Bob Sheldon in The Outsiders

Throughout S.E. Hinton's novel The Outsiders, the character of Bob Sheldon plays a significant role in both the plot and the development of other characters. Bob, a member of the Socs, is portrayed as a violent and privileged teenager who constantly antagonizes the Greasers, the novel's main characters. This essay will explore the character of Bob Sheldon, his age, and his impact on the story. By examining his actions, relationships, and the consequences of his choices, it becomes evident that Bob's age, being older than the majority of the characters, contributes to the dynamics and conflicts within the novel.

Bob Sheldon, at the age of eighteen, holds a position of authority within the Socs gang. Being older than most of his peers, Bob is seen as a leader and has a certain dominance over them. This age difference grants him a sense of maturity and control that he often exploits. For example, when Bob encounters Ponyboy Curtis, a Greaser, he uses his age as a way to assert his superiority: "You know what a greaser is? White trash with long hair." (Hinton 7). By emphasizing the age difference, Bob attempts to demean Ponyboy and establish his dominance. This age-based power dynamic is a recurring theme throughout the novel, highlighting the importance of Bob's age in shaping his interactions with others.

Being older and more experienced, Bob has had more time to engage in violent activities and become desensitized to their consequences. He has a reputation for being particularly ruthless, often resorting to physical violence to solve conflicts. His age seems to reinforce this behavior, as he is less likely to consider the long-term consequences of his actions. This is evident when Bob and his gang attack Johnny and Ponyboy, ultimately leading to Johnny killing Bob in self-defense. The narrator describes Bob's violent tendencies: "Bob had been a good fighter... He was always roughing up his girl, and if you looked at them closely, you could see that he was always roughing her up." (Hinton 56). Bob's aggressive nature, influenced by his age, fuels the conflicts between the Socs and the Greasers, ultimately resulting in tragic consequences.

Bob's age plays a crucial role in his relationship with Cherry Valance, a Soc girl who becomes disillusioned with the gang's violence. Cherry, who is also older than Ponyboy and his friends, sees Bob as someone she can no longer relate to. Despite being Bob's girlfriend, she begins to distance herself from him due to his aggressive behavior and lack of empathy. Cherry expresses her concerns about Bob's behavior to Ponyboy: "Bob was getting worse lately... He could have killed you just as easy as those guys." (Hinton 41). Cherry's awareness of Bob's age, combined with his violent tendencies, makes her question their relationship and pushes her towards seeking a different path. This dynamic demonstrates how Bob's age not only affects his own actions but also influences the perceptions and choices of those around him.

In conclusion, Bob Sheldon's age is a significant factor in understanding his character and his impact on the events of The Outsiders. Being older than most of the characters, Bob wields a sense of authority and dominance that he uses to assert his superiority. His age also contributes to his violent behavior and aggressive nature, as he has had more time to engage in such activities without considering their consequences. Furthermore, Bob's age affects his relationships, particularly with Cherry Valance, who becomes disillusioned with his violent tendencies. By examining Bob's age and its implications, we gain a deeper understanding of the conflicts and dynamics within the novel. Moving forward, it is important to continue exploring the role of age in shaping characters and their interactions, as it adds depth and complexity to the narrative.