Soda Pop Curtis: More Than Just a Smile in *The Outsiders*

ByKenneth

*The Outsiders*, a seminal work of young adult literature by S.E. Hinton, continues to resonate with readers decades after its publication. Set in a 1960s Oklahoma divided by class and circumstance, the novel follows the trials and tribulations of Ponyboy Curtis and his brothers, Darry and Soda Pop, as they navigate the treacherous landscape of…

Johnny Cade’s Hidden Intelligence: More Than Meets the Eye in *The Outsiders*

ByKenneth

Introduction “I wouldn’t want to be a Soc,” Johnny said quietly. “I wouldn’t want to be like them. I wouldn’t want to be cold and mean and hurt people.” This simple yet profound statement, uttered by the seemingly fragile Johnny Cade in S.E. Hinton’s *The Outsiders*, unveils a truth often overlooked: Johnny’s intelligence extends far…