Answer :
The Outsiders is about two clashing groups of teenagers, the Greasers and the Socs. A proud member of the Greaser group, protagonist Ponyboy faces lessons of loss, pride, and sacrifice through various conflicts in the novel. The novel is especially focused on class and opportunity differences.
Hope this helps!
Johnny was beaten by a group of Socs. He was beaten so severely that the Greasers all thought he was dead due to the damage done to his body.