Question

Read this excerpt from The Outsiders. Soda tries to understand, at least, which is more than Darry does. But then, Soda is different from anybody; he understands everything, almost. Like he's never hollering at me all the time the way Darry is, or treating me as if I was six instead of fourteen. I love Soda more than I've ever loved anyone, even Mom and Dad. Which statement best states the theme of this excerpt? A. People are alike inside. B. Hardship builds character. C. Kindness creates loyalty. D. Appearances can be deceptive.

Answer 1

C. Kindness creates loyalty.

Step-by-step explanation:

H. E. Hinton's "The Outsiders" is a young adult novel that revolves around the protagonist Ponyboy Curtis and his life with his two brothers. The story deals or delves into the themes of class in the society and the conflict that arises, their differences and how it affected them as children.

As given in the excerpt, the narrator's admission that he likes Soda more than his parents or his other brother Darry shows that he is loyal to whoever is kind to him. Soda never "holler(s) at [Ponyboy] all the time" or even "treating [him] as if [he] was six instead of fourteen". This behavior towards him becomes the judging factor for who he likes more and who he stays loyal to. Soda definitely seems to be kinder to him than Darry seems to be, so the narrator felt more loyal and near to him.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.