Exploring the Fascinating Hobbies and Interests of Johnny Cade from The Outsiders

Johnny Cade is one of the most captivating characters from S.E. Hinton’s classic novel, The Outsiders. Despite being a member of the Greasers gang, Johnny was unique in his interests and hobbies. In this article, we will be exploring the fascinating hobbies and interests of Johnny Cade, shedding light on his multifaceted personality.

Music:

Johnny had a deep love for music and spent a lot of his time listening to records. In the novel, he is described as being particularly fond of Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, which was rather unusual for a young boy living in a rough neighborhood like his. However, Johnny’s passion for music reflected his longing for a life beyond the violence and gang life.

Drawing:

Another hobby that Johnny enjoyed was drawing. Johnny is said to have spent a considerable amount of time sketching in his notebook. His drawings, which he kept hidden from everyone else, were described as being “real good.” His artistic talent was his way of expressing his emotions, as he struggled with his place in life.

Reading:

Johnny had an insatiable thirst for knowledge and loved reading. The novel shows that he had a particular interest in Gone with the Wind and would read it often. Moreover, Johnny appreciated poetry. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Johnny’s intelligence and knowledge set him apart from his other gang members.

Nature:

Johnny was also interested in nature. In the novel, we learn that he had a fondness for sunsets and would often observe the sky’s colors. Furthermore, Johnny had an interest in animals and would show kindness towards them. His love for nature provided him solace and hope in an otherwise grim world.

In conclusion, Johnny Cade was a multifaceted character with various interests and hobbies. Music, drawing, reading, and nature were just a few of the things that brought him happiness and allowed him to escape the harsh realities of his life. Johnny demonstrated how one’s interests can shape their personality and provide a way to cope with life’s challenges. This complexity made him one of the most memorable characters in The Outsiders, a novel that remains relevant despite being published over 50 years ago.