Why does Darry slap Ponyboy in The Outsiders?
In chapter three of The Outsiders,
Ponyboy dozes off next to
Johnny in a parking lot after their exciting night with the Soc
cheerleaders. When Ponyboy finally wakes up, he realizes that it is two o'clock
in the morning, meaning he has accidentally stayed out past his curfew. Ponyboy
sprints home, where he finds his older brother
Darry anxiously waiting up for him in the living room. As soon as Ponyboy
enters the house, he can tell that Darry is furious. Darry demands to know
where Ponyboy was, exclaiming that he was about ready to call the police.
Ponyboy tries to explain that he fell asleep in the lot with Johnny , but Darry interrupts, saying that he’s been worried sick the entire time and criticizing Ponyboy for not using his head. Sodapop tries to defuse the situation and defend Ponyboy, but Darry snaps at him as well. This...
Unlock This Answer Now
Start your 48-hour free trial and get ahead in class. Boost your grades with access to expert answers and top-tier study guides. Thousands of students are already mastering their assignments—don't miss out. Cancel anytime.
Already a member? Log in here.
leads Ponyboy to lose his temper, and he shouts “You don't yell at him!” Suddenly, Darry turns around and slaps Ponyboy across the face. Ponyboy, stunned and hurt that Darry hit him, immediately runs out the door and down the street, ignoring Darry’s frantic apology.
As the sole guardian for his younger brothers, Darry must shoulder a great deal of responsibility and pressure; even something as simple as calling the police to report his missing brother could result in him losing custody. Ultimately, Darry allows his emotions to get the better of him and slaps Ponyboy as a thoughtless reaction to a frustrating situation.
Why is the scene with Darry slapping Ponyboy important in The Outsiders?
As previous posters have mentioned, the moment plays two important roles in the story. One is in moving the plot forward and serving as the incident that drives Ponyboy to run away and meet Johnny. This of course leads to Johnny stabbing Bob and the rest of the story follows from there. Some might even refer to it as the "inciting incident" given its importance to the plot as a whole.
It also serves to highlight the incredible pressure that Darry feels as the head of the household. He is really too young to be in a position of authority over his two younger brothers, particularly because they are so close to him in age. The pressure he has accepted of keeping the family afloat and keeping the boys together is an intense burden.
Like many people in his position, he doesn't know how to show his love and concern and it often comes out as being harsh and authoritative. The worry he feels about his brothers is genuine and certainly justified given their circumstances. This explosion also helps Darry to realize that he has to figure out a different way to communicate his concern and love for his brothers.
Why did Darry smack Ponyboy's mouth in The Outsiders?
In chapter 3, Pony and Johnny end up relaxing outside and stare at the stars as they daydream about a better life. Pony accidentally falls asleep and wakes up to Johnny shaking him. Pony knows that he will get into trouble with Darry for staying out past his curfew and immediately races home. When Pony arrives home, the porch light is on, and Darry is waiting up for him. Darry proceeds to yell at Pony for staying out until two in the morning, which prompts Pony to scream back at him. As Darry and Pony's argument continues to intensify, Sodapop attempts to intervene, and Darry starts to yell at him. Pony then tries to defend Sodapop, and Darry ends up slapping him across the face. As soon as Darry smacks Pony in the mouth, Pony sprints out of the house and meets up with Johnny in a nearby park. Overall, Darry is upset with Pony for staying out past his curfew and arguing with him.