The Outsiders Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. Discuss the theme of social and/or class division in the novel. Is the rivalry senseless? What motivates the rivalry between groups?

2. What elements in the novel make the story more real? Discuss elements like point of view, characters, and how thematic elements like violence are handled.

3. Discuss the significance of the title of the novel. Who is an "outsider" throughout the story, and what makes that person an "outsider"? What other interpretations of the title are there?

4. Explain the similarities between the greasers and the Socs....
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