The Curtis Family In The Outsiders By S. E. Hinton

The Outsiders Essay

What would happen if both of your parents died simultaneously? Would one of your siblings take the role of parents, perhaps you will. This is a similar situation the Curtis family had to overcome. Despite the drastic circumstances this event didn’t weaken their relationship, but strengthen it. In the story, the Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, there are countless meaningful and powerful relationships. One impactful relationship is the Curtis family.
To begin with, Darry and Sodapop both sacrificed something for Ponyboy. These two characters are the older brothers. Soda pop dropped out early, and Darry wasn’t able to go to college despite being on a scholarship. Ponyboy is the youngest brother, because of this he is still in

school, has great grades and involved in his school. In the story, “the Outsiders”, on page“, it states, "There was another column about just Darry and Soda and me: how Darry worked on two jobs at once and made good at both of them, and about his outstanding record at school; it mentioned Sodapop dropping out of school so we could stay together, and that I made the honor roll at school all the time and might be a future track star. (Oh, yeah, I forgot--- I'm on the A-squad track team, the youngest one. I'm a good runner.) Then it said we shouldn't be separated after we had worked so hard to stay together”. This is an example of what both of them sacrificed for Ponyboy and how Ponyboy is at school.
Everyone has their own individual role in the Curtis household.

Darry is both of the parents, he takes care of them and always pushes them to do their best. Sodapop is similar to his dad, he is funny and loving. Pony boy is like the child of the household, everyone has more hope for him and always pushes him the hardest. In the story, “the Outsiders”, on page 98, it states, “"What's the sweat about my schoolwork?" I finally shouted. "I'll have to get a job as soon as I get out of school anyway. Look at Soda. He's doing okay, and he dropped out. You can just lay off!”...[Darry said] "You're not going to drop out. Listen, with your brains and grades you could get a scholarship, and we could put you through college“. Darry is telling Ponyboy what to do from experience and acting like a parent figure to him.
They have some sort of a system in their house. Everyone has to do a chore or help out. Darry helped with the income and was a guardian figure in their family. He took life more seriously and took any opportunity he could see. Sodapop also helped with the income, he was always there for Ponyboy whenever he needed it. Sodapop was patient and understanding, but at the same time can make anyone grin. In the story, “the Outsiders”, on page 8 and 9, it states, “I had to grin at him--- Soda can make you grin no matter what. I guess it's

because
he's always grinning so much himself. Earlier in this paragraph I said that there was system their family had. One of them was the morning routine, whoever woke up first made the breakfast and the last two had to clean it up. In the story, “the Outsiders”, on page 104, it states, “The first one up has to fix breakfast and the other two do the dishes. That's the rule around our house, and usually it's Darry who fixes breakfast and me and Soda who are left with the dishes.” This shows one of their daily routines and how life in their household is.
All in all, everyone in the Curtis family impacted, help and understand each other. They have sacrificed and done countless things for each other. They have influenced each other greatly.