Similarities Between Dally And Dality In The Outsiders

How can two people, who have countless differences, still have similarities? This is true of two characters, Dally Winston and Johnny Cade, in the novel The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton. Johnny and Dally are similar because they both have neglectful parents and place little value on their own lives. In contrast, Johnny is the most law-abiding and Dally is the least. Also, Dally likes to fight, but Johnny does not. Therefore, Dally and Johnny have different personalities, but similar problems. One similarity between Dally and Johnny, is that they both have extremely neglectful parents. Throughout the story, Dally never once mentions his mother, which shows how little of a role she plays in her son’s life. Moreover, the only time Dally mentions

Dally is always getting into trouble and disregarding the law. He does not care if he gets caught because Dally believes he has nothing to live for. After losing Johnny, Dally pulls a gun on the police. Pony says, “I knew he would be dead, because Dally Winston wanted to be dead and he always got what he wanted” (154). Dally knew the police would shoot him after he pulled out the gun, but Dally does not see a point to living anymore. He committed suicide due to feeling his life was not worth living. Dally’s action shows he does not value his life. Likewise, Johnny does not find his life valuable either. With all of the abuse Johnny endured in his life, he feels so worthless to the point where he does not want to live anymore. In the letter he wrote to Ponyboy, it is clear he feels this way. Johnny writes, “Their lives are worth more than mine, they have more to live for” (178). Johnny is referring to the kids he saved in the church; he places more value on the kids’ lives than his own because Johnny feels he does not have a purpose for living. An additional example of Johnny placing little value on his life is when he and Ponyboy are in the lot. Johnny says, “‘I’ll kill myself or something’” (47). Only a person who considers their life unimportant would experience suicidal thoughts. Therefore, Johnny feels convinced his life has little significance. Neither Johnny nor Dally

Dally beats up kids, steals things, and cheats just in the hopes of picking a fight. Before the rumble is about to start, Dally comes running in. He says, “Don’t you know a rumble ain’t a rumble unless I’m in it?” (144). Dally breaks out of the hospital to go fight in the rumble, even with his injured arm. Dally undoubtedly enjoys beating up the Socs and especially watching them lose. Another instance in which Dally shows his lust for fighting is when he is in a dime store. Ponyboy says of Dally, “One time, . . . a guy told him to move over . . . Dally had turned around and belted him so hard it knocked a tooth loose” (24). Even when it has no effect, Dally still likes to pick fights. More often than not, Dally has no reason for fighting, he just does it for fun. On the other hand, Johnny does not like fighting and has a very negative view on it. Throughout the novel, Johnny is always telling everyone how fighting won’t solve anything. For example, when Johnny is dying in the hospital, Dally comes in and tells him the greasers beat the Socs. To this, Johnny replies, “‘Useless . . . fighting’s no good’” (148). Even while Johnny can barely choke out words, he still feels he has to tell Dally and Pony this. Therefore, it is clear to see Johnny believes fighting is impractical. The discrepancy between Dally and Johnny’s views on fighting is an example of how these two