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.

OTHER ELEMENTS

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, Two-Bit, 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 Two-Bit, 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.

THE OUTSIDERS

KEY LITERARY ELEMENTS

SETTING

The Outsiders is set in a large, unnamed town in the United States. It is about a gang of teenage boys who are called the Greasers. They live on the east side of the town, also known as the wrong side of town; the eastside neighborhood is described in graphic detail. The story is set in the 1960's and relates the incidents that take place over a few days. After killing Bob, Pony and Johnny take shelter in an abandoned church in Windrixville. After it catches fire and burns down, they return to their hometown, where Johnny dies in a hospital.

CONFLICT

Protagonist:

Pony Curtis is the teenage narrator and protagonist of the novel. When his parents were killed in a car accident, Darry, his twenty- year-old brother, began to provide for him. He resents Darry's bullying manner, not realizing that he does so because he loves him and wants him to make something of himself. Pony belongs to an eastside gang of poor teenagers, called the Greasers; their rivals are the Socs, the rich kids living on the west side of town.

Antagonist:

Pony's antagonist is his status in life. Poor and from the wrong side of town, he gets no breaks in life, even though he is a good student and studies hard. He joins the Greasers because it is the thing to do if you live on the east side of town. Their rivals are the Socs, a gang of rich, spoiled kids living on the west side of town. The Socs constantly pick fights with the Greasers, and Bob, one of the Socs, attacks Johnny and Pony because they have been friendly with Cherry. Johnny kills Bob in self-defense, and he and Pony go into hiding in a church in Windrixville. When the church catches on fire, Johnny and Pony try to save the children trapped inside. Johnny is serious injured during the rescue and dies a few days later in a hospital. Dally, who was Johnny's best friend, is
completely shattered by his death. Crazy with grief, he robs a store and then threatens the police with an unloaded gun. As a result, he is killed. Now Pony has lost two friends. He falls sick, becomes delirious, tries to deny Johnny's death, and begins to fail in school.

Climax:

The climax occurs when Pony reads the letter that Johnny has written to him before his death. Johnny encourages his friend to
"stay gold" - to look for the sunsets and good things in life. He tells Pony that if he tries, he will be able to make something worthwhile out of his life. Reading the letter is the turning point in Pony's life.

Outcome:

The novel ends as a tragic comedy. Even though Bob, Johnny, and Dally have needlessly perished, Pony overcomes his problems, largely due to Johnny's letter of encouragement. He reconciles with Darry, finally understanding how much his older brother loves and cares for him. He also accepts that he does not have to be an outsider or a Greaser for the rest of his life. In order to seek help and understanding for underprivileged children like himself, Pony's mission becomes to tell others about the immense obstacles that stand in the way of success for teenagers from the wrong side of town. The novel, therefore, ends on a note of hope and optimism.

PLOT (Synopsis)

Pony Curtis is a member of the Greasers, a gang of poor teenagers with long, oily hair and from the wrong side of town. While returning home from the movies one night, Pony is attacked by the Socs, a gang of rich kids from the west side of town. Pony is afraid that they are going to kill him and starts shouting for help. His brothers (Darry and Soda), along with Steve Randle, Two Bit
Matthews, Dally Winston, and Johnny Cade, rush to his rescue.
After ascertaining that Pony is relatively unharmed, Darry shouts
at him for walking alone and tells him that he should use a bit of
common sense.

Darry is Pony's oldest brother who has provided for him since his parents were killed in a car accident. Darry knows that Pony is smart and wants him to do well in life. As a result, he constantly nags Pony about doing well in school and making good grades. Pony resents his brother's intrusion in his life and his unemotional ways. In contrast, Pony adores Soda, his middle brother. He is a high school dropout, who works at a gas station with his best friend Steve Randal. Two-Bit Matthews is a member of the Greasers who always tries to have the last word on things. Johnny Cade is another gang member whom everyone tries to protect,
because his father constantly tries to beat him up. The toughest character of the Greaser's gang is Dally, who has been in and out of jail since the age of ten.

Pony, Johnny, and Dally decide to go to the drive-in the next evening. There they meet Cherry and Marcia, friends of the Socs. Dally is rude and obnoxious. When Cherry throws a coke in his face, he stalks off in anger. Pony and Johnny are left to watch the movie with the girls, but they are soon joined by Two Bits. After the movie they decide to walk to Two Bits' house to pick up his car in order to take the girls home. Along the way, Pony and Cherry find that they have a lot in common; they are both are idealistic dreamers, who love sunsets. Suddenly a blue Mustang pulls up near them. Two members of the Socs, Bob and Randy, emerge from the car to confront them. A fight almost takes place between the boys, but Cherry prevents it by getting into the Mustang.

Two-Bit goes off to play snooker, and Pony and Johnny go to the vacant lot where they often hang out. At about two-thirty in the
morning, Pony gets up with a start, for he has fallen asleep in the vacant lot. He rushes home to find Darry awake and frantic with worry. He shouts at Pony, which results in an argument. When Darry slaps his younger brother, Pony rushes out of the house and finds Johnny. As they walk in the park, Bob, Randy, and several other Socs attack them for being with their girls earlier. In the fight that follows, Johnny, in self-defense, kills Bob with his switchblade.

In a panic, Johnny and Pony go to Dally for help. He gives them a loaded gun, money, and directions to reach an abandoned church in Windrixville, where they can hide out. They change their appearance by cutting off their long hair and pass the time by reading Gone with the Wind and discussing life. Once Pony recites one of Robert Frost's poems, "Nothing Gold Can Stay." Johnny understands that "gold" in the poem stands for freshness, innocence, and purity.

On the fifth day of their hiding, Dally comes to visit Pony and Johnny. He takes them out to eat and informs them that the tension between the Socs and the Greasers has increased. A rumble between the two gangs is supposedly to take place the following evening. Dally says that he has started carrying an unloaded gun to serve as a deterrent to any serious trouble. Johnny announces his decision to turn himself in to the police, for he does not want to be on the run for the rest of his life. He believes that he will get a light sentence since he has killed Bob in self-defense. Dally tries to dissuade him; he knows first-hand that any prison time is miserable.

THEMES

Major

The major theme of the novel revolves around the purposelessness of any gang of teenagers. The book centers on the foolish gang rivalry existing between the Socs, the rich kids from the west side of town, and the Greasers, the poor kids from the east side.

Pony, the protagonist of the story, is bitter about the fact that the wealthy Socs have nice cars, fancy clothes, and girlfriends; things
are simply easier for them than for the Greasers. Because the Socs are convinced that they are better, they constantly pick on
members of the Greasers, who fight back. During one squabble, Bob, one of the Socs, is murdered by Johnny in self-defense. Then Johnny, while hiding out in a church, is killed while trying to rescue children from the burning building. In reaction to Johnny's
death, Dally, his best friend, goes on a rampage. He robs a store and points an unloaded gun at the police; as a result, he is shot and killed. Because of the needless gang fighting, three teenagers are killed in the novel, clearly pointing out the negative aspect of belonging to a gang. Hinton is obviously trying to warn the reader against participation in any gang.

Minor

Related to the major theme of the book is the theme that a teenager can rise above his circumstances through hard work, patience, and determination. Pony is the proof of this theme. Even though he is born into poverty, loses his parents in a car accident at an early age, and participates in the Greasers, by the end of the book, he is determined to better his plight in life, largely due to the encouragement he receives from the deceased Johnny in a letter. At the close of the novel, Pony wants to tell the world that underprivileged children need to have some breaks in order to get ahead and need to be judged for who they are, not by how they
look or how they dress. Hinton definitely convinces the reader that Pony, because of his intelligence and determination, will rise above the poverty and gang life that he was born into.
 

MOOD

When the story opens, the mood is bitter and rebellious. Pony and the other Greasers resent the fact that the Socs have lots of money, nice cars, fancy clothes, and many girlfriends. In contrast, they are poor and must work extremely hard for everything they have. In addition, society is prejudiced against them because of their clothes, long hair, and greasy appearance. In the middle of the novel, the mood becomes increasingly angry. The Greasers are tired of the Socs always picking on them, and the Socs are furious about the Greasers hanging out with some of "their girls." As a result, the Socs jump Pony and Johnny. In self-defense Johnny kills Bob, one of the Socs. The mood then becomes one of terror. Pony and Johnny are scared for their own safety and fear the police. Upon Dally's advice, they hide in an abandoned church and worry about being found. The mood then switches to great sadness, for Johnny, in trying to rescue the children when the church catches on fire, is killed himself. Dally then gets himself foolishly shot by the police, leaving Pony with two less friends. By the end of the novel, however, the mood has some degree of hope. Pony is determined to rise above his past. He adopts a new mission in life, to tell the world about the problems and deprivations of underprivileged children, like himself. It is obvious that in the end, Hinton is very sympathetic towards the plight of Pony and the
Greasers.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Author Information

Susan Eloise Hinton was born in 1948 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she was raised. She was a good student and attended the University of Tulsa, majoring in education. Her first novel, The Outsiders, was written when she was sixteen years old and published in 1967. Though it is her first book, it is probably her best known. The story revolves around two rival gangs, one rich and the other poor. The book is remarkable for its action-packed plot, believable characters, and realistic language. Her second novel, That was Then, This is Now (1971), again deals with the problems of teenage boys and drug abuse. Rumble Fish (1975) is the story of a fourteen-year-old boy, who tries to emulate his elder brother, a former gang leader. Tex (1979) deals with two teenage brothers who have been abandoned by their father. Taming the Star Runner (1988) is about Travis, a city boy, who was sent to stay with his uncle on a ranch in the country; like the horse, Star Runner, he is not meant to be tamed.

All of Hinton's novels are set in her hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, where she continues to live with her husband and son.
Her books deal with teenage problems, such as poverty, rejection, violence, alcohol, and drug abuse. Although her youthful characters often reject authority, they always have a sense of hope during her novels. As a result, they are frequently taught in
classrooms at both the high school and middle school levels. In addition, Hinton has received acclaim for her realistic writing. In
1988, she was awarded the first annual Margaret A. Edwards Award by the American Library Association, in honor of "an author whose book or books, over a period of time, have been accepted by young adults as an authentic voice that continues to illuminate their experiences and emotions, giving insight into their lives."

HISTORICAL INFORMATION

The Outsiders was published in 1967, a restless time in the United States when teenagers were outspoken and rebellious. They hated the Vietnam War and the establishment that caused it to continue. They resented the fact that young people from minorities and underprivileged backgrounds were not given opportunities to succeed. To voice their dissatisfaction, they had sit-ins and protests; many became hippies, and others turned to drugs. It was this society that formed the background for Hinton's first novel. She was only sixteen years old at the time of its publication. As a result of her being a teenager herself, she was able to realistically understand and depict the plight of the underprivileged youth, Pony Curtis, as he battled to survive in a world of gang fights and dysfunctional family. She truly knew the desperate need of her youthful characters to be accepted by young and old alike.

In most of Hinton's novels, including The Outsiders, adults are
never major characters. In fact, most of the adults in her books are rather weak individuals. In The Outsiders, Jerry Wood and Mrs. O'Briant are two teachers who stand by rather helplessly when the church catches fire, while her teenage characters go into immediate action. Mrs. Cade is the only other adult in the novel, and she has never done anything to rescue Johnny from the abuse he receives from his father; she does not even seem worried about him when he runs away after Bob is killed. When she finally comes to the hospital to see her son as he is dying, she only complains about his ingratitude.

The language that Hinton uses in her novels is very typical of teenagers of the time. The dialogue is always liberally peppered
with street slang, adding to the realism of the characters. Hinton admits that she is a character writer. The young people that she
brings to life in her fiction are much more important to her than the plot. She says that even though her teenagers are always fictional,
"I always know my characters, exactly what they look like, their birthdays, what they like for breakfast . . . [they] are as real to me
as anyone else in my life, so much so that if I ran into one of them at the laundry, I wouldn't be all that surprised."

Although Ms. Hinton is no longer a teenager herself, she still concentrates on writing about teenage characters and gears her novel to a teenage audience, largely because she has met with great success in the past and her teenage readers always want her to write more.

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.

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 dark-haired 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.

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 self-
defense 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 Anderson 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.