Table of contentsJohnny's troubled home lifeJohnny's loyalty to the gangJohnny's desire to belongConclusionBibliographyJohnny Cade, a key character in SE Hinton's novel The Outsiders, experiences various conflicts throughout throughout the story which shape his character and ultimately lead him to his tragic destiny. These conflicts arise from Johnny's difficult home life, his loyalty to his gang, and his desire to belong. By exploring these conflicts, we gain a deeper understanding of Johnny's character and the themes of identity and belonging in the novel. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Johnny's Troubled Home Life One of the main sources of conflict for Johnny is his troubled home life. Living with abusive parents who neglect him, Johnny seeks comfort and refuge with his gang, the Greasers. The novel depicts Johnny's home life as a constant source of fear and pain, which drives him to seek escape and support from his gang members. For example, in the novel, Johnny's parents are described as "mean as hell" and "always yelling". (Hinton 25). This constant turmoil at home leaves Johnny feeling unloved and unwanted, fueling his desire to find a sense of belonging elsewhere. Johnny's conflict with his parents highlights the impact of a difficult home life on a young person's development and the importance of finding alternative sources of support. Johnny's Loyalty to the Gang Another important conflict that Johnny faces is his loyalty to the Greasers, the gang to which he belongs. Being a member of the Greasers gives Johnny a sense of identity and purpose, but it also exposes him to constant danger and violence. As a loyal gang member, Johnny is expected to defend his brothers in any situation. This is evident when Johnny and Ponyboy, the novel's protagonist, meet Bob and Randy, members of the rival gang, the Socs. In an act of self-defense, Johnny kills Bob, setting off a series of events that further escalate the conflict between the Greasers and the Socs. Johnny's loyalty to the gang puts him in a difficult position, torn between the desire to protect his comrades. The greasers, the guilt and remorse he feels for taking his life. This internal conflict highlights the complexities of loyalty and moral dilemmas that individuals face in high-stakes situations. Johnny's Desire to Belong Johnny's conflict also stems from his deep-rooted desire for a sense of belonging. Throughout the novel, he searches for acceptance and understanding, eventually finding it within the close-knit Greaser community. Johnny's desire to belong is evident when he confides in Ponyboy, saying, "I don't know what it was about Johnny, but he made you believe there was still good in the world” (Hinton 54). This desire for connection and belief in goodness drives Johnny's actions and motivates him to protect Ponyboy during their encounter with Bob and Randy. However, Johnny's search for belonging is not limited to his gang. He also finds comfort and acceptance from the nurse who cares for him after his injury. This further highlights the importance of human connection and the transformative power of finding a place where you feel understood and valued. Conclusion Johnny's conflicts in The Outsiders are central to his character development and the novel's overall themes. The upheavals in his family life, his loyalty to the gang and his desire to belong contribute, 1967.