Chapter 1
Summary
Ponyboy Curtis steps out from a movie theater into the bright sunlight, thinking about Paul Newman and catching a ride
home. He never likes to walk alone in town, for he is fearful of being jumped by a rival gang member. Pony is a Greaser,
a gang member from the poor, east side of town; his bitter enemies are the Socs, the rich gang of teens from the west
side of town. The two groups are constantly picking fights with each other.
Pony notices a red Corvair trailing him. It finally pulls up beside him, and five Socs emerge and surround him. One of
them pulls out a knife, flips open the blade, and holds it against his throat, while the others pin him down on the ground.
Afraid of being killed, Pony starts screaming for his brothers or anybody else who might be around to help. When the
Socs hear shouts and the sound of pounding feet, they run away. Some of the Greasers, including Steve Randle, Two-Bit
Matthews, Dally Winston, and Johnny Cade, chase after the fleeing Socs and chunk rocks in their direction.
Darry, Pony's oldest brother, is in the group who has come to his aid. He pulls Pony to his feet and asks him if he is
seriously injured. He then berates Pony for going out unaccompanied. Darry, who is twenty years old, is Pony's guardian,
for their parents have been killed in an automobile accident. He dropped out of school in order to work and provide for
his brothers. Now he pins all of his hopes on Pony, knowing he is bright and a good student. The middle brother,
Sodapop, seems to be much kinder than Darry. He notices that Pony is bleeding from a cut on his face and is genuinely
concerned. Soda is also a high school dropout and works at a gas station.
In bed that night, Pony wonders why the Socs hate the Greasers so much. He resents that they call him a hood and pick
on him constantly. His latest encounter earlier in the evening has really shaken him, and he cannot go to sleep. Soda
thinks he is upset because Darry is always hollering at him. He tells him that Darry is really proud of him because he is
intelligent, but Pony is skeptical about his oldest brother's affection. To cheer Pony up, Soda lets him in on a secret; he
tells him that he intends to marry Sandy after she finishes school.
Notes
From the first page of the novel, it is obvious that Pony is to be the first person narrator and protagonist of the story. It
also becomes obvious that he will often shift his story from the present to the past, using flashbacks to give important
Background Information. Pony establishes that he is a poor fourteen-year-old from the wrong side of town. He belongs
to a gang of teenagers who are known as the Greasers, because of their long, oily hair. The rival gang to the Greasers is
known as the Socs, an abbreviation for the Socials, a rich gang of west side teenagers. They "jump Greasers and wreck
houses and throw beer blasts for kicks." Greasers, on the other hand, are blamed for stealing, starting gang fights,
holding up gas stations, and driving their old cars dangerously. By the end of the chapter, it is apparent that the author's
sympathies are completely with underprivileged, deprived Greasers.
The story is filled with dialogue, including taunts from the Socs to the Greasers. They can often be heard yelling, "We're
gonna cut all that long greasy hair off." The language also includes street talk, filled with grammatical errors and slang.
Soda talks to Pony about their older brother, saying, "Listen, kiddo, when Darry hollers at you...he don't mean nothin'.
He's just got more worries than somebody his age ought to. Don't take him serious...you dig, Pony? Don't let him bug
you. He's really proud of you 'cause you're so brainy. It's just because you're the baby--I mean, he loves you a lot.
Savvy?" Such slang is typical of the dialogue throughout the novel and adds to the realism of the characters.
Pony, the main character, is described in detail in this first chapter. He has greenish-gray eyes and light brown, almost
red, hair, which he wears long and slicked down. Although he belongs to a gang, he is not stereotypical. He often enjoys
being alone, away from the gang members, to watch sunsets, to think about life, to read, and to study his schoolwork.
He takes pride in being a good student. Sometimes, however, Pony can be stubborn. Darry has warned him not to go out
alone because of the Socs, but when the novel begins, Pony has been to the movies by himself and is walking home
alone.
Although Pony resents Darry's intrusions into his life, it is obvious that he also stands in awe of this twenty-year-old
brother. Pony thinks he is very handsome, for he is six feet two inches tall and has eyes like "two pieces of pale bluegreen ice." Pony also appreciates the fact that Darry dropped out of school in order to go to work to support Soda and
him. But Pony gets tired of Darry's criticism, especially about studying harder. Though Soda assures Pony that Darry
really does love him, the younger brother does not believe him, for Darry never shows him any affection.
Although he is awed over Darry, Pony idolizes his middle brother, Soda, who tries to understand and support Pony. In
spite of the fact that he is only seventeen years old, Soda has dropped out of school because he was a poor student. He
now works in a gas station with his best friend, Steve Randle. Soda is described as a happy-go- lucky boy who gets
"drunk on just plain living," never touching a drop of real alcohol.
Within the chapter, other Greasers are introduced and developed. Two-Bit Mathews, is still a junior in high school even
though he is eighteen and a half years old. He is infamous for having the last word, shoplifting, getting in fights, and
using his black-handled switchblade, which he has stolen. Another gang member is Dallas Winston, usually called Dally.
His meanness is reflected in his eyes, which are 'blue, blazing ice, cold with a hatred of the whole world.' He first went to
jail at the age of ten and has been in and out of prison ever since; he is known for drinking too much, riding in rodeos,
rolling drunks, and cheating. Dally is also respected, for he has spent three years on the wild side of New York and is
known for his meanness.
Everyone in the gang is protective of Johnny Cade, who has the look of a small puppy that has been kicked too often. His
father constantly beats him, and his mother either yells at or ignores him. The Greasers have become his substitute
family, trying to care for him and to answer his needs. Unfortunately, when the novel opens, Johnny has already been
jumped and severely beaten by the Socs, an action that caused his nervousness to increase and his sense of insecurity to
flourish.
Chapter 2
Summary
The following night Dally, Johnny, and Pony go to the drive-in movie. They sneak in over the back fence, because Dally
does not like to do things the legal way. They seat themselves behind two girls who are friends of the Socs. Dally, tries to
provoke them by speaking in an abusive manner and putting his feet up on the back of one of their chairs. The girl
threatens to call the police if they are not left alone.
When Dally goes to buy cokes, Pony talks to one of the girls, whose name is Cherry Valance. When Dally returns with the
cokes and gives Cherry one, she throws it in his face. When he tries to put his arm around her, Johnny stops him. Dally
stalks off in anger. Pony and Johnny then go and sit next to the girls and learn that they had come to the movies with
some boys from the Socs, but had left them because they had sneaked alcohol in with them. As they are all watching the
movie, someone places a hand on the shoulders of Johnny and Pony and says, "Okay, Greasers, you've had it." Thinking
that it is a Soc, Pony is terrified and Johnny goes white with fear. To their relief, they discover that it is Two-Bit, a fellow
Greaser who is playing a joke. Two-Bit informs them that Dally, in his anger, has slashed Timothy Shepard's car tires.
When Cherry and Pony go to buy some popcorn, he tells her about how four members of the Socs had jumped Johnny
and severely beaten him. He explains that ever since then, Johnny has been very nervous. Cherry tries to convince Pony
that not all Socs are alike and that they have a lot of problems. Pony cannot understand why they have any concerns
since they have "good grades, good cars, good girls, madras, Mustangs, and Corvairs."
Notes
This chapter continues to highlight the differences between the Greasers and the Socs. The Socs' hangouts are The Way
Out and Rusty's, while the Greasers patronize The Dingo and Jay's, which are more rowdy and rough. Pony cannot
understand how the Socs could have any worries or problems since they are known for having good grades, good cars,
good girls, and good clothes.
The character of Dally is also further developed. He likes to defy the law and proper behavior. That is why he sneaks over
the fence into the drive-in movie, talks abusively to the Socy girls, puts his feet on one of their chairs, and tries to put his
arm around Cherry. It is obvious that his attempts to gain attention are a means of covering up his sense of inadequacy.
When Cherry throws a coke in his face, Pony and Johnny are very worried, for they know that Dally can be dangerous
when someone opposes him. Johnny tries to calm him down and tells him not to bother the girls. Pony and Dally are
shocked at Johnny's standing up for Cherry and Marcia, for he is the most timid member of the Greasers and really
thinks of Dally as a hero. Dally, however, is upset by the whole incident and leaves in anger; he goes out and slashes the
tires of Tim Shepard, a member of another gang.
Although Pony and Johnny are Dally's buddies, they are not crude like he is. They treat the Socy girls with respect. It
seems, in fact, that Pony would like to be more like the Socs, for when Cherry and Marcia speak in a derogatory manner
about the Greasers, Pony feels inadequate; however, when Cherry calls Dally 'trash,' Pony takes up for him saying, "I'm a
grease, same as Dally. He's my buddy." There is obviously a strong feeling of camaraderie and loyalty among the gang
members.
Cherry Valence seems to be different from other Socy girls. When Pony and Johnny are nice to her, she becomes friendly
to them. She even apologizes for criticizing Dally in front of them. She is also shocked to hear how Johnny has been
beaten by the Socs and points out that not all Socs are alike. Like Pony, she has a sense of allegiance to her gang.
The last sentence in the chapter, "I know better now," shows that Pony is a wiser person when he is writing the story
than when he lived it. Time and distance have helped him to mature morally and emotionally.
Chapter 3
Summary
After the movie, Cherry and Marcia worriedly and reluctantly accept Two-Bit's offer to drive them home. As they are
walking to Two-Bit's house to pick up his car, Cherry and Pony talk; Pony realizes that he is telling things to Cherry that
he has not told to anybody else. The two of them also discover that they both enjoy watching sunsets and have other
things in common.
On the way to Two-Bit's house, a blue Mustang passes by, turns around, and stops. Two Socs get out, and Pony notices
that one of them is wearing three heavy rings on his fingers. He also notices that Johnny is terrified. A handsome darkhaired boy tells Marcia and Cherry that they have no business walking the streets with "bums." Two-Bit is offended by
the comments; with anger, he takes out his switchblade and breaks the end of an empty bottle and gives it to Pony.
Hoping to prevent a fight between the boys, Cherry gets into the Mustang and calls to the Socs. She also tells Pony that
he should not take offense if she ignores him in school or elsewhere because her parents would not like her being
friendly to a Greaser. She closes by saying that she hopes that she never meets Pony again, because she is afraid that if
she does, she is going to fall in love with him.
After the girls leave with the Socs, Two-Bit tears up a piece of paper on which he has written Marcia's phone number
and departs from Pony and Johnny. The two of them go into a parking lot, where they lie down and talk. Before long,
they are both asleep. When Pony awakes, he is concerned because it is very late. Leaving Johnny in the parking lot, he
rushes home, hoping that everyone will be asleep. Unfortunately, Darry is up and reading the paper. He points out that
it is two o'clock in the morning and shouts at Pony for worrying him; he reminds his younger brother that if he gets into
trouble with the law, he will be taken away from Darry and sent to a boy's home. He also scolds Pony for not wearing a
coat.
Darry's shouts awaken Soda; he tries to stop his older brother from scolding Pony, which only makes Darry more angry.
He then tuns on Pony and slaps him. Pony runs out of the house, goes to the parking lot, and wakes up Johnny. He tells
him that he is running away because Darry slapped him and obviously hates him. Johnny tells him that he prefers it
when his father hits him, for at least it shows that he is aware of his son's existence; usually, neither his mother nor his
father cares whether he is home or not. Johnny also reminds Pony that he is lucky, for Soda really cares for him. Johnny's
words comfort Pony. After calming down, he decides he will not run away; but before returning him, he and Johnny go
to the park for a walk.
Notes
For the first time ever, Pony gets the chance to truly know a Socy girl. When he talks to Cherry, he learns that she likes
the music of the Beatles, enjoys going to the movies, and appreciates nature. He realizes that she is really not any
different from the girls he knows; he thinks that "Greasy girls would. . .act a lot tougher, but there was a basic
sameness." Cherry also reveals her good sense when she gets in to the Mustang and calls to the Socs; her foresight
probably prevented a fight.
Even though Pony is basically shy, he finds that he can easily converse with Cherry and shares many things with her that
he has never told anyone else. He tells her about the horse that Soda cared for and called Mickey Mouse; he explains
how Soda was heartbroken when the master sold the horse. Pony also tells Cherry how much he enjoys watching
sunsets and learns that she enjoys it too. Pony also willingly discusses the two gangs with her. Pony thinks that money is
the only separator of the Socs from the Greasers, but Cherry believes that money only partly accounts for the difference.
She points out that their sets of values are very different. She explains that the Greasers react emotionally to situations,
whereas the Socs always try to act indifferent and sophisticated.
More is learned about Pony in this chapter. The image of him sitting and watching sunsets reveals much about his
character. More sensitive than most of the Greasers, he is pictured as a dreamer, a romantic, and an idealist. He is also
sensitive enough to realize that Greaser girls and Soc girls are really very much alike; only social and financial
backgrounds separate them. It is obvious that Pony is attracted to Cherry. He reassures her that he would never have
used the broken bottle on one of the Socs. He does not want Cherry to fear him or have the wrong impression about
him.
Although Cherry obviously likes Pony, she tells him that they can never be seen together again, either in or out of school;
her parents would not approve of her being with a Greaser. There is clearly a wide, almost unbridgeable, gap between
the Socs and the Greasers.
This chapter also highlights the relationship that exists between Pony and his oldest brother, Darry. Because Darry is
always scolding him, Pony is convinced that Darry does not love him. He feels that it is only because of Soda that he has
not been put in a boy's home. When Darry slaps him, Pony runs out, planning to run away forever. Johnny, however,
helps to change his mind. He points out that Pony is lucky to have at least one brother, Soda, who loves him. Johnny
feels that no one in his family cares about him.
Pony is bitter about the fact that the Socs seem to have everything they want, while all of the Greasers are poor. He
resents that Darry had to drop out of school to support Soda and him and now works two jobs to make ends meet; Pony
also is sad that Soda has dropped out of school, feeling that he needed to earn some money for the family. Pony wants
to stay in school and rise above his poverty.
This chapter ends with the words, "I was wrong." When Pony grows older and narrates the novel, he can pass moral
judgements on his own actions. In looking back, he admits that he made mistakes. One of them will be the decision to go
for a walk in the park.
Chapter 4
Summary
The Socs in the blue Mustang spy Pony and Johnny and follow them to the park. Pony is apprehensive because he knows
the boys are drunk, and there is no way for him and Johnny to escape. As Johnny reaches for his switchblade, the
unarmed Pony wishes he had the broken bottle with him. When the Socs, including Bob and Randy, emerge from the
car, they try to provoke the Greasers, calling them "dirt" and "white trash with long hair." Pony is enraged and shouts
back at them. In turn, they catch him and shove his face in the fountain; he almost chokes to death before falling on the
pavement.
Suddenly all the Socs disappear. It is because Johnny, in self- defense, has killed Bob. Pony and Johnny are both confused
and frightened over what has happened. They decide to go and find Dally to seek his help. When they explain everything
to him, Dally gives Pony some dry clothes, a loaded gun, and fifty dollars. He instructs his two friends to hop on the
three-fifteen freight train to Windrixville, where they can hide in the old abandoned church on the top of Jay Mountain.
He also tells them to buy a week's supply of food before going to the hide-out.
Pony and Johnny follow Dally's orders and hop the freight train. As they are traveling, Pony dozes off. Johnny wakes him
just before they have to jump off. When they inquire, a farmer directs them to Jay Mountain. On reaching the church,
they discover that it is a small, kind of spooky, and filled with spider webs. Pony reminisces about the times when he
used to go to the church with his parents; he remembers attending for awhile even after their death. He thinks about
the last time he was in church; he had persuaded Soda, Steve, and Two-Bit to accompany him and Johnny to church. The
behavior of his friends had embarrassed him so much that he has not gone to the church since then.
Once the boys are settled into the church, they immediately fall asleep on the floor, for they are absolutely exhausted.
Notes
This chapter is very important, for it reveals the grim consequences of gang rivalry. Randy, Bob, and three other Socs
want to teach Pony and Johnny a lesson for being friendly with their girls. As the two Greasers walk to the park, the Socs
jump them. Pony is grabbed and his head is pushed in a fountain and held down until he almost drowns. The Socs also
jump on Johnny, who clearly remembers being beaten up by the Socs once before. He pulls his switchblade, fighting for
his life. In the process of defending himself, Johnny stabs and kills Bob. Pony is panic stricken when he discovers that his
friend has committed murder. In contrast, Johnny seems relatively calm, except for his twitching hands. He is the one
who thinks of going to Dally for help and remembers where to find him. Pony agrees that it is a good plan.
Dally tells the boys that they must go into hiding and instructs them to hop a freight train to Windrixville. There they can
hide in an old abandoned church. Before the boys depart, Dally gives them a loaded gun and money. While on the train,
Johnny stays awake so that they can jump off the train at the right place. In the boxcar, the enormity of his act hits him.
He nostalgically wishes for the safety and warmth of his house; but he knows that there is no going back. He worries
about being a fugitive, on the run for the rest of his life; but thoughts of the electric chair and the reformatory are even
more distasteful to him.
Arriving in Windrixville, the two boys ask for directions to the church. They find it to be a gloomy kind of place, filled
with spider webs and in disrepair. The bleak setting is an appropriate reflection of the bleak mood and foreshadows
worse things to come.
Chapter 5
Summary
When Pony wakes up in the church the next morning, he finds that Johnny has left him a message scrawled in the dusty
floor. He says he went to get supplies and will return soon. Pony thinks about the events of the previous night, and he
starts trembling and sweating. Johnny soon returns with soap, peroxide, and enough food for a week, just as Dally had
suggested. Johnny also brings a paperback of Gone with the Wind; he remembered that Pony had wanted his own copy
of the book. Johnny suggests that Pony read the book aloud, helping to pass the time for both of them. The next four
days are spent in reading, playing poker, and smoking heavily, but they cannot hide the fact that they are lonely,
miserable, frightened, and homesick. In an attempt to disguise themselves, they change their appearance. Even though
they hate to do it, they both cut off their long hair, and Pony bleaches his.
On the fifth day, Dally comes to visit Pony and Johnny. He gives Pony a letter from Soda, who says that Darry is sorry for
hitting him and is worried about where he is. Dally is also full of news. He tells his friends that their photographs have
appeared in the newspaper, but he has lied and told the police that the two of them headed for Texas; Dally was trying
to keep the law out of Windrixville. He also tells them about the all-out war the Socs have declared against the Greasers.
Two-Bit had been attacked, but Darry and Dally arrived in time to save him. Supposedly on the next night, there is to be
a huge rumble to settle the score between the two gangs. He finally adds that Cherry is now spying on the Socs for the
Greasers.
Notes
Johnny continues to be the one who is in control. When he awakens in the church, he scribbles a note of explanation on
the dusty floor and then goes to get supplies for Pony and himself, as Dally had directed. When Pony awakens, he tries
to deny the reality of what has happened the previous night. He pretends that he is safe within the confines of his
house; but the reality overwhelms him and causes him to sweat and tremble.
When Johnny returns, he has supplies for a week. He has also thoughtfully purchased a copy of Gone with the Wind,
remembering that Pony liked the book. In addition, he is the one who suggests that they read the book aloud to help
pass the time; and finally, it is he who thinks of cutting their hair to change their appearance. It is not easy for either
Johnny or Pony to have short hair, for their long, greasy hair has always been a symbol of who they are. Pony says, "We
couldn't have Corvairs or madras shirts, but we could have hair."
The boys begin to read Gone with the Wind. Johnny is surprised to find that he likes it; he is impressed with the charm,
manners, and gallantry of the Southern gentlemen. He tells Pony that Dally also possesses such gallantry. Pony
disagrees, for he does not really like Dally and knows that he does not possess Soda's understanding ways, Two-Bit's
humor, or Darry's superman qualities. Pony and Johnny also spend time talking to each other. When Pony tells how he
likes sunsets and sunrises, a fact that he shares with few people, Johnny admits he appreciates them as well. When Pony
recites a poem by Robert Frost, entitled "Nothing Gold Can Stay," Johnny understands the words and their meaning. He
feels that the gold is a symbol of beauty, purity and innocence, qualities that are hard to retain.
When Dally comes to see them on the fifth day, three things are established. First, Soda and Darry are clearly concerned
about their youngest brother; Soda has even taken the time to write a letter to Pony and to send it by Dally. Secondly,
the police are searching for Johnny and Pony, whose pictures have appeared in the newspaper; Dally has tried to keep
the law out of Windrixville by telling the police that his two friends were headed for Texas. Finally, the tension between
the Greasers and the Socs has increased since Bob's murder. In fact, it is so intense that Dally has started carrying an
unloaded gun, which he hopes will frighten the Socs and keep them away. This gun will later play an important part in
the tragedy that is slowly unfolding.
Chapter 6
Summary
Johnny informs his friends that he intends to turn himself in to the police. Dally is taken aback by the news; but Pony is
not surprised. Johnny feels he will get a light sentence since Bob was killed in self-defense and because he does not have
a police record. Additionally, he is tired of staying in the church, feels guilty about having Pony with him, and does not
want to be on the run for the rest of his life. When Dally points out that he should have turned himself in five days ago if
that is his plan, Johnny admits that he was too scared.
Suddenly, Johnny and Pony see that the church is on fire and notice that a group of children are present. They dash to
help and learn that some of the children are trapped inside. Hoping to rescue them, both the boys enter through a
window. Pony saves several children and jumps out the window. He then hears Johnny screaming inside and is about to
go in after him. Dally stops him by hitting him across his back, causing him to lose consciousness. Dally then goes inside
to rescue Johnny. When Pony comes to, he finds that he is in an ambulance with Jerry Wood, one of the teachers who
had been with the children. When Pony asks about his friends, Jerry informs him that Dally would recover, for only his
arm was burned. Johnny, on the other hand, has suffered severe burns; additionally, a piece of timber fell on him and
hurt his back.
At the hospital Pony sits in the waiting room to hear something about Johnny and Dally. Finally, he sees his friends on
stretchers. Dally is awake and tells Pony that he will beat him up if he ever tries something stupid like that again. Pony
then looks at Johnny, who is still unconscious; tears come to his eyes to see his friend like that. Soda and Darry arrive,
filled with concern. Pony now realizes that both his brothers really care for him. He accepts that Darry has been critical
and strict because he loves him and wants him to make something out of his life. There is a total reconciliation between
the two. Pony is ready to go home permanently.
Notes
Hinton develops sympathy for Johnny in this chapter. He is pictured as a scared, young teenager who killed Bob in selfdefense and ran out of fear. Now he wants to turn himself in, for he does not want to hide out for the rest of his life; he
also feels guilty that he has pulled Pony into his problems. When Dally arrives, Johnny asks about his parents; he is hurt
to learn that his parents have not even inquired about him. Pony realizes that Johnny is very sensitive.
Although the fire in the church and the rescue are dramatically portrayed, they are flaws in the construction of the plot.
It is improbable that the children would have been brought to an abandoned church for a picnic and allowed by their
teachers to roam inside the old structure; additionally, there is no plausible reason for the fire. But the children and the
fire allow both Pony and Johnny to display exemplary courage. Not thinking about themselves and their situation and
without a moment's hesitation, the two of them run to help in the rescue effort. Both of them quickly go through a
window to try and get the children to safety. Johnny is hurt during the rescue and trapped inside. Dally prevents Pony
from going in to help him by hitting him across the back. Dally then risks his own life to save Johnny, displaying a great
deal of courage and selflessness himself.
All three boys are taken to the hospital. Pony is totally unhurt, and Dally suffers only from burns on his arms. Johnny,
however, has been seriously burned and further hurt by the timber falling on his back. Pony must fight back the tears
when he sees his unconscious friend. His attention is diverted from Johnny, however, when his brothers arrive at the
hospital. Pony realizes for the first time that Darry truly cares about him. He accepts that his oldest brother's harsh,
critical ways have come from Darry's desire to protect Pony and have him make something of his life. There is a
complete reconciliation between them, which is sentimentally portrayed by Hinton. At the end of the chapter, Pony
acknowledges, "I had taken the long way around, but I was finally home. To stay."
Chapter 7
Summary
The reporters and the police interview Pony in the hospital while he, Darry, and Soda wait for news of Dally and Johnny.
Finally, the doctor tells them that Dally's arm is badly burned and will remain scarred for life. Johnny, on the other hand,
is in a critical condition; he is in severe shock, suffers from third degree burns, and has a broken back. If he lives, he will
be crippled for life. Since there is nothing that they can do, Pony, Darry, and Soda return home.
The next morning Two-Bit and Steve show Pony the newspaper. There are articles on what had happened the night
Johnny killed Bob and on how Johnny and Pony had rescued the children from the burning church. One of the parents
has stated that the children would have been killed if it had not been for Johnny and Pony. Cherry, in an interview,
confirmed that Bob was drunk on the night of his murder; Randy Adderson added that the Socs caused the fight and that
Pony and Johnny had fought back in self-defense. As a result of these confessions, Johnny was only being charged with
manslaughter.
The newspaper also featured a story about Pony and his two brothers, mentioning that Pony was a very good student
and explaining how Darry worked two jobs to support his brothers. The article ended with the comment that the three
of them should not be separated. The article makes Pony realize that he is in danger of being taken away from Darry and
sent to a boy's home.
Two-Bit and Pony go out for a walk. They notice that a blue Mustang is following them; it is the same one that followed
Pony and Johnny. When the boys stop to buy cokes, the car comes to a halt near them, and several Socs emerge. Randy
Adderson takes Pony aside and tells him that he admires him for saving the children and that he did not know that a
Greaser could be so heroic. He admits that he might not have been as brave if he had been in the same situation. Randy
adds that he is tired of the violence, but knows that he will be "marked chicken" if he does not take part in the rumble,
still planned for later in the evening. After the conversation, Pony decides that "Socs were just guys."
Notes
Pony is sure that Dally will be fine, for he "could take anything." This is ironic for it will soon be seen that there are limits
to what Dally, the hardened greaser, can take. On the other hand, Pony is terribly concerned for Johnny; even if he lives,
he will be crippled for the rest of his life, according to the doctor.
Darry, Soda, and Pony are re-established as a family in this chapter. Pony has realized that his oldest brother has always
acted towards him out of love and concern, and Darry's tenderness towards his little brother is captured when he carries
him to his bed.
It is ironic that the total reconciliation comes at a time when the authorities are considering breaking up the family by
sending Soda and Pony to live at a boy's home. Darry, hoping that it will not happen and wanting to spare Pony any pain,
does not tell him about the possibility. Pony does not even think about it until he reads an article in the newspaper.
Some of the Socs redeem themselves during the chapter. Cherry Valence tells the truth to the reporters, stating that Bob
was very drunk on the night of his murder. Randy Adderson admits to the authorities that the Socs caused the fight and
that Pony and Johnny were only fighting back in self-defense. Randy also approaches Pony and tells him that saving the
children was very heroic. He also says he is sick of the gang fighting and wants to run away from it all. Pony is very astute
when he tells him, "Running away won't help."
Chapter 8
Summary
Pony and Two-Bit walk to the hospital to see Johnny. Conscious again, Johnny asks for some hair oil and a copy of Gone
with the Wind, which Two-Bit goes out to purchase. Pony is left to visit with his friend, whom he senses is close to death.
He tells Johnny about the rumble, which is to take place later that night. He also tells him that he and Darry have
reconciled and that Dally is going to completely recover with only a few scars. The nurse interrupts to tell Johnny that his
mother has come to see him. Johnny refuses to see her and then gets so agitated that he faints.
Pony and Two-Bit go to see Dally, who is his "usual mean, ornery self." He tells Pony that he is happy to see him alive,
because he thought that he had killed him when he hit him at the church. When he hears that Johnny is in critical
condition, Dally asks Two- Bit to loan him his switchblade. Pony notices a dangerous look in Dally's eyes and refrains
from asking any questions.
While waiting for a bus to go home, Two-Bit realizes that Pony has a fever. Pony tells him not to tell Darry anything
about it, for he will be all right after taking a few aspirins. He does not want anything to interfere with his being at the
rumble later in the evening. The boys see Cherry, who tells them that the Socs are going to play by the rules at the fight;
they will bring no weapons. Pony is a bit brusque with her, which hurts Cherry's feelings. When he sees that she is
almost in tears, Pony is repentant because he does not like to see girls cry. In order to cheer her up, Pony asks her if the
sunset is as beautiful on the west side of town as on the east.
Notes
In this chapter, both Johnny and Pony are frightened by the thought that Johnny is close to death. In an effort to ignore
the truth and pretend that everything is fine, Johnny sends Two-Bit out to buy him some hair oil and a copy of Gone with
the Wind. Johnny does not want to think about dying, for he is only sixteen and wants to see more of the world. In a
bitter vein, Pony comments how for sixteen years they have learned and seen a lot, but it has not been the right things.
A nurse interrupts the boys to announce that Johnny's mother has come for a visit. Johnny refuses to see her, rejecting
her completely. He thinks she would only complain about the inconvenience he is causing. She has never cared about
him, and now that he is in trouble, he knows she cares even less.
Two-Bit and Pony leave the hospital, for the rumble will take place soon. On the way home, they see Cherry Valence,
who continues to spy for the Greasers. She tells them that the Socs will not have weapons at the fight and will play by
the rules. In spite of this news, Pony feels that something terrible will take place at the rumble. As a result, the chapter
closes with a sense of foreboding.
Chapter 9
Summary
Pony, Soda, Darry, Steve, and Two-Bit prepare for the rumble. Darry does not want Pony to participate, for he thinks he
has not fully recovered and is too tense; however, he gives in when Soda supports Pony. The Greasers are joined by Tim
Shepard and his boys and Brumly's gang. To everyone's surprise, Dally also arrives to join the fight.
When the Socs arrive at the vacant lot, Darry and Paul, a Soc, begin the fighting. Before long everyone is entangled. Pony
and several others fighting with the Greasers are badly beaten up, but the Socs suffer even greater damage. Before long,
the Socs run away.
Dally tells Pony that they have to go to the hospital to see Johnny, for his condition has deteriorated and he has asked
for Pony. On the way, Dally drives extremely fast and is stopped by a policeman for speeding. On being questioned, he
tells the policeman that Pony has to be rushed to the hospital because he has had an accident. The policeman escorts
them to the hospital.
As Pony and Dally approach Johnny's room, the doctor stops them from entering because Johnny is worse. Dally takes
out Two-Bits' switchblade and forces his way into the room, with Pony following. When they reach Johnny's side, Dally
tells him that they won the rumble. Johnny's response is, "Useless...fighting's no good." He next tells Pony, "Stay gold
Ponyboy. Stay gold." Johnny then dies. Dally is devastated about losing his best friend. He slams one fist against the wall,
begging Johnny not to be dead. Then all of a sudden he bolts through the door and down the hall.
Notes
Hinton very effectively captures the mood in Pony's house just before the rumble. The air is full of expectation and
excitement. The Greasers are shouting the ugly comments that have been made about them. "I am a greaser...I am a
hood. I blacken the name of our fair city. I beat up people. I rob gas stations. I am a menace to society. . .victim of
environment and underprivileged, rotten, no- count hood!" In addition, they pretend to be the Socs and chant, "Get
thee hence, white trash, ...I am a Soc. I am the privileged and the well dressed. I throw beer blasts, drive fancy cars,
break windows at fancy parties... I jump Greasers!"
Pony himself is physically sick because he is so tense about the fight. In contrast, Soda is carefree and humorous. He and
Steve play poker as though a rumble is a perfectly normal, ordinary, everyday affair. Pony analyzes the reason why all of
them fight. He thinks that Soda fights for the fun and excitement; Steve fights out of hatred; Darry fights because of his
pride; and Two-Bit fights so that he will fit in. Pony himself does not like fighting and joins in only for self-defense. He
resents the fact that he is branded a hood by society because he belongs to a gang, wears long hair, and fights. On the
other hand, the Socs, who are also in a gang and fight, are not branded in a negative manner. Hinton seems to be
criticizing society for judging people on appearances rather than on their true worth.
Ironically, Pony is contemptuous of Tim Shepard, Brumly, and their gangs, judging them to look like hardened juvenile
delinquents. He doubts if they have ever read a newspaper and wonders if they can even spell their names. It is obvious
that he feels superior to these "young hoods--who would grow up to be old hoods."
Darry is as protective as ever towards Pony in the chapter. He does not want his youngest brother to participate in the
rumble, for he knows Pony is very tense about fighting and fears what will happen to him. Soda, however, convinces
Darry that Pony is needed and wanted at the fight. During the rumble, Darry watches out for Pony, keeping a close eye
on what is happening to him.
When Darry opens the fight, it almost seems that he is out of place. With his short hair, he looks almost like one of the
Socs. His attitude is also similar to theirs, for he wants to get somewhere in life; he wants to rise above his poverty. Pony
realizes that Darry also wants the same things for him.
The chapter ends on a dramatic, sentimental note with Johnny's death. When the doctor tries to prevent Pony and Dally
from entering Johnny's room, Dally forces their way in by brandishing Two-Bit's switchblade. They arrive just in time, for
Johnny is at the end. With his dying breath, he tells his friends that fighting is useless. He also encourages Pony to "stay
gold," to remain pure and innocent. Pony is touched by the parting of his friend, but Dally is enraged. He pounds on the
wall and runs down the hall. Again the chapter closes with a sense of impending doom.
Chapter 10
Summary
After Johnny's death, Pony wanders aimlessly for hours. He is eventually dropped home by a stranger and breaks the
news of Johnny's death to the gang. When they hear that Dally has run off in anger, everyone realizes that he too has a
breaking point. Before long, Dally phones Pony. He tells him that the police are after him for robbing a store and that he
will be at the vacant lot in a minute. Everyone rushes to meet him. Dally has already arrived with the police close on his
heels. He stands under a street light, takes out his unloaded gun, and raises it towards the police. They open fire, and
Dally crumples to the ground. Pony faints.
When he regains consciousness, Pony finds that he is at home in bed. Darry is protectively sleeping in an armchair
beside the bed. Pony soon learns that he has been unconscious and delirious for over three days. He is overwhelmed by
why lies ahead for him. He must make up all the schoolwork he has missed; he has to go to court about Bob's death; and
he may be put in a boy's home.
Soda gives Pony a copy of Gone with the Wind; it is the one that Johnny had in the hospital. He says that the nurse told
him that Johnny had wanted Pony to have it. Pony, however, feels that he cannot continue reading it, for it would be a
constant and painful reminder of the deaths of Johnny and Dally.
Notes
In this chapter, Pony reaches his breaking point. After Johnny's death, he leaves the hospital in a shocked daze, trying to
convince himself that his friend is really still alive. He wanders about in a stupor for hours, ignoring the injuries he has
sustained during the rumble. When he finally reaches home, he is a bag of nerves. Then Dally calls to say that he is being
chased by the police and is heading to the vacant lot. All of the Greasers, including Pony, rush to meet him there. By the
time they arrive, Dally is already present, and the police are closing in. Dally pulls out the unloaded gun and points it at
the police. Pony realizes that "Dally Winston wanted to be dead and he always got what he wanted." The police open
fire, and Pony watches another friend succumb to death. It is more than he can handle, and he faints.
Pony does not regain consciousness for three days during which Darry constantly watches over and cares for him. When
he finally wakes up, Soda gives him the copy of Gone with the Wind that Johnny had in the hospital. Pony does not feel
up to even looking at it, for he knows it will simply remind him that his two good friends have died. He is also troubled
by the fact that he has missed lots of schoolwork that must be made up, that he must appear in court, and that he may
be sent to a boy's home. It is a lot for a sixteen year old to face all at once.
Pony's premonition does come true. It is sad and ironic that he loses two wonderful friends in one night. He knows that
society will judge Johnny as a hero who sacrificed his life rescuing the children from the burning church; he also knows
they will judge Dally as a hoodlum, who robbed a store and tried to kill the police. Pony, however, knows the other
gallant side of Dally; he will always remember how he loaned them his gun even though it might mean jail for him, how
he came to the church to check on them, how he tried to save Johnny from the burning building, how he forced his way
into Johnny's room to be beside his friend as he died.
Chapter 11
Summary
Pony has to stay in bed a whole week to recuperate. To pass the time, he goes through Soda's yearbooks, where he
comes across a picture of Bob. He is reminded that he will soon have a hearing about Bob's death. Randy also comes to
see him and talks about the hearing. Feeling he has let down his father by getting mixed up in gang rivalry, Randy has
promised to set the record straight and speak the truth at the hearing. He tells Pony not to worry, for Johnny was the
one who had the knife and killed Bob. Pony, however, in his confused state, insists that he had the knife, that he killed
Bob, and that Johnny is not dead.
Hearing that Pony is upset, Darry comes in and asks Randy to leave. When they are outside, Pony hears Darry telling
Randy not to speak to Pony about Johnny, as he is still mentally and emotionally unstable. When Darry returns to the
room, he scolds Pony for smoking in bed. He also tells him to clean his room, for it is a mess. In talking, Darry refers to
Pony as "little buddy," a term of endearment usually reserved for Soda. Pony is happy that Darry now seems to care
about him; he promises to be more careful.
Notes
While going through Soda's yearbook, Pony comes across a picture of Bob and tries to analyze the type of person he
was. He immediately thinks of him as a typical Soc, who believed he was superior just because he lived on the west side
of town. Then he adds that Bob was "a reckless, hot-tempered boy, cocky, and scared stiff at the same time." He thinks
about Bob's parents and assumes that they hate the Greasers for killing their son. Pony prefers their hate to their pity.
He then thinks about the hearing about Bob's murder; it is coming in the near future.
When Randy comes to visit him, Pony refuses to accept that Johnny is really dead. He even claims that he, not Johnny,
killed Bob. He is still severely traumatized over the events of the last week and cannot think straight. Darry, still the
protective older brother, enters the room and asks Randy to leave.
Chapter 12
Summary
The hearing is rather ordinary, with no heroics or dramatics. Randy and the other Socs are truthful about what
happened on the night of Bob's murder, but Pony thinks they are lying when they maintain that Johnny killed Bob. In the
end, the judge acquits Pony, but he is not quite able to put his life back in order. He stops eating and seems to forget
everything. His grades suffer terribly. Eventually his English teacher gives him an ultimatum. He tells Pony that he will
pass him with a grade of C only if he writes a good end of the semester theme.
The Socs still do not leave Pony and the Greasers alone. While waiting for Two-Bit and Steve to come out of the
neighborhood grocery store, three Socs arrive and challenge Pony for killing Bob. Pony breaks the end of a bottle and
threatens them. The Socs back off and depart. Two-Bit, who has been watching from inside the store, tells Pony that he
must not become hardened, but it is a struggle for him.
At home, Pony has trouble concentrating on his school work and writing his theme for English. When Darry scolds him,
they get into an argument. Soda, already upset over the loss of his girlfriend, cannot stand the shouting and runs out of
the house. Pony and Darry go after him. When they catch up, Soda tells them that he can no longer be "the middleman
in a tug o' war" between the two of them. Darry and Pony make their peace, and they all go home.
Still struggling with writing his English assignment, Pony picks up Johnny's copy of Gone with the Wind. A slip of paper
falls from the book; it is a letter from Johnny in which he states that it is worth dying to save the kids from the burning
church. He again tells Pony to enjoy sunsets and remain "gold" forever. The letter closes with Johnny's reminder that
there is still a lot of good in the world.
After reading the letter, Pony finally accepts that Johnny is dead. He acknowledges that he has been denying his death
as a defense mechanism against the hurt that he feels. He will always remember Johnny as a good friend who really
listened to people and cared about their problems.
Inspired by Johnny's words to him, Pony decides that he will adopt a mission for his life; he will tell everyone he can
about the problems that underprivileged young people, like himself, must face everyday. He hopes that his explanations
will bring about action and improvement for the poor children. When he makes this commitment, Pony feels more
optimistic about his life than ever before; he no longer has a grudge against the world. As a result, the novel ends on a
positive, optimistic note.
Notes
Even though Pony is acquitted, he still struggles over the deaths of Bob, Dally, and Johnny; he just cannot seem to get his
life back together. When the Socs challenge him outside the grocery store, Pony realizes that he has lost the capacity to
respond emotionally to anything. He did not feel "scared, mad or anything;" he simply broke a bottle and threatened the
Socs with it, scaring them away.
Pony is behind with his schoolwork and struggles to catch up. His English teacher tells him that if he writes a very good
semester theme, he will pass him with a grade of C. Pony, however, has trouble concentrating and cannot write the
paper. Darry scolds him for his lack of effort, and the two of them get into a fight. Darry tells Pony that he cannot stop
living because he has lost Johnny and Dally. Bothered by the shouting between his two brothers, Soda runs out of the
house. Darry and Pony go after him. Soda explains that he is sick of being the go-between for them and advises them to
patch up their differences. The three brothers reconcile and feel closer than ever before.
When he goes back home, Pony again tries to write his English composition, but the words will not come. He picks up
Johnny's copy of Gone With the Wind, and a letter addressed to Pony falls out. Johnny states that it was worth dying to
save the children from the fire. He then again tells Pony that he should remain "gold" and that there is a lot of good in
the world. Johnny's words have a profound affect on Pony. He decides he must do something to rise above the Greasers
and improve his plight in life. His mission will become to tell others about the problems faced by underprivileged
children and seek help for them. In making this commitment, Pony feels more optimistic than ever before in his life. He
will begin his mission by writing about it in his English theme. As the novel closes, there is an upbeat note of hope and
optimism.
OVERALL ANALYSES
CHARACTER ANALYSIS
Ponyboy Curtis
Pony is a fourteen-year-old boy with greenish gray eyes and light brown hair, which he wears long. His parents were
killed in a car accident, so he lives with his two brothers, Soda and Darry. All three of them belong to a gang known as
the Greasers, which is comprised of teenagers from the poor east side of town.
Unlike most of the Greasers, Pony is a sensitive teenager. He often likes to be by himself to think or to read. He also
enjoys going to the movies alone. His older brother, Darry, often screams at him for being by himself outside the house;
he feels it is too dangerous, for the Socs, the rival gang, are always looking for a Greaser to jump. Darry also worries
about Pony's grades. Although he is a good student, Darry wants to make certain that Pony does his best in school so
that he can rise above being a Greaser and make something of himself. Darry had to drop out of school in order to
support his brothers after the death of his parents. Through much of the book, Pony resents Darry's constant criticism
and intrusion into his life. In contrast, Pony worships his middle brother Soda, largely because he has a happy-go-lucky
attitude towards life and acts as a buffer between him and Darry. Because Pony does not want to be separated from his
brothers and put in a boy's home, he avoids getting into any kind of trouble, especially with the police.
Pony is acutely conscious that he is underprivileged and scorned. The Socs look down upon him and the rest of the
Greasers as though they are dirt and treat them as hoods. Pony is bitter about the fact that people never blame the Socs
for any trouble because they look decent with their short hair, nice clothes, and expensive cars; instead, the Greasers
are always blamed because they have long, oily hair and wear scruffy clothes. Pony knows that it is ironic that most of
the Greasers are quite decent people who want to be left alone, while most of the Socs are cold-blooded and mean
trouble makers.
Pony becomes friends with Cherry Valence, one of the Socs' girls, when he stands up for her against Dally's abusive
language and rude behavior. Through her, he realizes that not all of the Socs are alike, for she is a nice, kind,
understanding girl. He discovers that she is a dreamer and enjoys watching sunsets, just like he. As a result, Pony feels
close to her and tells her things he does not tell anyone else. He talks to her about how nervous Johnny has been since
he was beaten up by the Socs and how sad Soda was to be separated from Mickey Mouse, a horse that he "adopted." He
even realizes from his conversation with Cherry that the Socs also have problems in spite of their money, nice clothes,
and fancy cars. Then when he gets to know Randy Adderson, one of the Socs, he realizes that "Socs were just guys after
all."
Pony is often afraid in the novel. When he walks home from the movie theater alone and is attacked by the Socs, he
screams loud and long for help from his brothers or anyone else close by. When he sees Bob lying dead on the ground,
he is paralyzed with shock and fear, unable to think or act; Johnny must tell him exactly what to do. When Johnny is in
the hospital and dying, Pony is again speechless with fear. Then when he sees Dally shot by the police, his fear totally
overcomes him; he faints and is unconscious and delirious for over three days. The only time that Pony acts in a
courageous, heroic manner is the time when he rescues the children from the burning church.
Through most of the book, Pony misunderstands his oldest brother, Darry. Because he often criticizes him, Pony thinks
that Darry does not like him at all. Then when Darry rushes to see him in the hospital, nurses him for three days while he
is delirious and unconscious, and calls him little buddy, Pony begins to realize that Darry truly loves and cares for him. He
has been strict with Pony because he does not want him taken away and put in a boy's home; in addition, he wants Pony
to make something out of himself in life. Soda then makes Pony realize that he has always selfishly expected Darry to be
understanding, without ever trying to understand Darry in return. As a result, Pony tries much harder to get along with
his oldest brother.
After his full reconciliation with his brothers and his acquittal at the hearing on Bob's death, Pony is still not whole.
Disturbed over the deaths of Bob, Johnny, and Dally, he cannot get his life together; he has trouble eating, sleeping,
concentrating, doing schoolwork, or accepting that Johnny is dead. As a result of his troubled spirit, his grades suffer,
and he is in danger of failing English if he does not produce a good semester theme. Then as he tries unsuccessfully to
get his thoughts down on paper, Pony finds a letter that Johnny wrote to him prior to his death. In it, Johnny encourages
him to stay gold and to break out of the pattern of violence offered by gang life. The letter provides the healing touch
that Pony so needed. He decides that he will spend his time and effort in telling everyone about the problems that
underprivileged children, like himself, face in life and seek help for their betterment. He will begin his mission by writing
his English theme about it.
At the end of the book, Pony has emerged from his voyage of self- discovery as a much better person. He no longer
pities himself or has a chip on his shoulder; instead, he looks into the future with optimism, knowing that he can rise
above gang life and poverty and do something constructive in the world.
Johnny Cade
Johnny, the meekest member of the Greasers, is slightly built, with big-black eyes in a dark tanned face and long, jetblack hair heavily greased and combed to the side. He has the appearance of "a little dark puppy that has been kicked
too many times and is lost in a crowd of strangers." He always seems to be cringing and uncertain of himself, largely
because he is a battered child. His father frequently beats him, and his mother ignores him except to scream at him
about something. As a result, the Greasers are always trying to protect Johnny. Dally, in particular, watches out for him,
and Johnny, in return, idolizes him; therefore, it is very surprising when Johnny tells Dally not to bother Cherry Valence.
Obviously, Johnny has the moral courage to stand up for what is right.
Before the novel begins, Johnny has been beaten up by the Socs for no reason. As a result, he is constantly nervous,
afraid of being hurt again. By nature, Johnny is not prone to violence; in fact, he is a very mild and decent teenager, just
like Pony. But he now carries a switchblade for self-defense. When he and Pony are jumped by the Socs in the park,
Johnny uses his switchblade to defend himself. In the fighting that ensues, he stabs and kills Bob. Pony is in shock to see
Bob lying dead on the ground, knowing that Johnny has killed him. After the murder, Johnny, who is usually meek and
mild, takes control, for Pony is paralyzed with fear. He suggests that they go and find Dally to get help. Johnny then
follows Dally's instructions, taking Pony with him to jump a freight train to Windrixville. During the train trip, it is Johnny
who stays awake in the boxcar and gets Pony up when it is time to jump off the train. Even when they reach the
comparative safety of the abandoned church, Johnny is the one who ventures out to purchase supplies; he is also the
one who thinks of cutting their hair in order to disguise their appearance. Though Johnny is as frightened as Pony, he
becomes the provider and comforter.
During their hide-out in the abandoned church, Johnny and Pony become very close. They spend their time reading
Gone With the Wind aloud, discussing life, and admiring sunsets. When Pony recites a poem by Frost, entitled "Nothing
Gold Can Stay," Johnny is sensitive enough to understand that beauty and innocence are transient and must be guarded
like gold. Johnny also displays a lot of courage and grit when he arrives at the decision to surrender himself to the police.
He has carefully analyzed the situation and decided that he does not want to endanger the innocent Pony any longer;
neither does he want to stay on the run for the rest of his life. Also, since he has no police record, he feels he will be
given a light sentence, especially since he killed Bob in self-defense.
Johnny proves that he is heroic when he immediately, with no thought of self, goes into the burning church to save the
children trapped inside. During the rescue effort, a burning timber falls on him. He is horribly burned and his back is
broken. In the hospital, it is obvious that he is close to death. Before he dies, he writes Pony a letter in which he says
that it is worth dying to have saved the children. He also encourages Pony to guard the gold, remember the good in the
world, and rise above being a Greaser. Johnny's words of encouragement positively and dramatically change Pony's life.
Throughout the book, Johnny longs to receive love from his parents, who do not really care about him. He tells Pony that
he is lucky to have Darry and Soda for brothers, for "I ain't got nobody." But Johnny never gives up hope about his
mother and father. When Dally comes to visit him and Pony at their hide-out in the church, he wants to know if his
parents have been worried about him. Dally has to tell him that they have not even made an inquiry about his
whereabouts. Then when Johnny is admitted to the hospital after the fire, he again wants to know if his parents have
asked about him. When his mother finally shows up at the hospital, shortly before he dies, Johnny thinks it is too late
and refuses to see her. He is convinced that she will simply yell at him for being an inconvenience, for he has been
treated as a bother throughout his existence.
Out of the tragedy of Johnny's death, there emerges a positive hope for Pony. Because of his dying friend's words of
encouragement, Pony promises to become a better person and reach out to help underprivileged children.
Dallas Winston
Dally, the meanest and most cynical member of the Greasers, has an elfish face, high cheekbones, a pointed chin, small,
sharp animal-like teeth, and ears like a lynx. His long blond hair is not greased, and his cold blue eyes capture the hatred
and resentment that he feels for the whole world. Dally's life has been particularly hard. He drinks excessively, lies,
cheats, steals, rolls drunks, and jumps small children. His life of crime began very early, for he was jailed at the age of ten
and has spent many days in prison for robbery and assault; he also spent three years living on the wild side in New York.
It is no wonder that he is "tougher, colder, meaner" than the other Greasers. In fact, Dally states that he is hardened to
life and even admits that he has no respect for the law. He thinks nothing of entering a drugstore and stealing two
packages of cigarettes or of sneaking over the fence into the drive- in theater. In fact, the only thing that he seems to be
honest about is automobile racing, which he enters and wins fairly.
In spite of his bad reputation, the Greasers can always count on Dally. When Two-Bit breaks the school windows, Dally
takes the blame and goes to jail. When Pony and Johnny approach him for help after Bob is killed, he unhesitatingly does
all he can for them; he gives them dry clothes, money, a loaded gun, and instructions for going to a hide-out. When the
police question him about the whereabouts of Pony and Johnny, he misdirects them to Texas in order to protect his
friends. He comes to visit them in the abandoned church to make sure that they are all right and do not need anything.
When Johnny says he is going to surrender, he tries to talk him out of it, for he does not want his friend to become
hardened in prison. When Johnny is trapped inside the burning building, he hits Pony across the back to keep him from
going inside and saves Johnny himself, without thinking of his own safety. When Johnny, his "pet," dies, Dally goes crazy.
He robs a store and then points an unloaded gun at the police, inviting them to shoot him. It is as if life has become too
much for him to bear.
The reader has to go beneath the surface in order to appreciate and understand Dally. He was a true victim of his
circumstances -- a product of deprivation, neglect, poverty, and indifference. He never knew any good in his short span
of life and had no role models to help him escape his life of crime. Johnny, however, realized that there was good in
Dally beneath the rough exterior. Pony realizes the same thing. He writes, "I remembered Dally pulling Johnny through
the window of the burning church; Dally giving us his gun, although it could mean jail for him; Dally risking his life for us,
trying to keep Johnny out of trouble...But Johnny was right. He died gallant."
PLOT (STRUCTURE)
The Outsiders, from the beginning to the end, is centered on the gang rivalry between the underprivileged Greasers
from the east side of town and the rich Socs from the west side. In particular, the plot is about the development of one
of the Greasers, Ponyboy Curtis, as he journeys down a path of self-discovery. The story unfolds in classical form.
Chapters 1-3 serve as an introduction; the main characters are described and the conflict is established. Chapters 4-11
present the rising action, including Bob's murder, Pony and Johnny's flight to Windrixville, the rescue of the children
from the burning church, Johnny's death, and Dally's death. The climax occurs late in the novel, during the last and final
chapter. After reading Johnny's letter written to him before his death, Pony at last accepts that his friend is gone and
decides to follow his advice and rise above a life of gangs and violence. The falling action is very brief, with Pony pledging
to spend his time and energy in teaching other people about the problems that underprivileged children must face,
hoping to find them help. He begins his mission by writing his semester theme for English class on the subject.
The novel is unified by time, place, and character. Only a few weeks pass in the book, from start to finish. Most of the
action takes place within a small town in or around Pony's house, with the only exception being the time spent in
Windrixville. Most importantly, the book centers on the development of Pony Curtis, the main character and narrator of
the novel. Since he tells the story, Pony is always present, and everything is seen from his point of view. Additionally,
Johnny, Dally, Darry, Soda, Two-Bit, and Cherry are repeatedly woven in and out of the narrative like a thread holding
the story together. Finally, the emphasis on the futility and tragedy of gang violence throughout the story further unifies
the plot.
Even though Pony's plot ends as a comedy, most of the story is tragic, almost from the first page of the novel. As Pony
walks home alone from the movie theater, he is jumped by the Socs for no reason. From this point forward, one
needless act of violence is followed by another. After the Socs see Johnny and Pony talking to some of their girlfriends,
they vow revenge. They follow the two Greasers and jump them in the park. In the fight that follows, Johnny stabs and
kills Bob in self-defense. Then Pony and Johnny feel compelled to go into hiding. When their hide-out catches on fire,
Johnny is seriously wounded while trying to rescue some children trapped inside. Pony, Johnny, and Dally are all taken to
the hospital, but Pony is quickly released, and Dally escapes. The two of them participate in the rumble that has been
scheduled between the Socs and the Greasers. Because the Greasers get help from the Brumly and Shepard gangs, they
easily defeat the Socs. But the tragedies are not yet over.
Johnny soon dies as a result of his severe burns and his broken back. Dally goes absolutely crazy in response to his death;
he leaves the hospital, robs a store, and points his unloaded gun at the police. He is then shot to death in front of his
friends. Pony faints at the sight and is delirious for three days. Even after he regains consciousness, he cannot
concentrate, do his schoolwork, or accept that Johnny and Dally are really dead. It seems that he will never recover;
fortunately, the story ends happily for Pony when he finds the letter from Johnny that encourages him to make
something of his life. Pony follows the advice and decides his mission will be to help underprivileged children. Because
of Johnny, Darry, Soda, and others who care for him, Pony is able to turn his life around and rise above the life of gangs
and poverty that he has always known.
THEME ANALYSIS
Major Themes
The novel deals with the needless pain and violence caused by gang rivalry. The entire book centers on the animosity
that exists between the Socs, the rich kids from the west side of town, and the Greasers, the impoverished teenagers
from the east side. Because the Socs think they are superior, they jump on the Greasers at every opportunity. Before the
book actually begins, they have beaten up Johnny Cade, the meekest Greaser, for absolutely no reason. Then in the first
chapter of the book, the Socs jump Pony, the main character, as he walks home from the movie theater alone. Such
needless violence leads directly to the death of Bob and indirectly to the deaths of Johnny and Dally.
When Pony, Johnny and Two-Bit befriend two Socy girls, Cherry and Marcia, there is some hope that with increased
interaction between the two gangs, their hostility will decrease. In fact, Pony and Cherry find that they can talk easily
with each other and have a lot in common, including their love for sunsets. But this friendship is not allowed to develop
because the Socs resent their girls fraternizing with the Greasers. As a result, Bob and a few other Socs attack Pony and
Johnny to teach them a lesson. During the fighting, Johnny kills Bob in self-defense. Pony and Johnny then hide in an
abandoned church in Windrixville. They rise above themselves and heroically rescue some children from the burning
church. During the rescue, Johnny is seriously wounded when a burning beam falls on his back; he is put in the hospital
and is not expected to live.
In spite of the fact that Johnny is close to death and Dally is injured, the tension between the Socs and the Greasers
increase. The Socs want to have a rumble to settle the score about Bob. In the fight that ensues, the Greasers are joined
by the Shepard and Brumly gangs; they easily defeat the Socs. But the violence is still not ended. When Johnny dies,
Dally goes crazy. He pounds the wall, rushes out of the hospital, robs a store, and points his unloaded gun at the police.
As a result, he is shot and killed while his friend watch in horror. Pony is so upset by the violence and the loss of another
friend that he is delirious for more than three days. Fortunately, Johnny's letter, written before his death, makes an
impact on Pony, and he vows to rise about his life of gangs and violence and promises to help other underprivileged
children. Like Johnny, he has realized the pain and futility of gang rivalry.
Minor Themes
A minor theme is that dysfunctional families place an unbelievable hardship on the children. Johnny has the look of a
kicked puppy, for he has been repeatedly beaten by his father and totally ignored by his mother. Dally has no family that
cares about him, and he has spent his life in and out of jail since the young age of ten. Darry has had to leave school and
work two jobs in order to support Soda and Pony after the death of his parents. Two-Bit's mother must work as a
barmaid to support him and his sister, because his father has deserted them. Steve hates his father, who neglects him.
All of these teenagers suffer from neglect and a lack of love; as a result, they join a gang in order to have a sense of
belonging.
Another minor theme is the injustice of judging people on appearances. The Socs get by with all of their meanness
because they appear normal; they live on the right side of town, have plenty of money, dress nicely, have short hair, and
drive expensive cars. As a result, they are never blamed for anything bad. In contrast, the Greasers are considered to be
hoods, because they are poor, they live on the wrong side of town, their hair is long and greased, and they wear strange
clothing. As a result, they are blamed for everything. In truth, it is the Socs who always start the trouble throughout the
book.
OTHER ELEMENTS
AUTHOR'S STYLE
Hinton wrote The Outsiders when she was just sixteen years old. The plot and the language are, therefore, not very
complicated, reflecting the author's immaturity. But because she understood gang rivalry on a firsthand basis, she
realistically captured the problems in the novel. She carefully pointed out that underprivileged children, like Dally, TwoBit, and Johnny, have a great chance of becoming juvenile delinquents if people do not pay attention to their problems.
There are several interrupters in the plot that are not realistic. After killing Bob, the meek and mild Johnny seems much
too calm and able to function. Even more unbelievable is the sudden fire in the abandoned church with no explanation
as to how it started. The sudden appearance of the children for a picnic at an abandoned building is also hard to accept
as plausible, as are the teachers who stand by and watch the fire as helpless spectators, while Pony and Johnny plunge
headlong into the burning church to rescue the children. The names of the Greasers, like Ponyboy, Sodapop, and TwoBit, are also a bit much. Also there are moments of excessive and irritating sentimentality, as when Darry calls Pony
"little buddy." In spite of these weaknesses, however, Hinton has painted a picture of troubled teenagers with a deep
sensitivity and a keen insight. Her characters come alive as real, human teenagers, and she successfully gains sympathy
for all of the Greasers.
The dialog in the book, though not sophisticated, properly and successfully captures typical teenage talk. For example,
Pony says of his middle brother, "Soda is handsomer than anyone else I know. Not like Darry - Soda's movie star kind of
handsome, the kind that people stop on the street to watch go by." Another example is found in Soda's letter to Pony,
which is filled with spelling and grammatical errors: "Darry hasn't got the slightest notion where you're at and it is nearly
killing him. I wish you'd come back and turn your selfves in but I guess you can't since Johnny might get hurt."
In addition, Hinton uses lots of vivid descriptions that bring the characters and action to life for the reader. A perfect
example is the description of Dally: "If I had to pick the real character of the gang, it would be Dallas Winston-Dally. I
used to like to draw his picture when he was in a dangerous mood, for then I could get his personality down in a few
lines. He had an elfish face, with high cheekbones and a pointed chin, small sharp animal teeth, and ears like a lynx. His
hair was almost white it was so blond, and he didn't like haircuts or hair oil either, so it fell over his forehead in wisps
and kicked out in the back in tufts and curled behind his ears and along the nape of his neck. His eyes were blue, blazing
ice, cold with a hatred of the whole world."
In conclusion, Hinton successfully depicts how teenagers living on the wrong side of town behave and feel by blending
realistic dialogue, vivid description, believable characters, and dynamic action. Despite its flaws, the novel is a powerful
portrayal of youth and is as relevant and gripping today, as it was when it was first published in 1967. It is truly a
remarkable effort for a sixteen-year- old author.
STUDY QUESTIONS
1. Compare and contrast the Socs and the Greasers.
2. Which gang is portrayed more favorably and how?
3. Describe Pony as a character during most of the book. What change does he undergo during the novel and why? What
is he like at the conclusion of the story?
4. Compare and contrast Soda and Darry. Why are they both important to Pony's development?
5. Johnny is portrayed as the meekest, mildest, and most sensitive of the Greasers. Give details from the book to support
this description. Why is he this way? How do the other Greasers treat him and why?
6. Explain some of the things that Dally does that makes him the meanest member of the Greasers.
7. What has made him this way? Explain if he has any redeeming features?
8. Do you feel the book has too much violence in it? Explain your answers, using details form the book as support.
9. Though flawed, The Outsiders is an honest and sensitive portrayal of children living on the wrong side of town. Explain
why you agree or disagree with this assessment of the novel.
10. What are the Themes of the novel and how are they developed?
11. Is The Outsiders still relevant today? Explain your answer.
12. Do you think it is obvious that the novel is the first effort of a sixteen year old author? Support your answer with
details from the book.