How Ponyboy Changes In The Outsiders

The Outsiders-How Ponyboy changes

Ponyboy Curtis probably changes more throughout the book than any other character. Ponyboy is a good student at the start of the story and tries his best to stay out of trouble. Aside from the death of his parents, Ponyboy has suffered less than most of the other characters. His older brother, Darry, tries to protect him from the gang violence with the Socs, and he comes down on Ponyboy after he is jumped by a Soc gang while walking alone. Darry rarely allows Pony to go out on school days, in order to for Ponyboy to have a bright future, unlike most of the other greasers.

However, the attack by the Socs in the park leaves a Soc dead, and Pony and Johnny decide to leave town and hide out in an abandoned church.

Ponyboy fears the unknown and worries about what will happen to them when they are finally caught. When the church catches fire Ponyboy and Johnny run inside the burning building to save the children inside. Ponyboy's life changes forever following his heroic act. Johnny is badly burned, and dies from his injuries, costing Ponyboy his best friend.
Following Johnny's death, Ponyboy seems to give up hope of his old life.

His friends worry that he has grown hard and they hope that he will return to his old self. In the end, when it appears that he may have to repeat a year of high school, his English teacher allows him extra time to complete an essay. Pony decides to tell his story, of The Outsiders. 

Throughout the book, Ponyboy gains a new look on life and becomes understanding to Darry's situation. At the beginning of the story, Ponyboy thinks that his older brother does not truly care about him and feels that the Soc gang members live perfect lives. As the story continues, Ponyboy becomes friends with Cherry, a Soc and learns that Socs have their own struggles. Following the church fire, Ponyboy realizes that Darry does love him and is concerned about his future.

As Ponyboy matures, he views the members of the gang differently. Johnny has a significant impact on Ponyboy's thinking, and Ponyboy realizes that other Greasers are complicated people with good things about them, despite acting tough all the time. Ponyboy learns to look up to Dally for his courage and loyalty, as well as Johnny for his intelligence and judgement. Sodapop also helps Ponyboy reflect upon his actions and encourages him to get along with Darry. Ponyboy ends up maturing into a understanding, thoughtful person by the end of the

book.