Seedfolks, Paul Fleishman novel study: key character quotes (themes of diversity, inclusion, community)

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Seedfolks, Paul Fleishman novel study: Maricela & Amir reflections

Seedfolks Monologue 11: Maricela Recap: Maricela has a narrow-minded view of being pregnant; she is also dealing with negative stereotypes about being a pregnant Latina teenager. Leona helped her change her perspective. Caring for and nurturing growing plants (in the community garden) is being equated with caring for and nurturing a pregnancy - there is beauty in both. Seedfolks Monologue 12: Amir Recap: Like Sam, Amir wants to connect authentically with others. He hopes people will come together instead of remaining isolated in their misguided beliefs. He wants to separate misconceptions and prejudices about people from different cultures from their actual character; their culture or what others may think/say about them, does not define who they really are.

Seedfolks, Paul Fleishman novel study: Curtis & Nora reflections

Key notes to understanding Curtis’ monologue: Before his break-up, Curtis was self-absorbed with his body image, conceited, the center-of-attention, cocky, arrogant, he took things and people for granted, living in the moment. After his break-up Curtis becomes selfless, goal-oriented, and resourceful, shifting all his effort and attention to winning back the heart of ex-girlfriend, who is looking to the future with hopes of establishing a family. Themes: sometimes we don’t realize all the good we have in our lives until we permanently lose it, then you look at things differently, and appreciate, respect, and care more; we need to be resourceful and show out-of-the-box thinking (besides working hard) to reach a desired goal; life is about being selfless not always selfish. Curtis strikes a deal with Royce; in exchange for protecting his tomato plants during the night, Curtis provides him with a sleeping bag, private corner in garden, and food; this shows his resourcefulness, a step toward achieving his goal of reconciling with Lateesha. Key notes to understanding Nora’s monologue: Nora is Mr Myles personal nurse, as he suffered a stroke and is in a wheelchair. She is helpful, caring, and selfless by helping him to get actively involved in the Gibb Street Garden. Nora helps him to remember and reconnect with his mother's garden from many years past. Nora is an insightful person because she compares the garden to: a "miniature city", a "soap opera", a "cure for the mad" (emotional & mental therapy), and Pioneers/Pilgrims colonizing land. Nora encourages Mr Myles & us to live life to the fullest; we can't vegetate or remain stagnant; we must have a life purpose, goals, and grow to our full potential. She says "his eyes gained back some of their life" when he smelled and touched the garden.

Seedfolks, Paul Fleishman novel study: Sae Young reflections

Key notes for Sae Young: Sae Young is a Korean immigrant and dry clean owner. Listening to her, we can see that she is a gentle soul and kind lady. She wants to be maternal (to love and care for a child) but was unsuccessful with pregnancy. She has experienced 2 negative events: the sudden death of her young husband (leaving her lonely) and a robbery/assault at her business (leaving her emotionally scarred). As a result, she was traumatized and lived in seclusion, anxious and fearful; it took her a long time to leave her apartment and face the world again. The garden helped her build her self-confidence and trust others again; by offering water funnels to the gardeners and seeing others use them, Sae Young began to feel happy and connected once again to her community. Lesson: we need to live in relationship with others to feel a sense of belonging and to feel valued; these relationships need to be positive and encouraging to feed our soul. As social beings, we all need to live in positive relationship with others; everyone needs emotional and spiritual connections to feel accepted, included, welcomed, valued; the garden enabled her to come out of seclusion, begin to get over her traumatic experience, learn to trust others again, feel validated (use of her funnel). The garden offers a traumatized Sae Young therapy, comfort, a sense of belonging, a connection to others - something that was missing because of lack of trust.

Seedfolks, Paul Fleishman novel study: Sam reflections

Notes to understanding character 6 Sam: Sam is a pacifist, someone who promotes peace. He doesn’t believe in racial segregation. He believes that people should get along regardless of their race, religion, economic background. People should live peacefully together. Fishermen’s net metaphor: Sam says that he is like a fisherman who tries to mend his net, but he does this with people. Like Jesus, he wants people to get along, live together peacefully, and not be separated by racism, hatred of each other. Sam smiles at everyone. Smiling is a way of making people feel welcome and appreciated. This shows you that Sam is a nice character who believes that all people should feel welcomed and appreciated. He thinks that the garden is a paradise. He compares the garden to the Garden of Eden in the bible. Sam is against people putting barbed wire around their gardens. This shows that he is a peacemaker and doesn’t want people to feel separated. The garden was supposed to celebrate diversity and have all sorts of people be together in one space, but what happened in the city (the separation) ended up happening in the garden. Sam doesn’t want the garden to be a reflection of the neighbourhood. Like Jesus’ disciples, we are all called to “sew up rips” in the world. If we lived more in harmony with others, even smiled more often, there could be more peace in the world.

Seedfolks, Paul Fleishman novel study: Gonzalo & Leona reflections

Gonzalo speaks English, whereas his relative Tio Juan, does not. They are both from Guatemala, same culture. Gonzalo is a young student; relative is an expert farmer. Gonzalo is involved in the community/has adapted; Tio Juan is like a fish out of water/culture shock. As an immigrant, you must adapt to a new way of life, environment and start from square one; you have to learn new customs, language, culture. Tio Juan is not able to (function) communicate in English with others and find work; he felt confused; instead he’s an expert gardener/farmer, just like Wendell. Theme: In life we all have to have a purpose, a calling, a vocation, a passion, a reason to wake up in the morning that keeps us going forward; In order to grow, you must also be open to change. Before the garden, Gonzalo’s Uncle felt lost, without a purpose, toddler-like, disconnected; after the garden, he now rediscovered his passion, rekindled his purpose in life, and will most likely teach and inspire others to garden. Gonzalo is proud of his Uncle and of the fact that he can now use his talents to help others, instead of wandering about at home aimlessly. It’s ironic that Leona’s grandmother outsmarted and outlived her doctors that are supposed to know better; it’s ironic that her natural herbal remedy was more effective than their traditional medications. It’s ironic that to get the garbage problem cleaned up, Leona had to show up with actual garbage in hand for the city to understand the problem. Leona wants the lot to be respected by everyone; she doesn’t want it to continue being a dumping ground; she wants people to take pride and ownership of the lot. It’s ironic that the lot is referred to as being “vacant” because it’s not really empty at all, it’s full of trash. Conflict: lot contamination and city workers not ignoring Leona Climax (high point in conflict): Leona showing up with garbage in hand Resolution: getting a meeting with someone from the Public Health Dept. Theme: in order to reach a goal, you have to find the right path, work hard, and never give up. Before the garden, Leona is ashamed and disappointed in her fellow residents that are disrespecting communal property. After the garden, Leona is hopeful and optimistic that her hard work will pay off in freeing the lot from the garbage problem. Leona is confident, relentless, determined, respectful, resourceful, problem-solver.

Seedfolks, Paul Fleishman novel study: Wendell reflections

Originally a farmer from Kentucky, Wendell is a school caretaker, living on the ground floor of the building overlooking the vacant lot. Ana depends on Wendell to help her out since she’s a senior that’s not too mobile; unfortunately, they also connect over ethnicity. Having been a farmer, Wendell knows the right time for planting certain vegetables. Indirectly, Kim has helped Wendell reconnect with his farming skills. Wendell now realizes that it’s useless to dwell on things that have gone wrong in his life and that can’t be changed. He decides to focus on more positive things such as helping others. Wendell visits the lot to “change it big” by offering his help and expertise, putting his efforts and energy in the garden. At first, Wendell seems irritable, anxious, pessimistic (worried about phone ringing with more bad news) but then becomes positive, helpful, caring, optimistic, religious. God is working through Kim: the garden will offer Wendell peace and serenity; it will soothe his anxieties and help him move on, not dwelling on his family tragedies. (Bible quote Wendell references: The wolf shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together; and a little child shall lead them.) All of God’s creation is living in harmony and peace. Wendell is making a connection to this Scripture passage.

Seedfolks, Paul Fleishman novel study: Kim reflections

What does Kim hope to show her father? By deciding to plant lima beans in the neighborhood’s vacant lot, I think Kim hopes to establish some kind of connection with her late father. She never experienced the same love and affection that the rest of her family received. She wants her father to know that she exists and she wants him to be proud of her. She hopes that her father will notice her from wherever he may be and know that she is truly his daughter because she is gardening just as he did in his home country. Kim is doing this to honor her late father. What do her actions say about her as a person? Her resolution to make these beans grow in the vacant lot shows that she is a very determined individual. She wants to ensure that these beans “thrive” and honor her father. This shows that is a very hopeful, compassionate, respectful and thoughtful individual because she hopes to create a bond with her father from earth to heaven. She probably wonders what it would’ve been like for him to refer to her as “daddy’s little girl”. What effect could Kim’s actions have on her neighbourhood? Her planting this new garden could inspire other people in the community who may have lost a loved one to plant alongside her; it could prompt others to clean up the neighborhood and take better care of it; others may not care and could vandalize her work and ensure her garden does not thrive. Some individuals may still want the lot to continue to be a dumping ground and not respect what Kim is doing. I think someone may extend a helping hand and be a “father figure” for her. What’s ironic about where Kim decided to plant her lima beans? It is ironic that something beautiful and vivacious like a garden which needs constant care, attention and love is being created in a vacant lot/dumping ground where the environment is clearly not suitable for this and no one seems to respect the land. What lesson can we learn from Kim? From Kim, we can learn that one person can indeed make a difference in a community by being determined, putting your heart into it, and starting out with a small, attainable goal - all to make a change for the better.

Seedfolks, Paul Fleishman novel study: Ana reflections

reflections of Ana's monologue chp.2 : We think Ana thinks negatively of others, is constantly suspicious of others; she is the typical "nosy neighbor" spying on, wondering about other people's business, watching; enjoys gossip and gossiping about others; slightly creepy nature; territorial of her space/neighborhood; maybe Ana should involve herself in the community directly instead of watching from afar. We think that she judges others harshly; we don't approve of her discrimination; she needs to readjust her attitude towards others - it's rude and disrespectful because we should embrace diversity; stop being the nosy and creepy neighbor. I think Ana should "move on" with her life and not get caught up in the drama of the neighborhood because it seems she has nothing else to do but spy; she could have been hoping that the community would return to its original days with other Romanians; she made a good choice to stay on and see how the community evolves over time; her choice to stay may turn out to have a positive effect/influence on her; she can't "let go" and wants to maintain a close connection; it's surprising because she seems to be critical of everything and everyone, so why not leave and move on? but Ana LOVES the drama of the community she may learn that people are good, that you shouldn't prejudge others on their ethnic background; she may learn to trust in others; she may not change her attitude/perspective of others; others may change the way Ana thinks of the world; she may "repent"

Writing: Paragraph Structure

The Outsiders, S.E. Hinton - Key Notes & Plot Elements

Chapter 1 mid-1960s Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA More rural (country) lifestyle than urban (city) The author, S.E. Hinton, tells the story through the eyes of Ponyboy Curtis (the protagonist) from the first person point of view - “I” Protagonists (main characters): The Greasers gang living on the poorer East-side of town; Ponyboy Curtis supported by Sodapop, Darry, Dally, Johnny, Two-Bit Matthews, Steve Randall, Tim Shepard’s Gang Antagonists (opposing characters): The Socials gang living on the richer West-side of town, Sherri/Cherry Valance, Marcia, Bob, Randy The Socials jumping Ponyboy (Greaser) upon leaving the movie theatre - instant conflict between the gangs (inciting conflict of story) Society misconception problem: Greasers are bad, Socials are good You begin to feel Ponyboy's animosity, resentment towards the imbalance in their town; Socials are easily forgiven (see quote below) whereas Greasers are always blamed. Ponyboy feels "marked" but has come to accept this reality because he feels it will never change. Just like Seedfolks dealt with misconceptions/prejudices, so too here, but in this case, it's not based on ethnicity but on living in either the poor or rich side of town. Pg.3 misconception quote: “the Socs...get editorials in the paper for being a public disgrace one day and an asset to society the next.” - Ponyboy is pointing out that this is the injustice they deal with Pg.3 Darry character (take on father figure, family responsibilities, has become overly protective & strict since parents passed): “Darry thinks his life is enough without inspecting other people’s”. Pg.8 Darry character “eyes that can be gentle and sympathetic one moment and blazing with anger the next” (eyes are window to a person’s soul) Pg.18 Darry character - according to Ponyboy “Darry doesn’t love anyone or anything...I didn’t hardly think of him as being human” He’s cold, unaffectionate Pg.10 Two-Bit Matthews character (the clown/joker of the Greasers) “You couldn’t shut up that guy; he always had to get his two-bits worth in.” “Everything he said was so irresistibly funny that he just had to let the police in on it” (ironic!) Pg.10 Dallas (Dally) Winston character supporting quote: “eyes...cold with a hatred of the whole world” - reckless, defiant, rebels against rules and regulations, doesn’t like to be boxed-in; he’s the ultimate “bad boy” that even Cherry Valance (a Socialite) would easily fall in love with. Pg.11 Johnny Cade character supporting quote: “If you can picture a little dark puppy that has been kicked too many times and is lost in a crowd of strangers, you’ll have Johnny.” - anxious, vulnerable, nervous, neglected, needs love and support - he’s the gang’s “pet” but very “high strung” - often threatened and abused and, as a result, has become very frustrated; in fact he says “there’s gotta be someplace without Greasers or Socs, with just plain people”. Pg.12 “Tough is the same as rough; tuff means cool, sharp...both are compliments.” (gives reader idea of the era - tuff is associated with lit, swag, fly Pg.13 Sodapop character - Ponyboy says “Soda always takes up for me” - good natured, caring, protective, loyal otherwise is simply known being “movie star handsome” and a school “drop-out” (unintelligent) Pg.15 Ponyboy having a little “identity crisis” - see paragraph about him reading “Great Expectations” & Biology class: you wouldn’t think a switch-blade carrying hood would be in advanced high school class (this is ironic) - friendly, nice, thoughtful, smart, isn’t really a “hood” Chapter 2 While chapter 1 was laying out the cast of characters and Greasers vs Socials, chapter 2 is a casual coming together of these rivals in a state of concern and curiosity. Ponyboy and Cherry as neutral representatives of each world. Cherry Valance pointing out to Ponyboy Curtis that he has essentially lost his childhood innocence because he's been exposed to too many negative things: violence, crime, arrests, family neglect and has had to grow up pretty fast. Cherry Valance also points out that while she may live in the wealthy side of town, materialism doesn't necessarily protect them from all problems (the misconception is that rich people have it made). Ponyboy trying to point out to Cherry that the Greasers are a loyal family and have each others backs no matter what. He is tired of being "marked" as a hood. Pg.26 key quote Greasers vs Socials conflict explanation Ponyboy says: “we’re young and innocent”. Cherry replies: “...not innocent. You’ve seen too much to be innocent.” Johnny says: “You take up for your buddies, no matter what they do….if you don’t….it’s a pack...distrustful, bickering like the Socs” Greasers: loyal, family, caring, trust, “sticking together” Socials: complete opposite End of chapter 2 (pg36), we realize that Ponyboy is a thoughtful, insightful, introspective, intelligent character - he comes to realize that whether you’re on the rich or poor side of town, EVERYONE has problems to deal with - materialism/wealth doesn’t necessarily make you better off. Events of this chapter that contribute to the story's "rising action" are as follows: Greasers (Ponyboy, Johnny, Dally, Two-Bit) indirectly “pick up” Socials girlfriends (Cherry & Marcia) at drive-in; this comes to the attention of Socials, adds more fuel to the fire, and now bent on revenge Greaser Ponyboy & Social Cherry have become “confidants” sharing what it’s like to live on either side of town and to be part of a gang. Pg.38 Socials being defined by money, indifference, no life purpose, no structure, never satisfied, “always behind a wall of aloofness” (aloof means cool, distant, not friendly or forthcoming, hiding). Whereas, the Greasers are defined as more emotional, authentic, true to self, not pretending to be someone else. Pg.40-41 Both Ponyboy and Cherry come to realize that while they are separated by different gangs and social classes, they “share the same sunset” - making them both not so different. Chapters 3-4: Pg.43 “It ain’t fair! ...Things were rough all over the East side” really describes what each Greaser is struggling and dealing with on the East side (re-read) Ponyboy returns home very late after falling asleep at the lot; extremely worried about his brother’s whereabouts, Darry (like a very strict father) becomes extremely angered upon seeing Ponyboy and slaps him causing Ponyboy to run away from home with Johnny who remained at lot since he’s not wanted home. Darry expects more from Ponyboy (maybe he sees potential in him, a better future for him?) After running away from home, Ponyboy and Johnny are both attacked by the Socials seeking revenge for “picking-up” their girlfriends; on the verge of being drowned in the fountain, Johnny stabs & kills Bob (the Soc) in self-defence. Under the guidance of Dallas (Dally) Winston, Ponyboy & Johnny slip away to an abandoned church in the country and hide out to avoid murder charges. Eventually they get word from home in a letter (from Sodapop) that their family is worried. Ponyboy notes that things have happened way too fast; their lives have drastically changed overnight and he’s unable to process this. In their adolescent quest to search for and establish an identity, both Ponyboy & Johnny have gotten themselves into a criminal situation simply because they’re labelled by their town as “Greasers” (hoods). Pg.59 clearly shows Dallas’ character (from the point of view of Ponyboy) who points out he demonstrates a “savage defiance of the world...the fight for self-preservation had hardened him beyond caring.” This quote shows that Dallas is stubborn, hates authority and takes great pride in breaking rules, and being a rebel, angry with the world around him. It’s ironic that Johnny (anxious, neglected, insecure) idolizes “hero-worships” Dallas because he’s cool and “gallant” (noble, brave, knight-like) pg.76 Just as Johnny idolizes Dallas, so too is Cherry Valance charmed by him when she randomly tells (a very surprised) Ponyboy "I could fall in love with Dallas Winston...I hope I never see him again or I will". Both have an odd fascination with this rebel, bad-boy. Chapters 5-6: S.E. Hinton’s use of the word “gold” throughout the novel - it comes to symbolize goodness, purity, and innocence. Ponyboy says “my mother was golden”, “a ray of gold touched the hills”, and “nothing gold can stay” in the Robert Frost poem shared with Johnny. The author is telling us that in life, things are short-lived and must be appreciated while you have them. Your youth, your innocence, your close friendships, your good-heartedness, your sense of wonder, your creativity, your family - ALL need to be valued before they’re gone. ALL these things are considered to be GOLD (or treasured). A key theme. In chapter 6, we have Dally meeting up with Ponyboy & Johnny in the abandoned church hideout. They learn that Cherry Valance will take their side should they need to plead self-defence in Bob’s murder; she will also provide them with information about the upcoming rumble. Ponyboy notes “it was hard to believe a Soc would help us, even a Soc that dug sunsets” pg.86 - this quote speaks to the “stereotyping” theme of The Outsiders (generalized belief or assumption about a group of people). Cherry is not just a Soc; there is more to her than that. Church catches fire while they step out for food and are unaware a school group is picnicking there; in an earlier chapter, Ponyboy wonders what it would be like "inside a burning ember"; they decide to save the children that ran inside to play; Ponyboy passes out from his back nearly having caught fire; Johnny is also injured from falling timbers - all 3 end up in the hospital surrounded by the Greasers; Darry and Ponyboy make up and we learn that Darry is very hard on Ponyboy simply because he wants the best for him and cares too much and is just overly protective. “Next time I want a broad I’ll pick up my own kind” pg.85 - this speaks to the theme of “conformity” - teenagers feeling pressured to change their behaviour and mindset only to “fit in” with a group. Key theme. I think Robert Frost’s poem Nothing Gold Can Stay compares nature to life. Everything in nature is ephemeral, that is, short-lived and fleeting. At first it’s new, fresh, green, ready to grow and ripen. With the passing of time it will wither, age, and die. So too, is the “golden” youth and innocence of these boys – it will pass. I feel the poem is encouraging them to appreciate this special time of their lives and plan for a promising, positive future. Instead, they face social division, stereotyping, and labelling as Greaser or Social. They are consumed with protecting themselves with violent turf wars which have resulted in senseless murder. I don’t think this is what the typical adolescent should be dealing with. They should be focused on learning and developing into a responsible, mature adult that makes a valuable contribution to society. Ponyboy gives me the impression that he has much potential because he is sensitive, thoughtful, and overall “good” – not the typical gang member. He has the potential of becoming “golden” like his mom. I think Johnny, Dallas, and the Socials have reached a point of no return and have destroyed their youth and innocence. Chapters 7-8: In chapters 7 and 8, Ponyboy connects with Randy and Cherry to attempt to bridge some gaps between their rival worlds; here we see a good-hearted Ponyboy. Randy is stricken by grief and anger over Bob's death. He has no interest in the rumble. He's had some kind of awakening. Socialites were often referred to as being impersonal, indifferent, emotionless, and arrogant - now, Ponyboy is seeing a different side to him as Randy comes to realize that this rivalry serves no purpose. Peoples' perception of the Greasers and Socials will remain the same. In the end, both Randy and Ponyboy come to see and appreciate one another as just teenagers, unique individuals both dealing with a tough reality. Cherry shows that she is a just a follower and impressionable and easily charmed. Although she sees goodness, kindness, and sensitivity in Ponyboy, she remains in her own world, appreciating the sunset there, while Ponyboy takes it in from his side. She will not go visit Johnny in the hospital. She's pleading with Ponyboy trying to help him and show him that she's unlike the others. Sometimes Cherry seems to blur the lines as to which side she's really on. Either way, Ponyboy does his best to end both conversations with Randy and Cherry on a positive, friendly note. He is probably the only one of his gang that could do this, which speaks to the type of person he is. These two chapters should help you better complete your character analysis table for these characters. Ponyboy is thoughtful; he doesn’t look at everyone as either a Greaser or Social - instead, he looks at everyone as a unique “individual”. Look at his conversation with Randy (who sees no point to a rumble): "Greaser" didn't have anything to do with it. My buddy over there wouldn't have done it. Maybe you would have done the same thing, maybe a friend of yours wouldn't have. It's the individual. Ponyboy is idealistic - someone who has values, principles, and a purpose; wants a more “ideal” world to live in not based on i.e. materialism, superficiality, stereotyping “We’ll forget it if you win, or if you don’t. Greasers will still be greasers and Socs will be be Socs” - Randy has also come to the conclusion that their town has failed to stop the ongoing stereotyping and as a result, fighting serves no purpose; Randy, however, isn’t as insightful as Ponyboy that sees everyone as an “individual” free to make his/her own choices More stereotyping: “...and from what I’ve heard, a lot of Socs are just cold-blooded mean-but people usually go by looks.” Shows you how people prejudge. Ponyboy’s conversation also with Cherry about sharing the same sunset, shows common ground between Greasers & Socials - both Ponyboy & Cherry hope for a better future for all everyone from either side. Ponyboy “conforms” and is “loyal” to his fellow Greasers - he doesn’t really believe in fighting (but participates in the rumble even though he doesn’t feel well) but it shows us how an individual gives themselves up to fulfill the goals of the group. Final Chapters: The Greasers really aren’t true delinquents like Tim Sheperd’s crew; they’re just loyal to one another (family). Ponyboy knows he has a brighter future ahead of him because of Darry’s overprotectiveness. Ponyboy doesn’t have the courage to tell Tim Sheperd that’s he’s actually not proud about Bob’s murder. Dally mistakenly thinks that their gang’s rumble victory will please Johnny (“useless, fighting’s no good”) - all Dallas has in his life is gang allegiance, conflict, and violence; becoming “hard” like him would protect Ponyboy and his conscience - but would also kill all his innocence, thoughtfulness, and goodheartedness. Johnny dies and Dallas is grief-stricken and becomes self-destructive. Climax (peak of story) Greasers beat Socs in rumble followed by Johnny’s death Falling Action & Conflict Resolution: Distraught and angered over Johnny’s death, Dallas holds up a convenience store with a fake gun and ends up getting himself killed by the police - his final rebellion against the world, that he feels, has let him down Ponyboy is in denial over Bob’s death - he believes he’s responsible. Randy (not the typical Soc) comes to see him, showing compassion and empathy, concerned Ponyboy could be split from brothers. Randy & Cherry testify in court that Johnny killed Bob in self-defence; the judge acquits Ponyboy and sends him home with his brothers. Ponyboy remains depressed, refuses to accept reality, continues to fight with overprotective, strict Darry. Sodapop has had enough and finally demands peace and unity in their family. Ponyboy and Darry decide to move forward trying to understand each other better. Ponyboy’s English teacher will pass him with an essay based on his own personal experiences - he thinks about everything that has just happened to him over these past weeks Some other Socials confront Ponyboy and accuse him of killing Bob; Ponyboy, feeling “hardened”, indifferent and cold breaks soda bottle and threatens them to back off. He shows his gentle and sensitive nature when he (ironically) picks up broken glass off ground. Ponyboy finds Johnny’s letter encouraging him to “stay gold” because he still has a lot to live for. Ponyboy decides to write about his Greaser experience so others aren’t quick to judge them (where they live or who they hang out with), but instead, see them as “individuals” (capable of doing good) not “outsiders”. In short, we have seen that S.E Hinton has focused her story on the following themes: -”staying gold” appreciating what you have: youth, innocence -avoiding stereotyping, prejudices, misconceptions, assumptions -conformity; fulfilling the goals of a group vs being an individual -loyalty & love