In the context of S.E. Hinton’s The Outsiders, emotional distance and a lack of involvement in the lives of others, particularly among the characters, becomes a significant theme. This concept involves a disconnection from feelings, relationships, and even the immediate surroundings. For instance, some characters might observe events happening around them without actively participating or displaying an emotional response, demonstrating a separation from the consequences of those events.
The presence of emotional disengagement can serve as a survival mechanism, a consequence of trauma, or a reflection of societal divisions. It allows characters to cope with difficult situations or maintain a sense of control in a turbulent environment. Examining the historical context of the novel, the sense of alienation felt by youth in the 1960s, and the socio-economic disparity depicted, reveal why such a coping strategy would be prevalent. It highlights the effects of poverty, violence, and lack of familial support on individual emotional development.
