Essay On Critical Book Review

"The Outsiders" by S.E. Hinton is a novel that has been widely acclaimed for its portrayal of adolescent struggles and the issues of class and identity. The book has been popular since its publication in 1967, and its themes remain relevant to contemporary society. While the novel is certainly an enjoyable read, it is also a critical commentary on the societal issues that are prevalent in our world today.

 

One of the major themes of the novel is class struggle. The book is set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, in the 1960s, a time when the country was divided by socioeconomic differences. The Greasers, who are the protagonists of the novel, are poor working-class kids who live on the wrong side of town, while the Socs are wealthy, privileged kids who have everything handed to them on a silver platter. The novel depicts the hostility and violence that often arise when people of different socioeconomic backgrounds come into contact with each other.

 

Hinton does an excellent job of portraying the issues that arise from class struggle. She shows how the Greasers are at a disadvantage in many ways, from their lack of resources to their limited opportunities for advancement. At the same time, she also highlights the difficulties that the Socs face, such as the pressure to conform to societal expectations and the fear of losing their privileged status.

 

The characters in "The Outsiders" are also a critical commentary on society. Hinton uses Ponyboy and his brothers to show the struggles that many young people face as they try to find their place in the world. Ponyboy, the narrator of the novel, is a thoughtful and sensitive character who is constantly struggling to understand the world around him. His older brother, Darry, is the responsible one who has taken on the role of parent to his younger brothers after their parents died. Sodapop, the youngest of the brothers, is the carefree one who is always looking for the bright side of things. Each of these characters represents a different aspect of the struggle that young people face as they try to navigate the complexities of the world around them.

 

The other characters in the novel are also critical commentaries on society. Two-Bit Mathews, the wisecracking clown of the group, represents the importance of humor in difficult situations. Dallas Winston, the tough guy of the group, represents the dangers of violence and the impact that it can have on individuals and society. Johnny Cade, the quiet one who has been abused by his parents, represents the struggle that many young people face as they try to overcome the trauma of abuse.

 

The portrayal of violence in "The Outsiders" is another critical commentary on society. Hinton does not shy away from showing the brutality that often accompanies class struggle. The novel is filled with scenes of violence, from the opening scene where Ponyboy is jumped by a rival gang to the tragic climax where two characters are killed in a fight between the Greasers and the Socs. Hinton uses these scenes to show the devastating impact that violence can have on individuals and communities.

 

The novel is also critical of the way that society often treats young people. The Greasers are constantly underestimated and undervalued by the adults around them. They are seen as troublemakers and delinquents, rather than as individuals with their own struggles and aspirations. Hinton uses this portrayal to show the importance of listening to and valuing the perspectives of young people.

 

Despite its critical commentary on society, "The Outsiders" is not without its flaws. Some critics have argued that the novel perpetuates stereotypes about class and race. The Greasers are portrayed as poor, working-class kids who are rough around the edges, while the Socs are portrayed as wealthy, privileged kids who are refined and sophisticated. This portrayal can be seen as reinforcing stereotypes about class and the The Great Gatsby is one of the most celebrated American novels of the 20th century. It tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a mysterious and wealthy man who throws lavish parties at his mansion in West Egg, Long Island. The narrator of the story, Nick Carraway, moves into a neighboring house and becomes fascinated by Gatsby's glamorous lifestyle. As the novel progresses, we learn about Gatsby's past, his obsession with the beautiful and unattainable Daisy Buchanan, and the tragedy that unfolds.

 

Fitzgerald's writing is lyrical and evocative, and he creates a vivid picture of the Jazz Age, a time of excess and decadence. The characters in the novel are well-drawn and complex, with Gatsby being the most enigmatic and intriguing of them all. Through Gatsby's pursuit of Daisy, Fitzgerald explores the themes of love, wealth, and the American Dream.

 

One of the strengths of the novel is Fitzgerald's ability to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. From the opening pages, we are transported to the opulent world of the wealthy elite, and the descriptions of Gatsby's parties are particularly impressive. Fitzgerald's use of language is also noteworthy, with many memorable phrases and passages throughout the book.

 

However, despite its many strengths, The Great Gatsby is not without its flaws. One of the main criticisms of the novel is that it is overly focused on the wealthy and privileged, with little attention paid to the struggles of the working class or minority groups. This narrow focus can make the novel feel dated and exclusionary, especially in today's more diverse and inclusive society.

 

Another criticism of the novel is its portrayal of women. Daisy Buchanan, in particular, is often seen as a shallow and unsympathetic character, with little agency or independence. While it could be argued that this is a reflection of the social norms of the time, it is still disappointing to see such a one-dimensional portrayal of women in a novel that is otherwise so rich and nuanced.