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Shaurir Ramanujan
Ms. Henry
ELA/Reading 3/6
8 December 2016
PsychologicalCriticisminTheOutsiders

"We know what we are, but not what we may be" -William Shakespeare. The Outsiders by
S.E. Hinton tells the story of impoverished greasers involved in a murder and the fact that they
must make important decisions affecting their lives. The development of the identity of these
teens can be fully analyzed by modern psychological theories. Erik Erikson's Stages of
Development Theory, for example, points to multiple conflicts and resolves occurring at different
age groups. Hinton incorporates this psychological theory along with others by detailing the
experiences of her many characters. Johnny Cade, a conflicted character, must make lifeaffecting decisions not only for himself, but for his friends. This conflict of identity and role
confusion is a characteristic of the adolescent phase in Eriksons theory. In The Outsiders,
Johnny's behaviors and actions are best described using Erikson's theory; as the story progresses,
Johnny develops maturity and a sense of identity, both resolves of the theory.
In the beginning of the novel, Johnny lacks confidence, maturity, and independence. In the
exposition of the novel Johnny experiences his identity crisis affected by his "jumping" through
Ponyboy's reflection. " I had seen Johnny after four Socs got hold of him, and it wasn't pretty.
Johnny was scared of his own shadow after that" (4). Because of parental abuse, Johnny does not
acquire the ability to cope, this "jumping" incident is extremely devastating to him; as a

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result, he struggles to find his role and identity in the world, a crisis among adolescents in
Erikson's theory. During the rising action of the novel, another cause of the crisis mentioned in
Erikson's theory is revealed. As Johnny and Ponyboy run away, they take a break in which
Johnny contemplates suicide and wishes for time to reflect peacefully. "I can't take it much
more I'll kill myself or something there's gotta be someplace without greasers or Socs'" (47).
Johnny's immaturity reaches a zenith; contemplating suicide after abuse and neglect is one of the
causes of the identity crisis highlighted in Erikson's theory. Johnny must "see the bigger picture,"
and realize every action happens for a reason, both good and bad; only after realizing this truth
can he attain the resolve of Erikson's theory.
Johnny Cade, a dynamic character, develops both psychologically and morally, as reflected
through his contemplations and actions. After running away from murder with Ponyboy, Johnny
takes time to reflect on the events that have occurred and decides to execute a moral decision; by
doing so he progresses in his maturity and sense of identity. "I got a good chance of being let off
easy I ain't got no record with the fuzz and it was self-defense and I don't aim to stay in that
church all my life'" (87). After reflecting deeply on past events and analyzing potential future
consequences, Johnny develops in his character from one who follows the decisions of others to
one who is capable of independently executing proper moral decisions. His development
foreshadows a resolve in developing an identity, the main focus for adolescents in Erikson's
theory. As the story progresses, Johnny willingly sacrifices his health for the well-being of
schoolchildren, and he eventually discovers his true identity. "Listen, I don't mind dying now.
It's worth it. It's worth saving those kids. Those lives are worth more than mine, they

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have more to live for. I know it was worth it'" (178). This piece of evidence is the resolve of
Johnny's identity crisis, according to Erikson's theory of development. Johnny's
demonstration of sacrifice and compassion towards others provides him with a meaningful role
in society with which he identifies. These qualities help Johnny reach the resolve of Erikson's
theory, which includes loyalty, identity, and self-realization.
Johnny's behaviors and actions are typical of those described by Erik Erikson in his Stages of
Development Theory. In the beginning of the novel, Johnny lacks confidence, maturity, and
individuality. As the story progresses, Johnny develops maturity and a sense of identity, and
proves through his reflections and actions that he has become a dynamic character, developing
both psychologically and morally. The story of The Outsiders suggests what Erik Erikson knew
to be true: painful though they be, the stages through which most teenagers must pass are
essential in establishing a sense of self. Self-awareness determines the role each will play and the
peer group with which they will identify.

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Works Cited
Gillespie, Tim. Doing Literary Criticism: Helping Students Engage with Challenging Texts.
Portland, Me.: Stenhouse, 2010. 12 Dec. 2016.
Hinton, S. E. The Outsiders. New York: Viking, 1967. Print.
"Quotes About Identity (1383 Quotes)." (1383 Quotes). Web. 7 Dec. 2016.
http://www.goodreads.com/quotes/tag/identity