Discussion Topic
Ponyboy and Johnny's Reliance on Dally in The Outsiders
Summary:
In The Outsiders, Ponyboy and Johnny seek Dally's help after Johnny kills Bob in self-defense. Knowing they need money, a gun, and a plan to evade the police, they trust Dally for his street smarts and experience. Dally provides them with essentials and a hideout plan at an abandoned church. Later, after a rumble with the Socs, Dally takes Ponyboy to see Johnny, who is dying from injuries, allowing them to say goodbye before Johnny's death.
In Chapter 4 of The Outsiders, why do Ponyboy and Johnny seek Dally's help?
After killing Bob the Soc in the park, Pony and Johnny know they need to hide from the police, since turning themselves in doesn't seem to be an option. Johnny decided that
"We'll need money. And maybe a gun. And a plan."
Johnny knew that Dallas Winston would know what to do, so they headed to Buck Merril's place, where a party was underway. Johnny knew that Dallas's street savvy and his hatred of both Socs and the police would help him to come up with a plan. Dally had previously staked out the abandoned church on Jay Mountain and planned to use it himself as a hideout, if necessary. Now, it was the perfect place for Pony and Johnny to use. Dally provided them with money, a gun, some dry clothes, and the route by train to the church. There he would meet them later in the week.
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Why did Ponyboy seek Dally's help in The Outsiders?
After Johnny kills Bob Sheldon in self-defense to prevent him from drowning Ponyboy, the two Greasers realize that they are in serious trouble and need to speak with an experienced person for help. Johnny and Pony are aware that they need money, a gun, and a plan, which is why they decide to turn to Dally, who is a seasoned criminal and someone they can trust. Dally is by far the most experienced, notorious criminal they know, and the boys believe that he can help them out of their jam.
Johnny and Pony proceed to travel to Buck Merrill's place, where they find Dally and explain to him their serious situation. Fortunately, Dally is a huge help and ends up giving his friends money, a gun, warm clothes, and a plan to skip town. Dally instructs the boys to hop a train to Windrixville, where they can hide out in an abandoned church on Jay Mountain while things settle down back home. Despite being a menace to society, Dally is an extremely loyal friend who helps Pony and Johnny when they need it the most.
Why did Dally take Ponyboy to see Johnny after the rumble in The Outsiders?
Dally takes Ponyboy to see Johnny because he was very badly hurt and he is dying.
Johnny was injured very badly in the fire at the church. As a result, he succumbs to his injuries. After the rumble, Dally takes Ponyboy to see him because he wants him to be able to say goodbye.
Dally tries to muscle his way into Johnny’s room with a switchblade, but the doctor says he doesn’t need the knife. They can see Johnny because he is their friend.
Johnny is in bad shape. As Johnny is dying, he is happy that Dally is proud of him.
"Yeah, they're calling you a hero now and heroizin' all the greasers. We're all proud of you, buddy." (ch 9)
Ponyboy is saddened by the fact that Johnny does not look peaceful when he dies. He just looks dead. It is the end of Johnny’s struggle. He was always in pain, from his father’s abuse to the Socs jumping him. At the very least Johnny is no longer suffering. As Dally said, he died a hero and made people look at greaers differently.