The adverb “nonchalantly” signifies acting in a casually calm and relaxed manner, displaying a lack of concern or excitement. In S.E. Hinton’s novel, The Outsiders, characters’ actions described in this way often reflect an attempt to mask inner turmoil or project an image of toughness and indifference. For example, a character might light a cigarette nonchalantly while facing a dangerous situation, projecting an aura of coolness despite being afraid. The word is an adverb modifying a verb.
The use of this adverb in The Outsiders is important because it highlights the emotional repression prevalent among the Greasers. Their socioeconomic circumstances and constant exposure to violence necessitate a hardened exterior. Displaying a careless attitude becomes a survival mechanism, preventing vulnerability from being perceived by rivals. The historical context of the 1960s, marked by social unrest and a growing awareness of class divisions, further underscores the significance of this affectation of unconcern. It represents a generation’s response to feeling powerless and unheard.
