Throughout the novel “The Outsiders,” author SE Hinton gives many examples of how conflict does not solve problems. His novel is a novel of commitment, of entertainment, but it also conveys very good messages. One is that conflict does not solve problems. She shows that people do it to appear tough and to scare others, but ultimately it only causes a chain reaction from others and the conflict continues. In a divided city where rival gangs fight for land, peace and fight against each other, it is truly a city of conflict. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Hinton shows that although conflict may temporarily solve problems, in the long run it is only an ongoing effect. This was shown when Johnny and Pony were returning from the alley and they were attacked by the Socs. The Socs saw Johnny and Pony with the Soc girls and decided that jumping and beating them would solve the problems. Greasers know that you shouldn't walk alone and they know that "it's hard everywhere." The fight started after Pony told the Socs, "The Socs are just rich kids with mustangs and corvairs." » This is an example of how Johnny and Pony's fight against the Socs was to no avail, as they ended up on the run as fugitives and ultimately led to Johnny's death. In the divided city of Tusla, gang fights are a way of life. It's a way to prove how tough you are and what social class you belong to. Most of the fights are just small, ongoing squabbles between the two gangs, but every once in a while it gets out of hand. When the Greasers and Socs decide that the only solution to their problems is a rumble, everyone is excited and optimistic about it. But Pony realizes that they are not so different from the Socs, this is evident when he says: "It seemed funny to me that the sunset she saw from her terrace and the one I seen from the rear steps were the same. Maybe the two worlds we lived in weren't so different. We saw the same sunset. The rumble is eventually won by the greasers, but there are many injured. Dally rushes to the hospital to tell Johnny the good news, but even Johnny realizes that "there's no point in fighting." Johnny's death soon follows, and Dally realizes that his entire life of fighting has been a waste of time, and he is soon killed. Finally, in this novel, there is what we call a man versus self conflict. This is the kind of conflict that involves fear, choice, or decision. Pony tries to hide from this and it's evident when he says, "I lie to myself all the time." But I never believe myself. Pony is different and more insightful than any of the other boys in the novel. He wants the fighting to stop so that everyone can get along and be equal. He realizes that they are not so different when he says: “They grew up outside of society. They weren't looking for a fight. They were looking to belong. However, he is involved in the park incident and has to flee. Ultimately, Pony just wants to get by in life and get a good education, but because of the ongoing conflict, nothing in life is easy. Keep in mind: this is just a sample. Get a paper custom now from our expert editors. Get a Custom Essay The Strangers is a story about friendship, courage, and, unfortunately, conflict...