Question

What is the theme of “The Outsiders”? Why is that the theme?

Answer 1

Answer:

Loyalty

Explanation:

Ponyboy Curtis doesn't like some of the people in his gang, especially Dallas Winston, but he would still do anything for Dallas and would defend him from danger if possible.

Answer 2

Answer:

One of the most dominant themes in The Outsiders is that of class conflict.

Another is divided communities. The conflict between the Socs and greasers, and the conflict between Ponyboy and Darry within the family.

The last one I can think of is Preserving Childhood Innocence (hence the poem "Nothing Gold Can Stay")