hurt.  Get smart and nothing can touch you".  Ironically, as Ponyboy is thinking about the benefits of letting himself become hardened, he is simultaneously crouching down on the ground picking up the glass he has broken, so no one will get a flat tire.  This small demonstration of sensitivity is evidence that, somewhere beneath the shell Ponyboy has erected to protect himself after the traumatic events of the past week, his unique spirit of depth and innocence still remains (Chapter 12).

In the opening scene of the novel, Ponyboy is walking home from the movies alone when he gets jumped by a group of Socs. The Socs throw Ponyboy on the ground, punch him in the face a few times, and hold a knife to his throat. Pony then begins to scream for help, and suddenly there is the sound of people running towards him which makes the Socs take off. When the Greasers come to his aid, they are extremely concerned about Ponyboy's well-being. Darry is the first Greaser to arrive and shakes Ponyboy while he asks him if he is alright. Soda then pulls out his handkerchief and gently pats Pony's wounds. The rest of the Greasers arrive after they chase down the fleeing Socs and throw rocks at their cars. Two-Bit jokingly comments on Pony's injuries by saying, "Nice cut, too. Makes you look tough" (Hinton 11). Steve then brings up the fact that Ponyboy was walking home by himself and Darry criticizes his brother for not using his head. Soda is quick to stick up for Ponyboy and Two-Bit offers to go to the movies with Pony the next time.

Overall, Darry was upset that Ponyboy was walking alone, while Soda seemed more caring and comforted Pony after finding out that he was jumped. Two-Bit humorously comments on Pony's injuries but is concerned about his health, while Steve is critical of Pony's decision to walk alone. Johnny and Dally don't say much, but are also concerned about Pony's well-being.