S.E. Hinton is a renowned American author who is best known for her young adult novel, "The Outsiders." Published in 1967, "The Outsiders" has become a classic of young adult literature and has been widely taught in schools across the country.
"That Was Then, This Is Now" is another novel by S.E. Hinton that was published in 1971. Like "The Outsiders," "That Was Then, This Is Now" deals with themes of youth, identity, and the struggles of growing up. However, while "The Outsiders" focused on the theme of class conflict, "That Was Then, This Is Now" explores the theme of friendship and loyalty.
The novel follows the story of two teenage boys, Bryon and Mark, who are inseparable friends. They have grown up together in a rough inner-city neighborhood and have always looked out for each other. However, as they get older and start to mature, they begin to realize that the world is not as simple as they thought.
One of the major themes of "That Was Then, This Is Now" is the idea that people change as they grow older. Bryon and Mark are forced to confront this idea when they realize that their friendship is no longer as strong as it used to be. They start to grow apart and become involved in different activities and interests. This causes tension between the two friends, and they begin to question whether their friendship is still as important as it once was.
Another theme of "That Was Then, This Is Now" is the concept of loyalty. Bryon and Mark have always been loyal to each other, but as they grow older, they are faced with difficult choices that test their loyalty. For example, when Mark gets involved with a group of older boys who are involved in criminal activities, Bryon is torn between his loyalty to his friend and his own sense of right and wrong.
Overall, "That Was Then, This Is Now" is a poignant and thought-provoking novel that deals with important themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the challenges of growing up. It is a powerful reminder that people change and that relationships are not always easy, but that the bonds of friendship can be enduring if we are willing to work at them. S.E. Hinton is a masterful storyteller, and this novel is a testament to her ability to capture the complexities of human relationships and the struggles of adolescence.
