"The Outsiders" and how Alienation from one's family and society can result in the downfall of an individual. in 637 Words

Essay by Hava88Junior High, 8th gradeA+, March 2003

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Alienation from one's family and society can result in the downfall of an individual because without the loving support of them, that person may become emotionally unstable. Some people don't realize how important family and friends are. Without them you may not be able to have a good life. When Johnny found out he was an orphan, he lost it. He ran away form home and joined a gang and began to steal. He mugged white people and turned into a juvenile delinquent. This shows how fast even then nicest kids can change by losing their family and by being alienated.

Once Johnny was separated from his family and friends, he became a juvenile delinquent and stole candy. After he lost his parents and brothers and sisters, he ran away, not knowing what to do, he picked a lock off a candy stand, then took the candy and stuffed it into his pockets.

As you can tell, Johnny never stole anything before because he used to be the "smart boy, good-goody" kid. Now Johnny is more of a "Gangster Fighting" kid who is the leader of a gang called The Moochers.

After being alienated from his family, Johnny didn't know what to do. Johnny was just fifteen years old; he was doing well in school, he loved his family and had respect for almost everyone. When Johnny comes home, he finds all of his things packed. Johnny asked his mother "Ma, what's the matter." (Wright) His mother told him the truth "Johnny you are leaving us tonight." (Wright) She told him how he was adopted as a baby and that the "city people" were now taking him to a new home. Johnny went hysterical and didn't know what to do, so he ran away. Johnny ran to Billy, his best friend, and Billy decided he would take him to an orphan gang. When Johnny got there the gang put Johnny to a test. He had to fight the leader of the gang, "Baldy." Johnny beat him very badly and they decided to accept him to the gang. After the test Johnny was an official Moocher (the name of the gang). Johnny had to learn their rules and way of surviving. He and the rest of the Moochers beat people up and took their wallets. That was the way the Moochers survived and this was Johnny's new life style, whether he liked it or not.

Johnny is now the leader of the gang called The Moochers. Johnny didn't want to become leader of the gang, but was forced to because of how badly he beat up Baldy, the ex-leader. " 'Baldy, you can't quit,' Johnny said. 'Well, The Jackal has the lead now.' Skinkie said." After this, Johnny must learn how to get food and money, and in the city, the only way to get that money is from humans. So the boys set out to mug somebody, but as they run away there is the figure of an African American woman who calls out to Johnny in moral outrage for the crime of mugging an innocent person. Real or imaginary, she haunts Johnny. He wishes she would find him and bring him home. But Johnny was where he belonged; after all, this is where run-away orphans can go.

Alienation from one's family and society can result in the downfall of an individual because without the loving support of them, that person may become emotionally unstable. Some people don't realize how important family and friends are. Without them you may not be able to have a good life. As you can tell from what was just explained, Johnny lost his friends, his kindness, and all respect for anybody after he lost his family. So that goes to show how quickly one can change after just losing one's family.