That Was Then, This Is Now Summary & Key Insights

S.E. Hinton's "That Was Then, This Is Now" explores the complexities of adolescent friendship and the transition to adulthood against the backdrop of 1960s Tulsa, Oklahoma. The novel centers on the deeply intertwined lives of Mark and Bryon, two best friends navigating the turbulent waters of teenage life. Their bond, forged in shared experiences of poverty and rebelliousness, is the emotional core of the story.

Bryon, the narrator, is a fiercely loyal but impulsive young man, grappling with his feelings for his girlfriend, Cathy, and the increasingly volatile nature of his relationship with his family. He's fiercely protective of Mark, who is quieter, more sensitive, and struggling with his own demons, particularly the consequences of his drug use. Their contrasting personalities and coping mechanisms shape the narrative's central conflict.

The story unfolds through a series of escalating events. Mark's addiction to drugs intensifies, pushing him further away from Bryon and a healthy life. Bryon's attempts to help his friend, often misguided by his own impulsiveness, highlight the challenges of dealing with addiction and the limitations of teenage support systems. Their involvement with the local gang scene adds further complications and underlines the pervasive influence of violence and lawlessness in their environment.

As they grow older, the friends start to drift apart. Bryon's burgeoning romance with Cathy adds another layer to the strained friendship, as Mark feels increasingly alienated and jealous. Bryon's struggle to balance loyalty to his friend with his own desires creates significant internal conflict. The climax arrives when Mark, increasingly desperate, commits a series of increasingly serious actions, culminating in a situation that forces Bryon to make a difficult choice.

The narrative underscores the heartbreaking consequences of unchecked drug addiction and the corrosive effects it can have on relationships. The novel also explores the complexities of identity and the pain of watching someone you love self-destruct. The overarching theme revolves around the fragile nature of friendship, especially during the transition from adolescence to adulthood. It highlights how the passage of time and diverging life paths can irrevocably alter even the strongest bonds, and the painful sacrifices sometimes required to confront harsh realities. The ending, while bittersweet, emphasizes the lasting impact of the relationship and the enduring lessons learned about loyalty, self-discovery, and the inescapable challenges of growing up.