Discussion Topic
The reasons behind Two-Bit and Tim Shepard searching for Dallas in The Outsiders
Summary:
Two-Bit and Tim Shepard are searching for Dallas because they want to ensure he doesn't get into more trouble. They are concerned about his reckless behavior and want to look out for him as part of their gang loyalty and camaraderie.
Why does Two-Bit say that Tim Shepard is searching for Dally in The Outsiders?
Tim Shepard is the leader of an organized gang that is likely to use violence and fight dirty, especially in contrast to Ponyboy’s friends, who rumble for fun and rarely go looking for trouble.
In the second chapter of The Outsiders, Tim Shepard is looking for Dally because Dally slashed his car’s tires. Tim’s brother, Curtis, saw him do it. Cars are an incredibly important of identity for the characters of The Outsiders, so Dally's prank might have been seen as a personal attack. Especially since the greasers have to save up money for a long time to afford repairs to their cars, slashing tires is no joke! However, since all of the members of the Shepard gang identify as greasers, they’ll definitely show up whenever any of Ponyboy’s friends need help.
Why was Two-Bit looking for Dallas in The Outsiders?
Two-bit wanted to see Dallas because he was in the hospital after...
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the church fire.
Johnny, Dally, and Pony were all injured trying to rescue a group of kids from a fire at the church where Pony and Johnny were hiding out. Johnny's back was broken, so he was injured the worst of the three. Pony's injuries were minor enough that he was released first.
Johnny was hurt more badly than Dally, but both Johnny and Dally were in the hospital when the gang went to visit. They went to see Johnny first. Johnny was in bad shape, and the nurse refused to let them stay. At that time, Two-bit decided to visit Dallas.
"I wish it was any one of us except Johnny," he said, and his voice was serious for once. "We could get along without anyone but Johnny."
Turning abruptly, he said, "Let's go see Dallas." (Ch. 8)
The usually carefree Two-bit is deeply concerned about Johnny’s condition. Johnny is the gang’s pet, and everyone loves him. For him to be so young and lying near death in a hospital bed is tragic.
Dallas is a bit of a different picture when they go to visit him.
DALLY WAS ARGUING with one of the nurses when we came in. He grinned at us. "Man, am I glad to see you! These--- hospital people won't let me smoke, and I want out!" (Ch. 8)
Physically, Dallas was not injured as badly as Johnny. However, he also took Johnny’s condition hard. When Johnny later died, Dallas was heartbroken and in a rage of grief. He slammed himself against the wall and took off running. He later committed suicide by cop, unable to handle the situation. Dally was tough, but he was also sensitive. Like Two-bit, he really cared about Johnny. He might have also felt guilty about suggesting the church for them to hide in.