Question 1

What is That Was Then, This Is Now by S.E. Hinton about?

Accepted Answer

That Was Then, This Is Now by S.E. Hinton follows two teenage boys, Bryon and Mark, whose brotherly bond fractures as they navigate the harsh realities of growing up in 1960s Tulsa. The novel explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and moral awakening as Bryon discovers Mark's involvement in drug dealing, leading to a heart-wrenching decision that destroys their relationship. It's a coming-of-age story about the painful transition from childhood innocence to adult responsibility.

Question 2

Who should read That Was Then, This Is Now?

Accepted Answer

That Was Then, This Is Now is ideal for young adults and mature teens grappling with questions about loyalty, identity, and moral choices. The book resonates with readers interested in social realism, youth subcultures like Greasers and Socs, and the complexities of adolescent relationships. It's particularly valuable for those who enjoyed The Outsiders but want a darker, more psychologically complex exploration of friendship and betrayal.

Question 3

Is That Was Then, This Is Now worth reading?

Accepted Answer

That Was Then, This Is Now is widely considered S.E. Hinton's darkest and most emotionally devastating work, making it essential reading for fans of young adult literature. The novel delivers a powerful examination of how people grow apart and the consequences of moral compromises. Its exploration of substance abuse, violence, and the loss of innocence remains hauntingly relevant decades after its 1971 publication.

Question 4

Who is S.E. Hinton and why is she significant?

Accepted Answer

S.E. Hinton (Susan Eloise Hinton) revolutionized young adult literature when she wrote The Outsiders at age 15. She published That Was Then, This Is Now in 1971 as her second novel, further cementing her reputation for authentic portrayals of teenage life. In 1988, Hinton became the first author to receive the Margaret A. Edwards Award for lifetime achievement in young adult literature.

Question 5

What are the main themes in That Was Then, This Is Now?

Accepted Answer

That Was Then, This Is Now explores friendship deterioration, moral awakening, and the painful loss of childhood innocence. The novel examines how drug addiction and violence destroy relationships, forcing characters to confront difficult ethical choices. Hinton weaves in themes of nostalgia versus reality, showing how clinging to idealized pasts prevents growth, and how betrayal—even when justified—creates irreparable emotional damage.

Question 6

How does Bryon betray Mark in That Was Then, This Is Now?

Accepted Answer

Bryon betrays Mark by turning him in to police after discovering Mark's drug dealing operation. Despite their brotherly bond since Mark's parents' deaths, Bryon's growing moral awareness makes him recognize the harm Mark causes. This devastating decision severs their relationship permanently, with their final encounter described as "devoid of emotion while simultaneously brimming with intensity," featuring "burning hatred cautiously fighting with undying love."

Question 7

What happens to Charlie in That Was Then, This Is Now?

Accepted Answer

Charlie, a friend of Bryon and Mark, dies in a violent incident that serves as a turning point in the novel. His death forces Bryon to confront the real consequences of the dangerous lifestyle he and Mark have been living. Charlie's death catalyzes Bryon's moral awakening and contributes to the growing tension between the two main characters as they process grief differently.

Question 8

How does That Was Then, This Is Now compare to The Outsiders?

Accepted Answer

That Was Then, This Is Now is darker and more psychologically complex than The Outsiders, focusing on internal moral conflict rather than class warfare. While The Outsiders centers on Greasers versus Socs gang dynamics, That Was Then explores friendship betrayal and personal complicity in destructive behavior. Both novels share S.E. Hinton's Tulsa, Oklahoma setting and authentic teenage voice, but That Was Then offers a more emotionally devastating and morally ambiguous narrative.

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Key takeaways

Brothers in a Broken World

The Price of Protection and Growing Up

Death Changes Everything

The Search for Innocence

The Breaking Point

The Cost of Growing Up

When Brotherhood Breaks

That Was Then, This Is Now by S.E. Hinton Summary

Overview of That Was Then, This Is Now

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Key takeaways

Brothers in a Broken World

The Price of Protection and Growing Up

Death Changes Everything

The Search for Innocence

The Breaking Point

The Cost of Growing Up

When Brotherhood Breaks

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