In the book The Outsiders by SE, Hinton, there are different social groups of which kids are a part. Each person in the two different social groups has his or her own style that makes them unique from one another. Sherri Valance (known as Cherry by her friends), a member of the highest social group the “socs”, is different from any other “soc” because she likes the ”greasers,” a group of, as called by many people, “hoods.” Cherry breaks the belief that the “greasers” lives are unfair because she may be a “soc,” but she likes to hang out with the greasers, making a statement that “things are rough all over”. Even though the “greasers” see Cherry Valance as a rich snob, inside she is sensitive and caring towards the greasers.
Cherry is as seen by some of the “greasers”, a rich snob. She seemed to always show up to a meeting with the “greasers” in fancy clothes and a tuff Corvette Sting Ray. Cherry was waiting for Two-Bit and Ponyboy after they had come home from the hospital after seeing Johnny and Dally. For example,“Cherry was sitting in her Corvette by the vacant lot when we came by. Her long hair was pinned up, and in daylight, she was even better looking. That Sting Ray was one tuff car. A bright red one”. However, past the snobbish side of Cherry, there is a sensitive side of her. Near the beginning of The Outsiders, Ponyboy and Two-Bit were walking home with Cherry and her friend Marcia when their boyfriends and a few of the other socs decided to pick a fight with the two boys. When Two-Bit instigated a fight between the boys.
Cherry told her feelings. “‘No!’ Cherry cried. ‘Stop it!’.., ‘Cherry shuddered. ‘I can’t stand fights..,l can‘t stand them”. Not only could she not stand fights, but she also was sensitive about sunsets. “‘Hey’ Ponyboy said suddenly, ‘can you see the sunset real good from the West Side?’…‘Real good.‘ ‘You can see it good from the East Side, too,‘ I said quietly. ‘Thanks. Ponyboy.’ You dig okay'”. In contrast with Cherry’s snobbish side and her sensitive side, there is a vast expanse of caring towards the “greasers” especially towards Johnny, one of the “greasers.” Johnny got jumped by one of Cherry’s “soc” friends.
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Another “greaser,” Ponyboy, tells Cherry about the what happens when Johnny was jumped. “‘Johnny….he‘s been hurt bad sometimes, hasn’t he?’ It was more of a statement than a question. ‘Hurt and scared.” She liked hearing about what had happened to Johnny. In The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton even if the “greasers” see Cherry as a rich snob, inside she is sensitive, and caring towards the “greasers.” She is seen as a snob because of her fancy clothes and cool cars. She is sensitive because she can’t stand fights, Finally, she is caring because she likes to hear about Johnny, making her one of the only “secs” that likes the “greasers.”
In conclusion, Cherry Valance defies the stereotype of a typical “soc” in The Outsiders. Despite being perceived as a rich snob due to her affluent lifestyle, her character reveals depth and compassion. Cherry’s sensitivity, as seen through her aversion to violence and appreciation for sunsets, demonstrates her empathetic nature. Additionally, her genuine concern for Johnny reveals her capacity for caring and genuine connections with the “greasers.” Cherry Valance serves as a reminder that individuals cannot be solely defined by their social status, and that understanding and compassion can bridge societal divides.
