* Empathy and Understanding: Hinton, being a teenager herself at the time, wanted to portray the struggles and perspectives of teenagers from different social groups, particularly those considered "outsiders" in society. She hoped to break down stereotypes and foster empathy for those who were often misunderstood or marginalized.
* Challenging Social Norms: The book explores themes of classism, prejudice, and societal expectations that often led to conflict and misunderstanding between different groups. Hinton intended to challenge these norms and highlight the inequalities that existed within her own society.
* Highlighting the Importance of Relationships and Loyalty: The book emphasizes the bonds of friendship and loyalty that exist within the "greaser" group. Hinton wanted to show that these relationships could be just as strong and meaningful as those found in more privileged groups.
* Providing a Voice to Teenagers: *The Outsiders* was a groundbreaking book for its time because it gave a voice to teenagers and their experiences. Hinton's authentic and relatable portrayal of teenage life resonated with a wide audience and helped to establish young adult fiction as a legitimate genre.
In short, Hinton wanted to create a story that would challenge preconceived notions, promote understanding, and give a voice to those who were often overlooked. Her goal was to make readers think critically about the world around them and the ways in which society labels and treats individuals.