What is the conflict of “The Outsiders”?

In "The Outsiders," the central conflict is the tension between the greasers and the Socs. This conflict is rooted in the class divide between the two groups and their different ways of life. The greasers are seen as poor and rough around the edges, while the Socs are wealthy and privileged. The tension between the two groups ultimately leads to violent clashes and gang warfare.

Throughout the novel, we see instances of this conflict. For example, early in the book, Ponyboy and Johnny are attacked by a group of Socs, which leads to Johnny killing one of them in self-defense. This incident sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to the climax of the novel. Another instance is when Dally and Johnny are jumped by a group of Socs, which leads to Johnny's fear and ultimately his decision to turn himself in to the police.

This conflict is further highlighted by the different perspectives of the characters. For example, Ponyboy sees the greasers as his family and friends, while the Socs are seen as enemies. However, as the story progresses, Ponyboy begins to see the similarities between the two groups and questions the validity of the conflict.

Overall, the conflict in "The Outsiders" is a complex issue that is deeply rooted in class and societal differences. It ultimately leads to tragic consequences for many of the characters involved. The novel is a powerful commentary on the effects of social class and the dangers of violence and gang culture. As Ponyboy realizes, "We're all human and we all have the same struggles."