Johnny Cade's The Outsiders

The Outsiders is a complex novel that expresses many salient themes in an elegant and modern form. It explores the dynamics between two social classes: the Greasers, and the Socials, where their dissimilarities lead to issues that drive the plot forward. However, this novel shows how those who emerge from such issues handle the aftermath. Several themes observed throughout The Outsiders are the divide between communities, loyalty, and violence. Johnny Cade is one of the principal characters in The Outsiders. As a member of the Greasers, he comes from a relatively poor, dysfunctional family. From the beginning, it is easily discernible that he resents being a part of the lower class. He struggles with the desire for a better life, and accepting the one he was born into. He is …show more content…
When the Socials attack him and Ponyboy, Johnny defends his friend, even killing one of them, which was surprising considering the fact that he is not violent by nature. Dally serves as a contrast to Johnny, and, in some ways, is the complete opposite. While Johnny is kind, selfless, and doesn’t fight, Dally is brash, doesn’t think of others, and enjoys fighting. When Johnny goes into the burning church to save the kids, Dally would have preferred to stay behind. He only goes in to save his friends, which shows his loyalty. Moreover, Johnny died a hero, everyone remembering him as a hero for saving the kids, while Dally died a criminal, remembered for running from the cops after a robbery. Dally is much more violent than Johnny, as he even leaves the hospital while injured to join a gang fight. When Dally is faced with hardships, he turns violent and reckless, while Johnny turns reclusive. Even though the two characters contrast, they remain similar in many ways. They both grew up poor, in dysfunctional homes,and joined the Greasers. Similarly, they are loyal to the Greasers and their friends, as they help them out even when they do something