

Mainstream Culture

The dominant ideas, beliefs, and values of a culture that dictate what is considered ‘normal’ in society.

Counterculture

A way of living that actively rejects what is expected by mainstream culture.

Stereotype

An assumption about a person or group that is overgeneralized or applied without reason.

Status

The categorization and ranking of people according to a hierarchy based on certain traits.

The Socs

Wealthier, upper-class individuals who live on the West Side of town and are identifiable by their madras clothing and nice cars.

The Greasers

Poorer, working-class individuals who live on the East Side of town and are identifiable by their long, slicked-back hair, jeans, t-shirts, and leather clothing.

Allusion

A reference to a significant historical, literary, cultural, or political figure or idea.

Archetype

A classic example of a character or thing that recurs throughout literature.

First-person narration

A story told from the point of view of a character in the story.

Retrospective narration

A story reflecting on something that happened in the past, often with greater insight.

Motif

An idea, symbol, image, or device that occurs multiple times throughout a text.

Characterization

Techniques an author uses to build understanding of a character.

Foreshadowing

A hint the author gives to suggest what might happen in the future.

The Innocent

A character archetype that is naïve and in need of protection.

The Caregiver

A character archetype who sacrifices for the well-being of others.

The Rebel

A character archetype known as a strong, angry rule breaker.

S.E. Hinton

Author of The Outsiders, published the book at age 18, inspired by gang rivalries at her high school.