What is the major conflict in Chapter 1 of Outsiders?

The major conflict in Chapter 1 of "The Outsiders" is the clash between the Greasers and the Socs, two rival gangs. This conflict is introduced through the immediate encounter between Ponyboy Curtis, a Greaser, and a group of Socs, who attack him and leave him bruised and scared.

Here's a breakdown of the conflict:

* Social Divide: The Greasers and Socs represent two distinct socioeconomic groups, with the Greasers being lower-class and the Socs representing the wealthy upper class.

* Prejudice and Misunderstanding: The Socs are portrayed as privileged and arrogant, while the Greasers are depicted as rebellious and misunderstood.

* Physical Violence: The conflict manifests physically in the form of attacks, fights, and general animosity between the groups.

* Fear and Insecurity: The attack on Ponyboy highlights the constant threat of violence that the Greasers face from the Socs.

This initial conflict sets the stage for the rest of the novel, exploring themes of class conflict, prejudice, and the struggles of adolescence.