Need the right words that capture the heart of The Outsiders?
S.E. Hinton’s groundbreaking novel still resonates with its raw portrayal of loyalty, social division, and the turbulent journey of youth. Finding that perfect quote to illuminate Ponyboy’s world or Johnny’s plea can be tough, though.
This collection simplifies your search, gathering 83 essential quotes directly from the novel. Organized chapter-by-chapter, these lines follow the Greasers’ struggles and triumphs, making it easy to pinpoint key character moments and thematic statements.
*Page numbers reference the specific edition noted at the end.*
Chapter 1: Ponyboy Curtis – Setting the Scene
The story kicks off hard. Chapter 1 drops us into Ponyboy Curtis’s world—the vulnerability of walking alone as a Greaser and the simmering tension between the East Side Greasers and West Side Socs. Meet the brothers, the gang, and the fault lines ready to crack.
“I like to watch movies undisturbed so I can get into them and live them with the actors. When I see a movie with someone it’s kind of uncomfortable, like having someone read your book over your shoulder.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Introversion, Observation), Chapter 1, Pages 1, 2
What makes Ponyboy tick, and how does his perspective shape the story? See Ponyboy Curtis’s key quotes and insights.
“Greasers can’t walk alone too much or they’ll get jumped… We get jumped by the Socs… the abbreviation for the Socials, the jet set, the West-side rich kids. It’s like the term “greaser,” which is used to class all us boys on the East Side.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Social Class, Identity, Conflict), Chapter 1, Page 2
“I’m not saying that either Socs or greasers are better; that’s just the way things are.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Identity, Acceptance, Social Division), Chapter 1, Page 3
“His eyes are dark brown—lively, dancing, recklessly laughing eyes that can be gentle and sympathetic one moment and blazing with anger the next.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator about Sodapop; Theme: Character Description), Chapter 1, Page 8
Is Sodapop just the handsome, happy-go-lucky brother? Dive deeper into Sodapop Curtis’s character quotes.
“He gets drunk on just plain living. And he understands everybody.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator about Sodapop; Theme: Personality, Empathy), Chapter 1, Page 8
“He liked fights, blonds, and for some unfathomable reason, school.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator about Two-Bit; Theme: Character Description), Chapter 1, Page 10
Always ready with a joke, what lies beneath Two-Bit’s humor? Check out Keith ‘Two-Bit’ Mathews’s quotes.
“Tough and tuff are two different words. Tough is the same as tough; tuff means cool, sharp–like a tuff-looking Mustang or a tuff record. In our neighborhood both are compliments.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Identity, Language, Slang), Chapter 1, Page 12
“I had to read Great Expectations for English, and that kid Pip, he reminded me of us—the way he felt marked lousy because he wasn’t a gentleman or anything, and the way that girl kept looking down on him.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Social Class, Empathy, Literature), Chapter 1, Page 15
“We deserve a lot of our trouble.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator about Dally; Theme: Consequence, Character), Chapter 1, Page 16
Hardened by life, Dally is complex. See Dallas Winston’s defining quotes here.
“You are in love with Sandy?” What’s it like?” “Hhhmmm.” He sighed happily. “It’s real nice.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Dialogue: Ponyboy & Sodapop; Theme: Love, Youth), Chapter 1, Page 18
“I lie to myself all the time. But I never believe me.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Self-Deception, Honesty), Chapter 1, Page 18
The initial setup reveals Ponyboy’s sensitive nature and the deep divisions defining their lives, leading to unexpected encounters at the drive-in.
Chapter 2: Cherry Valance – Bridging Soc and Greaser Worlds
The drive-in becomes a surprising crossroads as Ponyboy and Johnny, alongside the volatile Dally, encounter Soc girls Cherry and Marcia. This chapter sparks conversations that pierce stereotypes and hint at shared struggles.
“Greaser…greaser…greaser…” Steve singsonged. “O victim of environment, underprivileged, rotten, no-count hood!”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Steve Randle; Theme: Stereotypes, Identity), Chapter 2, Page 21
What’s Steve Randle’s role in the gang dynamic? Read Steve Randle’s essential quotes.
“You take up for your buddies, no matter what they do. When you’re a gang, you stick up for the members… It’s a pack. A snarling, distrustful, bickering pack like the Socs…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Loyalty, Identity, Group Dynamics), Chapter 2, Page 26
“I don’t care too much for girls yet. Soda says I’ll grow out of it. He did.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Growing Up, Youth), Chapter 2, Page 31
“Things are rough all over.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Cherry Valance; Theme: Social Class, Empathy, Universality), Chapter 2, Page 35
Cherry offers a different perspective from the Soc world. Explore Cherry Valance’s insightful quotes.
“I really couldn’t see what the Socs would have to sweat about… Man, I thought, if I had worries like that I’d consider myself lucky. I know better now.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Social Class, Perspective, Naivety), Chapter 2, Page 36
Despite the divide, common ground emerges, particularly through shared appreciation for simple beauty, yet tensions remain high.
Chapter 3: Shared Sunsets – Finding Common Ground
Connections deepen as Ponyboy finds common ground with Cherry over sunsets. But the fragile truce shatters when Ponyboy clashes with Darry, sending him and Johnny running into the cold night.
“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: Social Class, Authenticity, Pressure), Chapter 3, Page 38
“You’re not so smart at ten.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Growing Up, Perception), Chapter 3, Page 40
“You read a lot, don’t you, Ponyboy?” … “I could just tell. I’ll bet you watch sunsets, too.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Dialogue: Cherry Valance to Ponyboy; Theme: Connection, Observation, Sensitivity), Chapter 3, Page 40
“It seemed funny to me that the sunset she saw from her patio and the one I saw from the back steps was the same one. Maybe the two different worlds we lived in weren’t so different. We saw the same sunset.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Commonality, Perspective, Social Division), Chapter 3, Pages 40, 41
“Looking tough comes in handy.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Appearance, Survival), Chapter 3, Page 45
“I couldn’t ever cut anyone.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy; Theme: Identity, Morality, Sensitivity), Chapter 3, Page 45
“It’s okay,” I said, wishing I was dead and buried somewhere.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator after Darry hits him; Theme: Despair, Family Conflict), Chapter 3, Page 46
“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 about Dally; Theme: Attraction, Danger), Chapter 3, Page 46
“It’s okay. We aren’t in the same class. Just don’t forget that some of us watch the sunset too.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy to Cherry; Theme: Social Class, Commonality), Chapter 3, Page 46
“It was a cold night and all I had was that sweat shirt, but I could watch stars in subzero weather.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Observation, Sensitivity), Chapter 3, Page 47
“I only wanted to lie on my back under a tree and read a book or draw a picture, and not worry about being jumped…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Desire for Peace, Escapism), Chapter 3, Page 48
“Since I was dreaming, I brought Mom and Dad back to life…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Grief, Memory), Chapter 3, Page 48
Family bonds, both present and lost, are central to the gang’s identity. Explore The Outsiders Quotes About Family.
“My mother was golden and beautiful.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Memory, Idealization), Chapter 3, Page 48
“…At least you got Soda. I ain’t got nobody.’ … ‘It ain’t the same as having your own folks care about you,’ Johnny said simply. ‘it just ain’t the same.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Dialogue: Johnny Cade and Ponyboy; Theme: Family, Belonging, Loneliness), Chapter 3, Pages 51, 52
Johnny’s vulnerability defines much of his character. See Johnny Cade’s defining quotes.
Running away after the fight with Darry leads Ponyboy and Johnny directly into a dangerous confrontation with the Socs.
Chapter 4: Desperate Measures and Flight
Fear ignites in Chapter 4. A moonlit park fountain becomes a scene of terror as a Soc attack forces Johnny Cade’s hand, shattering innocence and sending him and Ponyboy into desperate flight toward an uncertain refuge.
“I killed him,” he said slowly. “I killed that boy.” … My stomach gave a violent jump and my blood turned icy.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Dialogue: Johnny Cade; Reaction: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Violence, Shock, Consequence), Chapter 4, Page 56
“It would be a miracle if Dally loved anything. The fight for self-preservation had hardened him beyond caring.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator about Dally; Theme: Hardness, Survival, Love), Chapter 4, Page 59
“…I figured I couldn’t get into any worse trouble than murder. Johnny and I would be hiding for the rest of our lives… So we’d have to be hermits for the rest of our lives…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Consequence, Loyalty, Fear), Chapter 4, Page 65
“I can lie so easily that it spooks me sometimes— Soda says it comes from reading so much. But then, Two-Bit lies all the time too, and he never opens a book.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Deception, Observation), Chapter 4, Page 65
“But that day… Steve dropped a hymn book with a bang… Johnny and I nearly crawled under the pews. And then Two-Bit waved at them. I hadn’t been to church since.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Social Awkwardness, Background), Chapter 4, Page 66
Seeking refuge in an abandoned church, Ponyboy and Johnny reflect on their situation and the poem that comes to define their struggle.
Chapter 5: Nothing Gold Can Stay – Reflections in Hiding
Hiding out in Windrixville’s abandoned church, Ponyboy and Johnny grapple with disguise, boredom, and Robert Frost’s poem “Nothing Gold Can Stay.” Isolation deepens until Dally arrives with news.
“…his teachers thought he was just dumb. But he wasn’t. He was just a little slow to get things…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator about Johnny; Theme: Perception, Intelligence), Chapter 5, Page 75
“I liked my books and clouds and sunsets.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Sensitivity, Nature), Chapter 5, Page 76
“Dally was so real he scared me.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator about Dally; Theme: Fear, Reality), Chapter 5, Page 76
“The dawn was coming then… There was a silent moment when everything held its breath, and then the sun rose. It was beautiful.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Nature, Beauty, Hope), Chapter 5, Page 77
“Nature’s first green is gold, Her hardest hue to hold. Her early leaf’s a flower; But only so an hour. Then leaf subsides to leaf. So Eden sank to grief, So dawn goes down to day. Nothing gold can stay.”
~Robert Frost (Recited by Ponyboy), The Outsiders, Chapter 5, Page 77
This poem becomes a central theme. Unpack the full Meaning of ‘Stay Gold’.
“I never noticed colors and clouds and stuff until you kept reminding me about them. It seems like they were never there before.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Johnny Cade to Ponyboy; Theme: Perspective, Friendship, Appreciation), Chapter 5, Page 78
Their isolation ends dramatically when the church catches fire, forcing a moment of unexpected heroism.
Chapter 6: Unlikely Heroes – The Church Fire Rescue
A decision to surrender turns into a trial by fire. The abandoned church becomes a blazing inferno trapping children, forcing Johnny and Ponyboy into a dangerous rescue with devastating consequences.
“Johnny, you don’t know what a few months in jail can do to you, man. You get mean in jail, I just don’t wanna see that happen to you like it happened to me…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Dallas Winston; Theme: Consequence, Hardness, Protection), Chapter 6, Page 89
“…are you just professional heroes or something?”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Jerry Wood to Ponyboy; Theme: Heroism, Perception), Chapter 6, Page 95
“Suddenly I realized, horrified, that Darry was crying… Darry did care about me… ‘Oh, Pony, I thought we’d lost you . . . like we did Mom and Dad . . .’ … I was finally home. To stay.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Dialogue: Ponyboy (narrator) and Darry; Theme: Family, Reconciliation, Love), Chapter 6, Pages 98-99
Hailed as heroes but facing grim realities, the boys confront the aftermath and the looming rumble, leading to unexpected conversations.
Chapter 7: Randy Adderson – Questioning the Fight
The stark realities of Johnny’s injuries set in. Ponyboy’s crucial conversation with a disillusioned Soc, Randy Adderson, reveals cracks in their facade and casts doubt on the purpose of the upcoming rumble.
“Maybe people are younger when they are asleep.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Innocence, Observation), Chapter 7, Page 104
“What’s the safest thing to be when one is met by a gang of social outcasts in an alley? …No, another social outcast!”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Dialogue: Two-bit and Ponyboy; Theme: Humor, Identity, Survival), Chapter 7, Page 113
“You oughta see Kathy’s brother… He’s so greasy he glides when he walks. He goes to the barber for an oil change, not a haircut.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Two-Bit; Theme: Humor, Stereotypes), Chapter 7, Page 114
“You know the rules. No jazz before a rumble.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Two-Bit; Theme: Rules, Ritual), Chapter 7, Page 115
“Greaser ‘ didn’t have anything to do with it. My buddy over there wouldn’t have done it… It’s the individual.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Randy Adderson to Ponyboy; Theme: Individuality, Stereotypes), Chapter 7, Page 115
“…people get hurt in rumbles, maybe killed. I’m sick of it because it doesn’t do any good. You can’t win… Greasers will still be greasers and Socs will still be Socs…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Randy Adderson; Theme: Futility of Violence, Social Division), Chapter 7, Page 117
“You get a little money and the whole world hates you.” “No,” I said, “you hate the whole world.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Dialogue: Randy Adderson & Ponyboy; Theme: Perspective, Class, Resentment), Chapter 7, Page 117
“Things were rough all over, but it was better that way. That way you could tell the other guy was human too.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Empathy, Commonality, Humanity), Chapter 7, Page 118
Despite Randy’s disillusionment, the rumble remains inevitable as Ponyboy faces Johnny’s worsening condition.
Chapter 8: Hospital Visits – Facing Impending Loss
The hospital’s stark reality reflects Johnny’s grim prognosis. Visits reveal his fear, Dally’s fury, and Cherry’s complex loyalties, forcing Ponyboy to confront impending loss.
“Johnny almost grinned as he nodded. “Tuff enough,” he managed…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Dialogue: Johnny Cade and Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Courage, Slang), Chapter 8, Page 120
“We needed Johnny as much as he needed the gang. And for the same reason.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Belonging, Friendship, Need), Chapter 8, Page 121
“I don’t want to die now. It ain’t long enough. Sixteen years ain’t long enough… It’s not fair.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Johnny Cade; Theme: Mortality, Regret, Fear), Chapter 8, Page 121
“Sixteen years on the streets and you can learn a lot. But all the wrong things…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator about Johnny; Theme: Life Experience, Environment), Chapter 8, Page 122
“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: Commonality, Perspective, Connection), Chapter 8, Pages 129, 130
With tensions high and Johnny fading, the Greasers prepare for the rumble, each member fighting for different reasons.
Chapter 9: The Rumble and Johnny’s Last Words – “Stay Gold”
Pride, vengeance, and desperation boil over as Greasers clash with Socs in the rain-soaked rumble. The hollow victory gives way to heartbreak as Ponyboy and Dally race to Johnny’s bedside for his final, iconic words.
“How come you like fights, Darry?” …He just likes to show off his muscles”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Dialogue: Ponyboy and Sodapop about Darry; Theme: Motivation, Violence), Chapter 9, Page 133
“I am a greaser. I am a JD and a hood… Man do I have fun!”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Sodapop; Theme: Identity, Defiance, Group Pride), Chapter 9, Page 136
“Two-Bit was the only one wearing a jacket; he had a couple of cans of beer stuffed in it. He always gets high before a rumble…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator about Two-Bit; Theme: Character Habit), Chapter 9, Page 137
“There isn’t any real good reason for fighting except self-defense.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Violence, Justification), Chapter 9, Page 137
“That’s why people don’t ever think to blame the Socs… We look hoody and they look decent… people usually go by looks.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Stereotypes, Appearance, Injustice), Chapter 9, Page 141
“They shouldn’t hate each other . . . I don’t hate the Socs any more . . . they shouldn’t hate . . .”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Empathy, Futility, Hate), Chapter 9, Page 143
“You get tough like me and you don’t get hurt. You look out for yourself and nothin’ can touch you…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Dallas Winston to Ponyboy; Theme: Hardness, Survival, Isolation), Chapter 9, Page 147
“Stay gold, Ponyboy. Stay gold . . .” The pillow seemed to sink a little, and Johnny died.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Johnny Cade; Theme: Innocence, Identity, Legacy, Death), Chapter 9, Page 148
Johnny’s death pushes Dally over the edge, leading to another tragic confrontation.
Chapter 10: Grief and Self-Destruction
Grief explodes in Chapter 10. Dally, shattered by Johnny’s death, forces a final, fatal confrontation, leaving a sick and reeling Ponyboy to process the loss of two friends.
“Johnny was the only thing Dally loved. And now Johnny was gone.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator about Dally; Theme: Love, Loss, Grief), Chapter 10, Page 152
“Darry took a step toward me, but I backed away. “Don’t touch me,” I said. My heart was pounding in slow thumps…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy to Darry; Theme: Trauma, Family Conflict), Chapter 10, Page 153
“…yesterday was years ago. A lifetime ago.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Grief, Time), Chapter 10, Page 154
“…I knew he would be dead, because Dally Winston wanted to be dead and he always got what he wanted.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator about Dally; Theme: Despair, Death Wish), Chapter 10, Page 154
“Two of my friends died that night: one a hero, the other a hoodlum.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Labels, Perspective, Loss), Chapter 10, Page 154
“He died violent and young and desperate, just like we all knew he’d die someday.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator about Dally; Theme: Fate, Tragedy), Chapter 10, Page 154
Recovering physically and emotionally, Ponyboy grapples with denial and the upcoming court hearing.
Chapter 11: Trauma, Denial, and the Hearing
Recovery blurs with denial as Ponyboy, suffering from trauma and confusion, struggles to accept Johnny’s role in Bob’s death. Randy visits again, highlighting the cost of the violence before the court hearing.
“I´d rather have anybody´s hate than their pity”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Pride, Vulnerability), Chapter 11, Page 162
The hearing concludes, but Ponyboy’s detachment lingers until a final confrontation and Johnny’s letter bring clarity and purpose.
Chapter 12: Johnny’s Letter – Finding Purpose and Hope
The Curtis brothers confront their own fractures. Johnny’s posthumous letter cuts through the grief, offering perspective on “staying gold” and inspiring Ponyboy to share their story.
“Get smart and nothing can touch you.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator, reflecting Darry’s hope; Theme: Aspiration, Escape), Chapter 12, Page 171
“Ponyboy, listen, don’t get tough. You’re not like the rest of us and don’t try to be…” … “You little sonofagun,” [Two-Bit] said… I didn’t want anyone to get a flat tire.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Dialogue: Two-Bit and Ponyboy; Theme: Identity, Compassion, Individuality), Chapter 12, Page 171
“…you don’t just stop living because you lose someone. I thought you knew that by now. You don’t quit!”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Darry to Ponyboy; Theme: Resilience, Family, Tough Love), Chapter 12, Page 173
Darry’s tough exterior hides deep care for his brothers. Read Darry Curtis’s defining quotes.
“If we don’t have each other, we don’t have anything.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy quoting Sodapop; Theme: Family, Loyalty, Brotherhood), Chapter 12, Page 176
“Race you,” I challenged… No. I guess we all just wanted to stay together.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Brotherhood, Unity, Connection), Chapter 12, Page 177
“You know a guy a longtime… you don’t get used to the idea that he’s dead just overnight.”
~S. E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Grief, Friendship, Time), Chapter 12, Page 178
“I guess he had listened to more beefs and more problems from more people than any of us. A guy that’ll really listen to you… is something rare.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator about Johnny; Theme: Friendship, Empathy), Chapter 12, Page 178
“I’ve been thinking about it, and that poem… he meant you’re gold when you’re a kid, like green… Keep that way, it’s a good way to be.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Johnny Cade’s note to Ponyboy; Theme: Innocence, Identity, Hope), Chapter 12, Page 178
“You still have a lot of time to make yourself be what you want… Tell Dally. I don’t think he knows.”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Johnny Cade’s note to Ponyboy; Theme: Hope, Choice, Potential), Chapter 12, Page 179
“It was too late to tell Dally… Someone should tell their side of the story, and maybe people would understand then and wouldn’t be so quick to judge…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Understanding, Perspective, Storytelling), Chapter 12, Page 179
“I wondered for a long time how to start that theme… And I finally began like this: When I stepped out into the bright sunlight…”
~S.E. Hinton, The Outsiders, (Character: Ponyboy as narrator; Theme: Storytelling, Purpose, Beginning), Chapter 12, Page 180
Conclusion: Staying Gold
From Ponyboy’s first steps out of the movie house to Johnny’s final plea, these 83 essential quotes from The Outsiders map a powerful journey. They capture the sting of prejudice, the warmth of chosen family, the ache of loss, and the enduring hope found in shared sunsets and understanding.
We hope this chapter-by-chapter guide serves as a sharp, reliable resource. The challenge remains: how do we choose to see the world, and can we, like Ponyboy learns, “Stay Gold”?
Which quote from The Outsiders stays with you the most? Share it below!
Important Note on Page Numbers:
Page numbers cited (e.g., Page 1) reference the **Viking Press (Penguin Group), 2006 Platinum Edition paperback**. They WILL vary across different editions. Please verify against your specific edition for academic citations.
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Mortis, J. (2025, April 6). *83 Essential The Outsiders quotes with page numbers by chapter*. Ageless Investing. Retrieved [Date You Accessed], from https://agelessinvesting.com/the-outsiders-quotes/
Jeremy Mortis, founder of Ageless Investing, applies a rigorous analytical approach (the SPARK 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.