Analysis of The Characters Ponyboy, Soda Pop, and Darry in The Outsiders

Introduction

“They grew up on the outside of society. They weren't looking for a fight. They were looking to belong.” This line, from the movie poster of The Outsiders film, encapsulates the essence of S.E. Hinton’s fictional book, The Outsiders. The story follows three brothers—Dally, Sodapop, and Ponyboy—who navigate the challenging path of being outsiders in their society. Orphaned and part of a gang, these brothers live in a world of violence and struggle. Their gang, composed of vigorous young boys, has endured brutal situations growing up. As the story unfolds, three greasers exhibit courage by saving children in a life-threatening situation, which makes them stand out. The characters who most vividly represent the theme of outsiderness are Dally, Johnny, and Ponyboy. The novel is set on the east side of a small town, where the three brothers—Ponyboy, Sodapop, and Darry—reside together in a rundown house.

Character Analysis: Dally

The first character, Dally, embodies outsiderness through his lonely and seemingly purposeless existence. His life is marked by desolation and melancholy, largely due to his rough childhood. At the beginning of the story, Ponyboy is attacked by Socs, but his gang rescues him and chases the Socs away. This is when the author begins to describe the gang. Hinton writes, “Dally had spent three years on the wild side of New York and had been arrested at the age of ten” (Hinton, 1967, p. 11). This insight into Dally’s childhood highlights the profound impact it had on him, setting him apart from the other gang members. Additionally, Dally’s lack of familial love contributes to his outsider status. In the middle of the story, Dally takes Ponyboy and Johnny to a restaurant after visiting them in Windrixville. When Johnny inquires about his parents, Dally reveals that his own parents have never cared for him, saying, “Shoot, my old man don’t give a hang whether I’m in jail or dead in a car wreck or drunk in the gutter. That don’t bother me none” (Hinton, 1967, p. 88). This absence of parental love and his indifferent attitude towards life make Dally a quintessential outsider.

Character Analysis: Johnny

Johnny is identified as an outsider through his selflessness, emotional depth, and loyalty. Early in the story, after Ponyboy is attacked, the gang rescues him, and Johnny’s unique position within the group is highlighted. Hinton writes, “If it hadn’t been for the gang, Johnny would never have known what love and affection are” (Hinton, 1967, p. 12). The gang is Johnny’s sole source of happiness, compensating for his abusive home life. During a visit to the drive-in movies with Dally and Ponyboy, Johnny shows uncharacteristic courage by standing up to Dally. Hinton notes, “Dallas scowled for a second. If it had been me, or Two-Bit, or Soda or Steve or anyone but Johnny, Dally would have flattened him without a moment's hesitation...Johnny was the gang’s pet, too” (Hinton, 1967, p. 21). This special status within the gang underscores Johnny’s outsider nature. Despite his loyalty, Johnny is haunted by his parents’ neglect, leading to feelings of alienation and hopelessness, evident when he confides, “I can’t take this much more. I’ll kill myself or something” (Hinton, 1967, p. 47).

Character Analysis: Ponyboy Curtis

Ponyboy Curtis stands out as an outsider due to his intelligence, age, and sensitivity. Unlike his peers, Ponyboy dislikes violence, a trait revealed during a conversation about hunting: “I couldn’t tell Dally that I hated to shoot things. He’d think I was soft” (Hinton, 1967, p. 56). This aversion to violence sets him apart from his gang. Furthermore, Ponyboy’s family situation contributes to his outsider status. When Randy visits Ponyboy, he explains, “My parents are dead. I live here with just Darry and Soda, my brothers” (Hinton, 1967, p. 98). Living without parents in a rough neighborhood makes Ponyboy an outsider in both his gang and school. His intelligence and sensitivity are further highlighted during a confrontation with the Socs, where Two-Bit advises him, “Ponyboy, listen, don’t get tough. You’re not like the rest of us and don’t try to be” (Hinton, 1967, p. 144). This moment underscores Ponyboy’s distinctiveness and awareness, reinforcing his outsider status.

Conclusion

In examining Dally, Johnny, and Ponyboy, it is evident that they are the three characters who most powerfully embody the theme of outsiderness in S.E. Hinton’s story. Being an outsider can be perceived both negatively and positively, depending on one’s perspective. As they grow, these characters navigate the complexities of society, learning to stay true to themselves. As Johnny poignantly advises on page 181, “Stay gold” and don’t change for anything or anyone (Hinton, 1967, p. 181).

References

• Hinton, S. E. (1967). The Outsiders. Viking Press.