When these two realities intersect and are given a chance to get to know each other, they may find more in common than they imagined. That's the case for Ponyboy and Cherry, who manage to cross those barriers and realise that sunsets and sunrises are the same on both the east and west sides of the city. Both groups have deep feelings, both want to belong, both have family problems, both feel neglected by society. While the Socs have everything they want, they are neglected by their families and seek refuge in the streets, drugs, and alcohol. Meanwhile, the greasers also struggle with parental abuse (Johnny's case) or the lack of adults to take responsibility for them.

I think that the most relevant thing about this book is that years go by and teenagers still feel identified with the story.

Sunsate: The first reference to the sunset as a symbol of connection can be seen in chapter 3. In this chapter PonyBoy, Johnny and Two Bit accompanied Cherry and Marcia, the Soc girls, to their homes after having met them at the drive-in.

Along the way, Ponyboy and Cherry had a conversation where they talked about many interesting things, and in this way, Pony realized that they can really have things in common and be connected despite belonging to different groups in society. Ponyboy used the sunset as a reference to that connection, as they can both see the same sunsets despite being in different places and situations. “Maybe the two different worlds we lived in weren't so different. We saw the same sunset.”

Sunrise: We can see the first reference to sunrise as a symbol of connection in chapter 5. In this chapter Ponyboy and Johnny fled after the murder of Bob, one of the Socs, and hid in the church of a field called Windrixville in the hope of not being captured.

After a few days, Ponyboy woke up one morning and saw the sunrise next to Johnny. 

They both talked about the sunrise, its beauty, and that its golden hue does not last forever. Ponyboy recited a part of a poem "Nothing can stay gold" giving the impression that he felt that way. They both agreed with that feeling.

At that moment there was a connection between them, as they were able to talk about deep topics like poems and the beauty of sunrises, things that the members of the Greasers do not normally do with each other.

From my point of view, people divide themselves into different social groups due to the need to build a social identity belonging to a group of subjects with whom they can feel identified culturally, ideologically, economically, socially, politically, morally and others. The bond they have is based on what they share in common including experiences, values, and personal stories. For example, the Socs are presented by the protagonist in the novel, differentiating them from his group who are called by the Greasers, grouping them according to their common characteristics. They are rich young people who live on the west side, who jump, annoy and punish the rival group, destroy houses, disturb society and other aspects.

The disadvantages of forming part of a social group is that sometimes one may not agree with some acts or thoughts that the rest of the members have and for fear of losing this feeling of community and union, he or she loses their role as an individual silencing their voice, thoughts and ideas.

                     

 ^Blanco,Laura

I believe that the characters’ personalities match their birth order because Darry is very hard and strict with Ponyboy, he is always protecting him. But, he loves Ponyboy and wants the best for him. On the other hand, we may find Sodapop, who is charming and popular. He is the middle child, he is rebellious but friendly. Finally, there is Ponyboy. He is clever, emotional and immature, he does not use his head. 

I relate to Darry because I am an older sister too. Sometimes I feel the pressure of “being the older one” just like him. It is not easy due to the fact that everything relies on us. We must do, we must say, we must act… But, from time to time, it is great. They learn from us and we learn from them.

Darry assumed the father's role when he took over the responsibility of guardianship, forfeiting college and working to enable the three of them to stay together.

Sodapop, the middle brother, has dropped out of school and is working to help the family. He acts as a middle brother trying to please everyone, which is why people love him. He also serves as Darry's partner in Ponyboy's education and support.

Ponyboy is the youngest brother and acts in a disregarded way.

I relate most with the character of Soda because I am the middle sister in my family of origin. Furthermore, I provide support and help to my children.

Mariana San Miguel

In the case of Dally, the turning point is when Ponyboy realizes that he cares about the gang and he advises Jhonny in order that he would not have to go to jail.  At this moment Darry considers that Dally went to jail when he was a kid and he has to face difficult situations. 

Micaela Atim