Throughout the novel “The Outsiders” author SE Hinton provides many examples of how conflict does not solve problems. His novel is engaging, funny, but also conveys really positive messages. One of them is that conflict does not solve problems. It shows that people do it to appear strong and to scare others, but in the end all it does is cause 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 above all a city of conflict. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original EssayHinton shows that although conflict can temporarily solve problems, in the long run it is only an ongoing effect. This was shown when Johnny and Pony were returning from the drive in and were jumped by the Socs. The Socs saw Johnny and Pony with the Soc girls and decided that jumping them and beating them would solve the problems. The spreaders know they are not walking alone and they know that "it's hard everywhere". The fight started after Pony told the Socs, "The Socs are just rich guys with mustangs and Corvairs." This is an example of how Johnny and Pony fighting back against the Socs didn't help, because they ended up on the run as fugitives, and ultimately resulted in Johnny's death. In the divided city of Tusla, gang clashes are a way of life. It's a way to show how tough you are and what social class you belong to. Most of the fights are just petty bickering between the two gangs, but every now and then things get out of control. When the greasers and Socs decide that the only answer to solving their problems is a grumble, everyone is excited and optimistic. But Pony realizes that they are not that different from the Socs, this is evident when he says: “I thought it was funny that the sunset he saw from his patio and the one I saw from the back steps were the same. Maybe the two different worlds we lived in weren't so different after all. We saw the same sunset." In the end the fight was won by the spreaders, but there were many injuries. Dally rushes back to the hospital to tell Johnny the good news, but Johnny also realizes that "there's no point in all this arguing." Johnny's death soon follows this, and Dally realizes that his whole life of fighting has been a waste of time, and he is soon killed. Finally, in this novel, there is a so-called conflict between man and self. This is the type of conflict that involves a 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 all the other boys in the novel. He wants the fighting to end so that everyone can get along and everyone is equal. He realizes that they are not that different when he says, “They grew up on the outside of society. They weren't looking for a fight. They were trying to belong." However, he gets involved in the accident at the park and has to escape. Ultimately, Pony just wants to get ahead in life and get a good education, but because of the conflict that exists, nothing is easy in life. Please note: this is just an example. Get a card customization now from our expert writers. Get a custom essay The Outsiders is a story of friendship, courage, and, unfortunately, conflict. Hinton clearly shows that although it can solve problems temporarily, conflict does not solve future problems.