Unleashing the Savvy Definition in The Outsiders: What It Really Means for the Characters
The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton is a cherished book from the 1960s that still finds relevance among teens and young adults. This classic coming-of-age story revolves around two rival groups, the Socs and the Greasers, who come from two different socio-economic backgrounds. However, what makes The Outsiders a timeless masterpiece is how Hinton expertly crafted her characters by giving them a range of savvy traits that add complexity and relatability to the story.
What is Savvy?
Savvy is an elusive word that means different things to different people. On the surface, savvy means practical knowledge and the ability to apply this knowledge effectively. But savvy goes deeper than that. A savvy person has street smarts, knows how to read people, and can navigate complex systems with ease. In The Outsiders, savvy is an essential trait that characters use to survive in a tough world.
The Savvy Character of Ponyboy Curtis
Ponyboy Curtis, the protagonist in The Outsiders, is one character that exhibits a great deal of savvy. Despite being from a poor family, Ponyboy is street-smart and has a natural intellect. He understands how the world works and is empathetic to the plight of others, which makes him a likable character. Ponyboy shows savvy when he uses his natural abilities to write an essay on Gone With The Wind, earning him favorable comments from his teacher.
The Savvy Rivals: The Socs and The Greasers
The Socs and the Greasers are two rival groups in The Outsiders who could not be more different. The Socs are from well-off families and have everything handed to them, while the Greasers are from the poverty-stricken East Side and have to work hard for everything they have. Despite these differences, both groups exhibit savvy traits that help them navigate their worlds.
The Socs are savvy in the way they use their privileged status to get away with things that the Greasers cannot. They use their family connections to get out of trouble with the law and use their wealth to intimidate others. On the other hand, the Greasers’ savvy lies in their ability to adapt to their environment. They know how to fight, steal, and survive on the streets. They develop a bond with each other and have a sense of loyalty and friendship that the Socs lack.
Conclusion
In conclusion, The Outsiders is a timeless classic for a reason. Hinton masterfully crafted characters that exhibit savvy traits that make them relatable and complex. Savvy is an essential trait that characters use to navigate their worlds and survive in a world that is not always fair. Whether you’re a Greaser or a Soc, savvy is a trait that can help individuals overcome obstacles and achieve their goals. The Outsiders teaches us that savvy is not just about practical knowledge but about the ability to read people and navigate complex systems with ease.
