The original CliffsNotes study guides offer expert commentary on major themes, plots, characters, literary devices, and historical background. The latest generation of titles in this series also feature glossaries and visual elements that complement the classic, familiar format. In CliffsNotes on The Outsiders, you’ll dig into a novel of the 1960s that is a story about teenagers written by a teenager. Ponyboy Curtis, a 14-year-old boy, struggles with right and wrong in a society within which he feels he is an outsider. He and his brothers, lower-class "greasers," fight the "Socs," the rich kids, for 14 days. Social issues gaining notice in the '60s—teen pregnancy, underage drinking, and violence—still find relevance among S. E. Hinton's readers today. This concise supplement to The Outsiders helps you understand the overall structure of the novel, actions and motivations of the characters, and the social and cultural perspectives of the author. Features that help you study include Chapter-by-chapter summaries and commentaries Personal background of the author A character map that graphically illustrates the relationships among the characters Critical essays on the movie versus the book and how society has changed since the 1960s A review section that tests your knowledge Classic literature or modern-day treasure—you'll understand it all with expert information and insight from CliffsNotes study guides.