The temporal and geographical placement of S.E. Hinton’s novel, The Outsiders, is Tulsa, Oklahoma, through the mid-Sixties. This backdrop is characterised by distinct socioeconomic divisions throughout the metropolis, separating prosperous neighborhoods from extra impoverished areas. The narrative unfolds in opposition to the backdrop of drive-in film theaters, vacant heaps used for rumbles, and the modest properties of the Greasers, contrasting with the well-maintained residences and social occasions frequented by the Socs.
This surroundings is essential to understanding the motivations and conflicts of the characters. The social stratification of Tulsa shapes the identities and experiences of each the Greasers and the Socs, fueling the animosity and misunderstanding that drive the plot. The prevailing social and financial circumstances of the period instantly contribute to the tensions between the 2 teams and affect their interactions and life decisions. Moreover, the absence of sturdy parental figures and the prevalence of gang tradition mirror a broader sense of societal instability and disillusionment throughout this era.
