The term signifies a firmly held belief or opinion. It can also denote the state of being found guilty of a crime. In S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, the characters’ unwavering beliefs, whether in their own moral code or in the righteousness of their actions, profoundly shape their choices and relationships. For example, Ponyboy’s belief in the inherent goodness of Johnny and his struggle to reconcile that belief with Johnny’s actions illustrates the power of deeply rooted principles.
This strength of belief acts as a driving force, influencing the characters’ motivations and providing a lens through which they interpret the events unfolding around them. Understanding the characters’ firm principles is essential for grasping the nuances of their behavior and the tragedy that ultimately befalls them. It highlights the social and emotional landscape of the novel, reflecting the divisions and loyalties within the greaser and Soc communities. Historically, these unwavering principles reflect the turbulent social environment of the 1960s, when the novel is set.
