The Outsiders

Preparing for a rumble gives greasers a chance to fully embrace their “greasiness,” and fully embrace and perform their solidarity. Even though Ponyboy no longer has his “tuff” hair, with enough hair oil, he can shift back into his comfortable group identity. The rumble provides readers with an opportunity to compare the greasers to groups other than the Socs, and Ponyboy points out that not all groups labeled as “hoods” are the same. Even though the greasers enjoy fighting for several reasons (137), Pony knows that his friends never want to genuinely hurt someone. Their toughness masks an inner kindness and sincerity, and their education and collective potential sets them apart from the true criminals like Tim Shepard’s or the Brumly gangs. Ponyboy knows that those “young hoods [...] would grow up to be old hoods” (137) and knows that his friends have the capability to create a better future for themselves. The moment Paul steps up in front of Darry is fraught with tension, especially because Paul serves as a mirror for Darry's failed future. He has everything that was not afforded to Darry, but Soda knows that the greasers' circumstances are not absolute; he knows that Darry has the drive to work his way out of an impoverished life, which inspires Ponyboy to do the same. 

Even though Ponyboy cannot think of a valid reason to fight someone other than in self-defense and has been feeling uneasy about the rumble all day, he nevertheless participates, showing just how strong of a pull group belonging and loyalty can be. Similarly, Dally threatens his way out of the hospital, convinced that being at the rumble will help him avenge Johnny's suffering. The outcome of the rumble obviously has no bearing on Johnny's life, and in losing Johnny despite winning the rumble, Dally loses his purpose and his ability to cope. Realizing that the gangs' system of violence does not always bring justice or solve problems, Dally has no other outlet for his suppressed emotions and becomes self-destructive. Lacking the emotional skills to handle such profound loss, Dally “[rides] into sure death,” just like the Southern gentlemen of Gone with the Wind (75). No one apart from the greasers will understand how gallant Dally was, which simultaneously underscores how nuanced the individual can be, despite their group affiliation, while also stressing just how rigid society's perceptions of an individual can be.     

Johnny's last words, “Stay gold,” echo the Frost poem Pony recited and are an especially poignant reminder for Ponyboy. Having reflected on his life and his choices, Johnny died knowing that saving the children was the right thing to do; he died “gold,” and wants Ponyboy to continue to live a golden life. This stands in direct contrast to Dally's advice to Ponyboy in the car; he is certain that the past week's tragic events would not have occurred if Johnny had become hard and untouchable like himself. Though this might have kept Johnny from entering the burning church, it would have cost Johnny all the attributes that make him gold.

Ponyboy's physical and emotional trauma have been building up, and witnessing Dally's death proves to be too much for his mind or body to bear. Pony's break in consciousness provides a much-needed respite from the intensely grim action, but the abrupt passage of time also symbolizes that life moves on, even in the wake of tragedy. Pony's immediate concern about asking for Darry while in the hospital shows that he now cares about his brother's feelings, and that their relationship is mending. 

Johnny leaves Ponyboy his copy of Gone with the Wind, a symbol of their friendship and a reminder of Dally's gallantry. Right now, the reminder is too painful, and it is easier for Ponyboy to ignore the book and suppress his thoughts about his friends.