She’s the Soc cheerleader who dared to see the sunset from both sides of the tracks.
Sherri “Cherry” Valance stands out in S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders as a crucial bridge between the warring worlds of the Greasers and the Socs. With her striking red hair and perceptive nature, she cuts through prejudice, recognizing shared humanity where others see only division.
Her interactions with Ponyboy and Dally reveal her duality, caught between Soc expectations and her own integrity, making her a complex and pivotal character.
This collection gathers 22 of Cherry’s most insightful quotes and key moments, showcasing her views on social divides, her capacity for empathy, and her conflicted feelings. All page numbers reference the reliable Platinum Edition (Viking, 2006).
Cherry offers Ponyboy—and the reader—a rare, honest glimpse into the pressures and values of the Soc world.
Bridging Worlds: Soc vs. Greaser Perspectives
Cherry challenges stereotypes from both sides, articulating the emotional differences and shared struggles between the rival groups.
“All Socs aren’t like that,” she said. “You have to believe me, Ponyboy. Not all of us are like that.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance to Ponyboy), Theme: Challenging Stereotypes, Empathy, Chapter 2, Page 34
“That’s like saying all you greasers are like Dallas Winston. I’ll bet he’s jumped a few people.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance to Ponyboy), Theme: Challenging Stereotypes, Perspective, Chapter 2, Page 34
How tough was Dally? See Dallas Winston’s Quotes.
“It’s not just money. Part of it is, but not all. You greasers have a different set of values. You’re more emotional. We’re sophisticated— cool to the point of not feeling anything. Nothing is real with us.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance explaining Soc detachment), Theme: Social Class, Values, Emotional Difference, Chapter 3, Pages 37-38
Cherry offers a critical self-assessment of Soc culture, contrasting their cultivated coolness with the Greasers’ emotional intensity.
“Rat race is the perfect name for it,’ she said. ‘We’re always going and going and going, and never asking where… Maybe if we could lose our cool we would.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance), Theme: Soc Dissatisfaction, Authenticity, Pressure, Chapter 3, Page 38
“Ponyboy… I mean… if I see you in the hall at school or something and don’t say hi, well it’s not personal or anything, but…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance explaining social pressure), Theme: Social Pressure, Group Loyalty, Peer Influence, Chapter 3, Page 45
“She said she felt that the whole mess was her fault… and would testify that the Socs were drunk and looking for a fight and that you fought back in self-defense.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Dally reporting Cherry’s words about being a spy), Theme: Responsibility, Integrity, Justice, Chapter 6, Page 86
Cherry’s iconic line, often linked to her appreciation for sunsets, signifies her ability to see universal struggles and shared beauty across the social divide.
“Things Are Rough All Over”: Empathy and Sunsets
Cherry’s capacity for empathy allows her to recognize that suffering isn’t exclusive to one group, famously using the shared experience of watching sunsets as a bridge.
“Things are rough all over.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance), Theme: Universal Struggle, Empathy, Breaking Barriers, Chapter 2, Page 35
“I’ll bet you think the Socs have it made… We have troubles you’ve never even heard of.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance to Ponyboy), Theme: Soc Problems, Hidden Struggles, Perspective, Chapter 2, Page 35
“I could just tell. I’ll bet you watch sunsets, too.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance to Ponyboy), Theme: Shared Appreciation, Connection, Sensitivity, Chapter 3, Page 40
“Can you see the sunset real good on the West side? …You can see it on the East side, too.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Dialogue: Ponyboy and Cherry), Theme: Shared Beauty, Commonality, Breaking Barriers, Chapter 8, Pages 129-130
This simple exchange reaffirms the powerful symbol of the sunset as something that transcends their divided worlds.
Cherry isn’t afraid to speak her mind, revealing her principles and inner conflicts through her sharp observations and interactions.
Cherry’s Voice: Observations and Inner Conflicts
Cherry navigates her complex position with integrity, confronting bad behavior, articulating her values, and admitting her own conflicted feelings.
“It’s a shame you can’t ride bull half as good as you can talk it,” the redhead said coolly…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance to Dally), Theme: Assertiveness, Wit, Chapter 2, Pages 21-22
“You’d better leave us alone… or I’ll call the cops.” … “Please leave us alone,” she said. “Why don’t you be nice and leave us alone?”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance confronting Dally), Theme: Assertiveness, Setting Boundaries, Chapter 2, Page 22
“I wouldn’t drink it if I was starving in the desert. Get lost, hood!”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance refusing Dally’s Coke), Theme: Principle, Defiance, Chapter 2, Page 22
“That might cool you off, greaser. After you wash your mouth and learn to talk and act decent, I might cool off, too.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance throwing Coke at Dally), Theme: Anger, Defiance, Standing Up, Chapter 2, Page 24
Cherry refuses to be intimidated, reacting to Dally’s harassment with fiery indignation.
“Thanks. He had me scared to death.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance after Johnny stands up to Dally), Theme: Vulnerability, Honesty, Chapter 2, Page 25
What did Johnny say? Read Johnny Cade’s Quotes.
“You two are too sweet to scare anyone… I’ve heard about Dallas Winston, and he looked as hard as nails… And you two don’t look mean.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance comparing Pony/Johnny to Dally), Theme: Observation, Perception, Character Assessment, Chapter 2, Page 26
“No,” Cherry said slowly… “not innocent. You’ve seen too much to be innocent. Just not… dirty.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance analyzing Ponyboy), Theme: Observation, Perception, Nuance, Chapter 2, Page 26
Cherry shows her insight by recognizing that Ponyboy’s sensitivity doesn’t equate to naivete; his experiences have marked him.
“I could fall in love with Dallas Winston,” she said. “I hope I never see him again, or I will.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance), Theme: Conflicted Attraction, Danger, Self-Awareness, Chapter 3, Page 46
“I couldn’t,” she said in a quiet, desperate voice. “He killed Bob… I couldn’t ever look at the person who killed him.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance on why she can’t visit Johnny), Theme: Loyalty, Grief, Conflict, Chapter 8, Page 128
Ponyboy’s narration reveals Cherry’s impact on his own understanding and perceptions.
Ponyboy’s Observations of Cherry
Through Ponyboy’s eyes, we appreciate Cherry’s integrity, her challenging presence, and her role in broadening his perspective on the Socs and the world.
“Boy, she was good-looking… a cheerleader at our school. I’d always thought she was stuck-up.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy), Theme: Initial Perception, Appearance, Stereotypes, Chapter 2, Page 21
“My name’s Sherri, but I’m called Cherry because of my hair.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance introducing herself), Theme: Identity, Chapter 2, Page 22
“Marcia and Cherry weren’t alike. Cherry had said she wouldn’t drink Dally’s Coke if she was starving, and she meant it. It was the principle of the thing.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator), Theme: Integrity, Character Contrast, Observation, Chapter 2, Page 30
“So Cherry Valance, the cheerleader, Bob’s girl, the Soc, was trying to help us… it was Cherry the dreamer who watched sunsets and couldn’t stand fights.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy Curtis as narrator), Theme: Complexity, Duality, Perception Change, Chapter 6, Page 86
Ponyboy recognizes Cherry’s complex nature, seeing beyond the Soc label to the individual who shares his sensitivity.
Cherry Valance Quotes FAQ
What is Cherry Valance’s most famous quote?
Undoubtedly her most famous and thematic line is: “Things are rough all over.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, Chapter 2, Page 35
What does Cherry say about sunsets?
Recognizing a kindred spirit in Ponyboy, she says:
“I’ll bet you watch sunsets, too.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, Chapter 3, Page 40
This shared appreciation becomes a key symbol of their connection across social lines.
What does Cherry Valance say to Ponyboy?
Cherry has several significant conversations with Ponyboy. Key points include explaining Soc values (“We’re sophisticated… cool to the point of not feeling anything,” p. 38), acknowledging shared humanity (“Things are rough all over,” p. 35), sharing her conflicted feelings about Dally (p. 46), and warning him about social pressures (“if I see you… and don’t say hi… it’s not personal,” p. 45).
Does Cherry love Dally or Ponyboy?
Cherry expresses a dangerous attraction to Dally (“I could fall in love with Dallas Winston… I hope I never see him again,” p. 46), but she forms a deep, platonic bond of understanding and friendship with Ponyboy. There is no textual indication that she loves Ponyboy romantically.
Conclusion: Seeing Beyond the Labels
Cherry Valance serves as a crucial lens in The Outsiders, offering insight, empathy, and a challenge to the divisions that define Ponyboy’s world. Her ability to see the individual beyond the label—whether Greaser or Soc—and her internal conflicts make her one of the novel’s most compelling and modern characters.
These 22 quotes, accurately cited from the Platinum Edition (Viking, 2006), illuminate her vital role in bridging divides and fostering understanding.
Explore more character perspectives and themes in our full Outsiders Study Guide resources.
A Note on Page Numbers & Edition:
We meticulously sourced these quotes from The Outsiders (Viking Press [Penguin Group], 2006 Platinum Edition paperback). Like Cherry seeing the same sunset from a different side, page numbers can differ between editions. Always verify against your copy for accurate citations!
Jeremy Mortis, founder of Ageless Investing, applies a rigorous analytical approach (the AAM framework) to distill timeless wisdom and contextualized quotes from classic literature, saving you time while deepening understanding. Learn more about Jeremy’s unique background and methodology on his author bio page.