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The novel, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, was written during a time of many cultural shifts in America. In fact, the 1960's boasted some of the greatest cultural shifts including rock 'n roll music and the Civil Rights movement. Despite the economic boom of this time period, not everyone's wealth was flourishing, which led to a rise in tension between social classes. The Outsiders delves into the adolescent perspective of the social division and stereotypes of the time period.
The novel, The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton, was written during a time of many cultural shifts in America. In fact, the 1960's boasted some of the greatest cultural shifts including rock 'n roll music and the Civil Rights movement. Despite the economic boom of this time period, not everyone's wealth was flourishing, which led to a rise in tension between social classes. The Outsiders delves into the adolescent perspective of the social division and stereotypes of the time period.
Part One: Teens in the 1960's
Part One: Teens in the 1960's
Though the story takes place in the 1960's, the rules of the 1950's era were the foundation of what was expected of teens during the 1960's. Watch the video "50's Teenage Life," then answer questions from this section in the webquest handout.
Next, watch the the video "1950's School Dress Code" on YouTube. Then answer questions from this section in the webquest handout.
Part Two: Pop Culture in the 1960's
Part Two: Pop Culture in the 1960's
Music and movies were the first outlets to help teens seek refuge and find a voice in their ever-changing world. Contrary to the music their parents heard growing up, rock n' roll music was raw with emotion. It was loud and wild, and evoked that reaction from its fans as they sang along. Parents were disgusted by this movement and disavowed the music, referring to it as the "devil's music" because they thought it encouraged bad behavior.
Movies
Movies
James Dean and Paul Newman were very popular movie stars in the 50's and 60's and they inspired the characters they portrayed inspired the rebellious nature of the teens during that time period. A popular place to be on the weekend was the drive-in theater where teens would gather to hang out with friends, watch movies, and sometimes get into a little trouble. Watch the following movie clips from James Dean's "Rebel Without a Cause" and Paul Newman's "The Long, Hot Summer", then answer questions from this section in the webquest handout.
Music
Music
Rock n' roll was born in the 1950's and the music was and instant hit with teens but highly disliked by adults, especially parents who felt the music was too provocative for young listeners. The rebellious nature of teens during this time only led to the popularity of rock n' roll as it was not only good music, but a way to rebel against to societal norms. Popular artists such as The Beatles, The Beach Boys, and Elvis Presley were very popular at the time. Watch the following music clips, then answer questions from this section in the webquest handout.
Part Four: Author and Setting
Part Four: Author and Setting
A teen herself during the 1960's, S.E. Hinton wrote a timeless story that captures the essence of a teenager and the struggles they face. Although the story is about struggles during a specific time period, the themes in her story are still the same now as they were then.
Follow the link to watch a short "Biography of S.E. Hinton part 1" (only watch part 1). Then answer the questions from this section on the webquest worksheet.
Though it is not stated in the book, we assume the inspiration for the setting of The Outsiders was the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma where S.E. Hinton was born and raised. In the novel, the two rival gangs come from opposite sides of town, the east and west. Hinton tries to create the social class division between these two sides of the city, with one side being the "jet-set" or wealthy side of town and the other run-down and poorer side of town.
The year the story takes place in the 1960's. Again, we are not told this in the story, but the references to pop culture, cars, slang, etc. give clues to the time period. The Ford Mustang (car) came out in 1964. Hinton began writing the story in 1965 while she was in high school, so we can assume this is around the time of the story.
Go back and answer the questions from this section on the webquest worksheet.
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