The thing is, the Tulsa experience that I wrote about in 'The Outsiders' is closer to the universal experience than it would be if I wrote it from L.A. or New York. It's an everyman story.

S. E. Hinton’s quote, "The thing is, the Tulsa experience that I wrote about in 'The Outsiders' is closer to the universal experience than it would be if I wrote it from L.A. or New York. It's an everyman story," reflects her belief that the themes explored in The Outsiders, particularly those of class division, identity, and the struggles of youth, are relatable to a broader audience because they are rooted in the experiences of small-town America. Hinton suggests that by setting the story in Tulsa, Oklahoma, she was able to capture the authenticity of a more universal experience, one that is not limited to the coastal, urban perspectives of places like L.A. or New York.

The universal experience Hinton refers to points to the way the struggles of the characters in The Outsiders, such as poverty, belonging, and personal conflict, transcend geographic or social boundaries. While the story is specifically set in Tulsa, the emotions and challenges faced by the characters resonate with anyone who has ever felt like an outsider or struggled with finding their place in society. Hinton’s choice to write about a more relatable, middle-America setting adds depth to the narrative and makes the story more accessible to a wider audience.

The term everyman story suggests that the themes in The Outsiders are not confined to any particular group or community but instead reflect common human experiences. Hinton's characters, particularly Ponyboy Curtis and the Greasers, embody the struggles of youth, identity, and the tension between different social classes, making them relatable to readers from all walks of life. By setting the story in Tulsa, Hinton made the narrative feel more grounded and representative of the struggles that many people, especially adolescents, face.

The origin of this quote comes from Hinton’s reflections on writing The Outsiders, a book she began writing at the age of 15. Set in her hometown of Tulsa, the novel was inspired by her own experiences and observations of teenage life in the 1960s. By setting the story in a less glamorous, non-coastal setting, Hinton was able to craft a story that felt more authentic and universal, making it one of the most enduring works in young adult literature.