IndexIntroductionBob and Ponyboy in The OutsidersChanging Ponyboy and Others in The OutsidersConclusionWorks CitedIntroductionAt first, Bob and Ponyboy appear to be opposites, with major differences in upbringing, socioeconomic status, and temperament. But as the story progresses, Hinton highlights the striking similarities between these antagonists: their often untapped reserves of anger and passion, their distinction among their peers, their vices, and their disappointment in their families. Like Bob and Ponyboy, many other Soc/greaser pairs turn out to be doubles of each other. Looking beyond the superficial differences between Bob and Ponyboy, including how Ponyboy changes in "The Outsiders," Hinton highlights the sense of fragility and confusion that unites all teenagers, whether wealthy or disadvantaged. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Bob and Ponyboy in The Outsiders Bob begins the novel as the emblem of all things "Soc," meaning all things rich, smug, entitled, and different from Ponyboy and his friends. The menacing blue Mustang that appears and reappears throughout the novel highlights the economic difference between Bob and Ponyboy; it's as if Ponyboy can't see past the beautiful car to the scared boy behind the wheel. Cherry comments on the sense of coolness and reserve that Bob and the Socs project. This detachment directly contrasts with Ponyboy's pride, who makes frequent and passionate displays of contempt and admiration for his brothers and friends. Bob's identification as “Soc” connotes the glitz, comfort, and opulence of a social club, while Ponyboy's identification as a “greaser” calls our attention to his dirty, uncut hair. In their bearing and appearance, Ponyboy and Bob couldn't be further from each other. On the other hand, Bob and Ponyboy share a sense of longing and unhappiness that becomes more and more surprising as the story unfolds. Although Bob is supposed to be a pillar of moderation, he attacks Ponyboy when he fears his girlfriend might abandon him. Even though Ponyboy is supposed to be ablaze with simple, dramatic emotions, he often holds back tears in the hospital and at church, exhibiting the same kind of reserve that Cherry describes in Bob. Both Bob and Ponyboy stand out from their friends: Bob because he is a natural leader, in Cherry's estimation, and Ponyboy because he displays academic talent and a literary gift. Both Bob and Ponyboy have silly vices (drinking and smoking, respectively) that prove more dangerous than they first appear. Most surprisingly, Bob is as distressed towards his parents as the orphaned Ponyboy is towards his mother and father. Although Bob can have all the money he wants, he feels that his parents pamper him and wishes they would occasionally show him respect by refusing one of his childish requests. Despite their superficial differences, Bob and Ponyboy share feelings of frustration, anxiety, and heartbreaking hope. Change of Ponyboy and Others in The OutsidersLike Bob and Ponyboy, many other supposed antagonists prove touchingly similar in The Outsiders. Cherry seems much more sophisticated than Sylvia, Edie, and the other oily girls, but like these girls, Cherry confesses to admiration for Dally's manly ferocity. Randy is partly responsible for Johnny's serious injury, but like Johnny, he has a streak of anxiety and naive idealism, which leads him to plan to withdraw from the climactic fight between the Socs and the Greaters. Darry has none of the economic or social advantages that distinguish Randy and Bob, but as Ponyboy points out, Darry has a work ethic and ambition.