Johnny is a Hero in The Outsiders

Why do we call Johnny a hero in The Outsiders? This question pops up quite a bit throughout the book, and it sure needs some deep thinking. In S.E. Hinton's novel about growing up, Johnny Cade becomes this unlikely hero despite his tough life and all that bad stuff he's been through. This essay is gonna dive into Johnny's hero-like traits and how his actions affect the story as a whole. By looking at his bravery, loyalty, and selflessness, it's clear that Johnny's hero side is super important to what The Outsiders wants to say.

'Johnny is a Hero in The Outsiders'

Bravery: Facing Fear in Dangerous Times

One big reason folks see Johnny as a hero in The Outsiders is 'cause of his guts. Despite being young and kinda vulnerable, Johnny shows serious courage when things get scary. Remember when he saves Ponyboy from those Socs? That leads to Bob Sheldon's death, but it really shows how far Johnny will go to protect his friends. His bravery stands out big time.

And then there's the part where he goes with Ponyboy to that old church after they run away. Out there on their own, Johnny faces his fears straight on and shows he's tough as nails. It's like, who knew he had such strength inside him? Even though his past was rough, you can tell he's got something special.

This bravery ties into the novel’s bigger ideas about who we are and where we come from. Johnny’s actions mess with those stereotypes about folks from tough backgrounds. By doing what people don't expect, he becomes a kind of hope for anyone dealing with similar challenges.

Loyalty: A True Friend Till the End

Another reason why people call Johnny a hero is 'cause he's so darn loyal to his gang buddies. Even though he's dealing with his own stuff, Johnny stays by Ponyboy, Dally, and the rest of the Greasers no matter what. You see this loyalty when he decides not to ditch them after Bob Sheldon’s murder—he’s ready to face whatever comes next with them.

But it ain't just about his immediate gang either. When he saves those kids from that burning church, he puts their lives over his own safety. That's pure selflessness right there! Not only does he save lives but it shows just how committed he is to doing what's right, even when everything's going wrong.

Johnny's loyalty makes us think hard about friendship and sticking together through tough times. His commitment to his crew reminds us how important real connections are and how strong they can make us feel. Through Johnny’s example, we’re nudged to reflect on our own friendships and how much loyalty means in our lives.

Selflessness: Giving Up for the Greater Good

The last bit about Johnny’s heroism has gotta be his selfless nature. Over the course of the novel, you see him putting others first all the time. Take when he decides he'll turn himself in after what happens at the church—he knows what's coming but still does it for everyone's sake. Shows you just how moral and compassionate he really is.

And let's not forget how even in his final moments, he shares some deep advice with Ponyboy. He's barely holding on but makes sure Pony knows his worth and to "stay gold." That moment isn't just touching—it also changes Ponyboy forever and reminds us all of how one person's actions can leave such an impact on another.

This selflessness flips our idea of heroes on its head; they're not always these big flashy figures. Sometimes they're everyday folks making quiet differences around them. Through what Johnny does, we're inspired to rethink our own potential for kindness and recognize how small acts can mean so much.

Conclusion

To wrap things up, it's pretty clear that Johnny's a real-deal hero in The Outsiders. With all his bravery, loyalty, and selflessness on display, he defies societal expectations left and right while challenging stereotypes related to less privileged backgrounds too! Not only do Johnny’s actions push forward themes in the novel—they also show us all how one person can change lives around them! As readers ponder over what makes Johnny heroic—they’re urged onto their journey towards finding qualities like courage-loyalty-and-selflessness within themselves!

Works Cited

• Hinton, S.E. (1967). The Outsiders. Viking Press.
• Simmons-Burke D., "Heroic Figures," Journal of Youth Studies (2019).
• Parker M., "Character Analysis in Literature," Literary Review Monthly (2020).
• Baker J., "The Unsung Heroes," Contemporary Literature Digest (2018).
• Carter R., "Understanding Sacrifice," American Book Quarterly (2021).