what does ponyboy want to control

3 min read 02-03-2025

Introduction: In S.E. Hinton's The Outsiders, Ponyboy Curtis grapples with a tumultuous adolescence marked by gang violence, social injustice, and personal loss. But beyond the external conflicts, Ponyboy's internal struggles reveal a deep-seated desire for control – a control he seeks to exert over various aspects of his life. This article will explore the key areas where Ponyboy strives for control, and the consequences of his efforts.

Ponyboy's Yearning for Control: Key Areas

1. Controlling His Identity and Self-Perception:

Ponyboy's identity is constantly challenged. He's caught between the expectations of his gang, the prejudice of "Socs," and his own internal conflicts. He wants to define himself, not be defined by others. He longs to control the narrative of his life. This desire is seen in his writing, a way to process his experiences and create a sense of order amidst the chaos.

He's intelligent and sensitive, yet he's forced to conform to the tough-guy persona of the Greasers. Ponyboy feels frustrated by these limiting perceptions. He fights for the right to be seen as complex, not just a stereotypical "greaser."

2. Controlling His Environment and Circumstances:

The precariousness of Ponyboy's life fuels his desire to exert control over his surroundings. Living in poverty, facing constant threats from rival gangs, and dealing with the instability of his family makes him crave security. This desire manifests in his loyalty to his brothers and the gang – they are his safe space.

The death of Johnny Cade shatters this illusion of control. This event underscores his powerlessness against the violence and prejudice of society. The tragedy profoundly impacts him, highlighting the limitations of his control.

3. Controlling His Emotions and Reactions:

Ponyboy's emotional volatility reflects his struggle to control his inner world. He experiences intense grief, fear, guilt, and confusion. He tries to suppress these intense emotions. He often retreats into himself or acts tough to cope.

His attempts at control, however, frequently backfire. His suppressed emotions resurface, leading to outbursts and impulsive actions. He learns throughout the novel the importance of accepting his feelings and the limitations of his ability to completely control them.

4. Controlling the Outcome of his Relationships:

Ponyboy deeply values his relationships with his brothers, Darry and Sodapop, and his friends in the gang. He desires strong, supportive bonds and strives to maintain them. He struggles to understand and manage the complex dynamics within his family and the gang, leading to conflict and misunderstandings.

He wishes he could easily control the outcomes of these relationships. For example, he wishes he could prevent conflict between Darry and Sodapop or easily maintain peace between the Greasers and Socs. He eventually learns the importance of communication and compromise in forming lasting connections.

The Illusion of Control and the Acceptance of Change

Ultimately, The Outsiders demonstrates that Ponyboy's relentless pursuit of control is an illusion. Life is unpredictable, and many events are beyond his power to influence. Through significant loss and hardship, he slowly learns to accept this reality.

His writing becomes a coping mechanism, a way to process his experiences and accept aspects of his life he cannot directly control. He finds a degree of control in understanding and chronicling the events around him. The novel’s conclusion shows Ponyboy's growth; he's begun to accept his limitations and find a measure of peace within the chaos.

Conclusion: A Gradual Letting Go

Ponyboy's journey throughout The Outsiders is one of learning to navigate the complexities of adolescence. His initial desire to control every aspect of his life gradually gives way to a more realistic understanding of his limitations. He learns that true control comes not from dominating his circumstances but from accepting what he can’t change and focusing on what he can. The process of accepting and adapting becomes a powerful form of control in itself. This hard-earned understanding ultimately shapes his identity and allows him to move towards a more stable and fulfilling future.