How is The Outsiders a metaphor for life?

Throughout this novel, the main characters experience struggle and are forced to make difficult decisions that affect their overall outlook on life. This novel can be deemed a metaphor for life because, throughout life, people experience hardship and deal with their difficulties in various ways. Some people bottle their feelings inside and turn callous like Dally. Others try to bury and forget their heartache, before dealing with it honestly like Ponyboy. Some people use laughter and partake in activities to distract their difficult emotions, similar to Sodapop. People can channel their resentment and negative feelings and use it to motivate them like Darry. Others accept their difficulties and share their experiences to help people, like Johnny. This entire novel encourages people to seek comfort and solace with friends and family during difficult times, rather than give up hope when challenges come.