Literary Analysis - Misunderstanding
A common theme explored in S.E. Hinton’s novel, The Outsiders, is “things are rough all over.” This theme can
be connected to many different characters in the novel and is connected to the overarching topic of
misunderstanding. Write an essay in which you argue how this theme relates to the lives and experiences of
both greasers and socs by writing about one character from each gang.
Requirement
Introduction with
thesis
Evidence related to
a greaser with
analysis
Evidence related to
a soc with analysis
Put it all together
with explanation ~
conclusion
Conventions,
mechanics, and
usage
Your total score is
Points
Possible
15
Points Earned
25
25
25
10
Sample intro & thesis: SE Hinton, author of The Outsiders, develops the idea of “things are rough all over”
through the different social groups, the greasers and the socs, to illustrate the common thread of
misunderstanding. Through a character analysis of Ponyboy, a greaser, and Cherry, a soc, theme of
misunderstanding develops from being a dividing factor to a force that brings the groups together.
How to support a thesis:
 Examples from the text
 Direct quotations
 Summaries of scenes
 Paraphrase
 Other critics’ opinions
 Historical and social context
Always remember to read carefully and highlight useful passages and quotes. The quotes/evidence give
your paper “teeth.”
Common Core State Standards:
RL7.1 – Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as
inferences drawn from the text.
RL7.6 – Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or
narrators in a text.
W7.1 – Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
L7.2 – Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English capitalization, punctuation
and spelling when writing.
Whiddon - 2016
Literary Analysis - Innocence
One reviewer of The Outsiders wrote, "This remarkable novel gives a moving, credible view of the
outsiders from the inside—Pony’s innocence, and loss of innocence, unlocks a deeper understanding
of himself and society." Justify this comment using examples from the text.
Rubric
Requirement
Points Possible
Introduction
15
Evidence from
25
beginning (1-3)
with explanation
Evidence from the
25
middle (4-9)with
explanation
Evidence from the
25
end (10-12) with
explanation
Conclusion
10
Your total score is
Points Earned
Sample intro & thesis: One of the most enduring and fragile aspects of one's childhood remains
naive innocence. In SE Hinton’s, The Outsiders, Ponyboy Curtis grows up during the course of the
novel, losing his innocence in the process. Hardships, tragedies, and losses dramatically change a
person's perception of the world around them. Ponyboy, like almost all children, sees the world
through naive and inexperienced eyes as a child, and his perception of the world is filtered through his
own imagination and ideas about life. As Pony grows up, he faces turning points in their life, points
when an unmerciful reality strips them of their innocence.
How to support a thesis:
 Examples from the text
 Direct quotations
 Summaries of scenes
 Paraphrase
 Other critics’ opinions
 Historical and social context
Always remember to read carefully and highlight useful passages and quotes. The quotes/evidence give
your paper “teeth.”
Language Arts Florida State Standards:
RL7.1 – Cite textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as
inferences drawn from the text.
RL7.6 – Analyze how an author develops and contrasts the points of view of different characters or
narrators in a text.
Whiddon - 2016
W7.1 – Write arguments to support claims with clear reasons and relevant evidence.
L7.2 – Demonstrate command of the conventions of Standard English capitalization, punctuation
and spelling when writing.
Whiddon - 2016