Themes
Divided Communities
Ponyboy stands in the middle of two major conflicts: the conflict between the Socs and greasers, and the conflict between Ponyboy and Darry within the Curtis family. In the gang conflict, the novel shows how the two groups focus on their differences - they dress differently, socialize differently, and hang out with different girls - and how this focus on superficial differences leads to hate and violence. 
Empathy
Empathy, the ability to see things through another person's perspective, is central to the resolution of both the gang and the family conflict in The Outsiders. The two gangs' preoccupation with the appearance and class status of their rivals underscores the superficiality of their mutual hostility, which thrives on stereotypes and prejudice. Certain characters can see past the stereotypes, however.
Preserving Childhood Innocence
The Outsiders shows the importance of preserving the hope, open-mindedness, and appreciation of beauty that are characteristic of childhood. Ponyboy's daydreams about the country, his appreciation of sunrises and sunsets, and his rescue of the children from the burning church distinguish him from other characters in the novel.
Self-Sacrifice & Honour
Despite the greasers' reputation as heartless young criminals, they live by a specific and honorable code of friendship, and there are many instances in which gang and family members make selfless choices. These choices often reflect a desire to make life better for the next generation of youths.
Individual Identity
Both the Socs and the greasers sacrifice their individuality to the styles and sentiments of their groups. Greasers, for example, wear their hair long and oiled, and share a common hostility toward the Socs.
Rich vs Poor
The rivalry between the greasers and the Socs, two opposing groups of teenagers, stems from their socioeconomic differences. However, as the story progresses and the characters experience personal growth, they realize that those differences do not automatically make them natural enemies.
Honorable Hoodlums
Greasers abide by their idea of an honor code: they stand up for one another when facing enemies or authority figures. This is evidenced in their protectiveness of Johnny and Ponyboy, the younger and weaker members of the group.
Group vs Individual
At the beginning of the novel, Ponyboy is devoted to the greasers because the gang provides him with a sense of community and belonging. In contrast with the other members, though, he is bookish and dreamy.
Gender Relations
The conflict between the Socs and the Greasers has always been heated, but formulaic. Tensions escalate when Ponyboy, Dally, and Johnny befriend Soc girls Cherry and Marissa, with a “normal” gang conflict snowballing into a deadly brawl, an escape, and two more collateral deaths.
