How Is Ponyboy Loyal

Thrilling and meaningful, S.E Hinton provides a shocking idea of what a world filled with hatred, violence, and a drop of hope is really like in The Outsiders. Set in the 1960s of Oklahoma, Ponyboy’s neighborhood is divided into two sections, on the East Side are the Greasers and on the West Side are the Socs. These two groups are sadly called arch nemeses based on misconception. Everyone believes Greasers to be the hoods or even gangsters while the Socs are the well-privileged, sophisticated, or the high class. No one expects or believes Greasers to positively contribute to society and most just think of them as dirty lowlives. Throughout many times in the book, the Greasers and Socs clash until something or someone has Ponyboy on the run.

Even though Greasers are thought to be selfish and only care for themselves, Ponyboy proves them wrong by being the loyal person he is to his friends at any cost. “‘This is my fault...You ought to go home. You can’t get into any trouble.’...‘No!... I’m in it as much as you are.’” (74) Ponyboy clearly shows that even though he can get into jail by staying, he will never, under any circumstances, leave his friend, even if it means death. He displays that even when his friends or family members plead for him to leave, he will not run to safety by himself but stay with them to face danger together. Ponyboy is willing to lie just to help his companions and is probably the only one in his friend circle who would stay. He believes himself to be one with his friends and he doesn’t display any selfishness for his well being. “‘Where’s Johnny? And Dallas?... Are Johnny and Dallas all right?.’”(94) The first thing Pony says when he wakes up is asking about his friends. He does not even bother to first address his own condition. He gives an idea of how devout he is by not caring for himself first but his friends. Although the man in front of him tries to change the subject to Ponyboy’s condition, Ponyboy does not care and instead, decides to find out how his friends are. He demonstrates his devotion in the book multiple times and gives a true meaning of what

Most people do not, and especially in hoods and greasers, see kindness. They believe hoods to be the thieves, murderers, and gangsters, in other words, people with no sympathy or absolutely no kindness. However, Ponyboy demonstrates that kindness is a trait that even Greasers can have. “‘What in the world are you doing?’... ‘Picking up the glass’…I didn’t want anyone to get a flat tire.” (172) Many times, his friends tell him not to get “hard” but Ponyboy believes himself to be tough like Greasers should be. Ponyboy doesn’t believe himself to be kind or nice but he accidentally proves himself wrong multiple times. He doesn’t want anyone to be hurt or get a flat tire. Even if it’s a minor thing, Pony always make sures that he doing his best helping others. “‘I couldn’t use this. I couldn’t ever cut anyone.’” (45) Ponyboy manifests that even if he is in danger, he can’t hurt anyone. Ponyboy clearly shows his consideration to others despite the fact that it means that he will get injured. He proves himself wrong about the idea of him being tough and shows us that kindness still exists in the dreadful world he lives