The Outsiders is a novel about two gangs, the Greasers and the Socs. The book centers around two members of the Greasers: Ponyboy and Johnny. After Johnny accidently stabs and kills Bob, a Soc, the two go into hiding in an abandoned church. Fighting between the gangs worsens, but before Johnny can turn himself in, he is gravely injured while trying to rescue children from a burning church. Johnny dies, leaving Ponyboy traumatized. The novel has been banned in many schools because of its depiction of gang violence.
Trifles is a play by Susan Glaspell about the investigation of a woman accused of murdering her husband. The play has one act and follows the policemen who investigate the crime and disrespect the home of the accused woman, Minnie. Mrs. Peters and Mrs. Hales are torn between their sympathy for Minnie, whose oppression they understand, and divulging what they know to be the motive of the crime. The play is a feminist drama, exposing the constraints and oppression women experience in a patriarchal society.